IIT Delhi introduces research award, honours PhD scholars with Rs 25000 prize

IIT Delhi has launched the Research Communications Award (RCA) to enhance the communication skills of its PhD scholars. The inaugural winners were recognised for their outstanding contributions to engaging storytelling about their research, receiving a certificate and a cash award of Rs 25,000 each.

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi has launched the Research Communications Award (RCA) to enhance communication skills amongst its PhD scholars. The inaugural winners received a certificate and a cash prize of Rs 25,000 each for their exceptional work.

As part of the RCA initiative, PhD candidates were challenged to write engaging narratives about their research, making it accessible to a broader audience. The award aims to celebrate achievements in communication through competitions like the Research Story Writing Competition and the Three-Minute Thesis (3MT).

In the Research Story Writing Competition, participants were required to craft a compelling story that highlighted their research's significance. The 3MT competition allowed candidates to present a concise, three-minute overview of their work to an engaged audience, emphasising the importance of their findings.

Amongst the eleven recipients of the RCA for the 3MT competition were students from various disciplines, including Chemistry, Civil Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering. The winners expressed gratitude for the opportunity to improve their communication skills and share their research in an engaging manner.

Shazia Shareef, a PhD student in Rural Development & Technology, remarked, "The RCA initiative at IIT Delhi is an excellent platform for research scholars to enhance their communication skills. It empowers us to present our research clearly and confidently." Similarly, Juwariya from Biochemical Engineering highlighted how the program fosters creativity and recognition amongst researchers.

Sushovan Ghosh, representing the Centre for Atmospheric Sciences, emphasised the importance of sharing knowledge: "The Research Communications Award (RCA) is a timely initiative to motivate researchers, resonating with the idea that 'Science is not complete until it is shared.'"

Anju, specialising in Biomedical Engineering & Biotechnology, noted that the RCA initiative raises public awareness and appreciation of scientific endeavours.

This initiative aligns with IIT Delhi's broader Research Scholar Week, which aims to empower scholars by promoting work-life balance, enhancing productivity, and fostering an active academic community. Professor Dhanya CT, Associate Dean of PG Research, stated, "Our mission is to strengthen the research culture at IIT Delhi and assist scholars in becoming independent researchers."

Through programmes like the Research Communications Award, IIT Delhi is committed to nurturing proficient researchers who can effectively share their knowledge with society.