Ahmedabad: Gujarat University and UGC’s Information and Library Network (Inflibnet) Centre in Gandhinagar signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Tuesday, enabling PhD candidates to conduct research under the mentorship of scientists at UGC’s inter-university centre.Under the seven-year agreement, GU has formally recognised Inflibnet as an official research centre. Qualified researchers can now pursue full-time or part-time PhD programmes under Inflibnet scientists, with degrees conferred by GU.Aligned with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 to foster inter-institutional cooperation, the partnership initially covers library and information science alongside computer science and information technology. Key focus areas include digital libraries, data science, research analytics, knowledge management, scientometrics, and network technologies, with scope for expanding into other disciplines.Enrolled scholars will gain direct access to Inflibnet’s cloud infrastructure, data analytics tools and national digital platforms such as One Nation One Subscription (ONOS), Shodhganga, ShodhChakra and Vidwan database. Admissions will cover Inflibnet staff, candidates selected through GU’s standard entrance process and scholars under joint supervision.GU will retain full oversight of admissions, coursework, registration and degree awards in compliance with UGC PhD Regulations 2022. A joint steering committee led by GU vice-chancellor and Inflibnet director will conduct annual reviews of the collaboration.
