ST Joseph's University: Fostering Excellence in Higher Education & Research

Rev Fr Swebert D'Silva SJ

Pro-Chancellor

In India, research and development in colleges have seen a significant expansion in recent years, with institutions like St Joseph's University (SJU) playing a crucial role in fostering innovation and academic inquiry. St Joseph’s Research and Innovation Council (SJRIC) spearheads the research and development initiatives at SJU, aiming to facilitate research while setting high standards and benchmarks. The council's focus extends across a wide array of disciplines, including pure sciences, human and social sciences, languages, information technology, and communication and media. This comprehensive approach aligns with the university's vision and mission, which emphasize the exploration and analysis of diverse domains of reality in both nature and society, with a commitment to academic excellence and relevance to the human community and biosphere.

At SJU, research isn't confined to postgraduate studies; it's ingrained within the undergraduate curriculum as well. The university stands out for its introduction of term papers for undergraduate students and dissertations for graduate students, fostering a culture of research at both levels. This innovative approach has not only encouraged a habit of inquiry among students, scholars, and faculty but has also contributed to the continuous evolution and advancement of research across various academic streams. Today, St Joseph's University serves as a beacon of research and innovation, nurturing intellectual curiosity and promoting state-of-the-art academic research for the betterment of humankind.

Distinguishing Features

St Joseph's University (SJU) boasts unique research amenities that distinguish it within the Indian academic landscape. The 'Eurofins lab', a state-of-the-art scientific testing service facility situated on campus, stands out as a pioneering venture in India. It offers SJU students, both undergraduates and graduates, unlimited and free-of-cost access to advanced research instruments. Notably, master’s students in the sciences often undertake internships at the Eurofins facility in Bengaluru and other locations. Additionally, the campus features astronomical observatories housing an 8-inch telescope donated by ISRO and a 12- inch telescope donated by Dr. Ajay K Saxena, former Dean of the Faculty of Sciences, Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bengaluru, and the technical consultant of both the observatories of SJU, drawing considerable interest from students and the general public for celestial observations.

The hallmark of SJU's research programmes lies in its tailored approach to student needs. Coursework is meticulously crafted to equip students with practical competencies, fostering a conducive environment for scholarly output.

This emphasis on customization has yielded publications in esteemed databases such as Scopus and Web of Science (WoS).

Moreover, SJU takes pride in its distinguished faculty, setting it apart from regional peers. A significant portion of the faculty holds doctoral degrees from prestigious national institutions like IITs, IISc, JNU, EFLU, and central universities. Many possess rich academic backgrounds, with doctoral degrees and postdoctoral research experiences garnered from esteemed institutions in the United States and Europe.

"SJU's research endeavours also receive substantial external support, reflecting its robust academic standing. Faculty members have successfully secured funding from prominent Indian agencies like DST and UGC for research initiatives spanning the pure sciences and humanities. Notably, projects in fields like Political Science enjoy international funding, while ongoing major endeavours in Chemistry receive backing from multiple sources, including the Government of Karnataka. This multifaceted support underscores SJU's commitment to fostering cutting-edge research across diverse disciplines", shares Rev Fr Swebert D'Silva SJ, Pro-Chancellor.

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At SJU, there is a strong emphasis on fostering interdisciplinary & multidisciplinary research endeavours at all levels
– Rev Fr Swebert D'Silva SJ , Pro-Chancellor

Opening Doors to New Opportunities

St Joseph's University (SJU) offers students access to well-equipped laboratories in both pure and applied sciences, facilitating hands-on learning experiences. The university's central library boasts subscriptions to numerous scholarly journals, providing students and faculty with ample resources for research and study. To further incentivise research output, faculty members are actively encouraged to submit their work for publication, with waived article processing fees.

Additionally, the university's Central Instrumentation Facility (CIF) extends its services to the general public, albeit with a reasonable fee structure, ensuring broader access to research facilities and equipment.

At SJU, there is a strong emphasis on fostering interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research endeavours at all levels. Clear benchmarks are established to guide and evaluate the progress of such research initiatives, promoting innovation and collaboration across various academic disciplines.

The relevance and impact of SJU's research are underscored by recognition from government agencies. For instance, the Government of Karnataka has entrusted the university with a project aimed at assessing the quality of education provided in government schools—a testament to SJU's commitment to addressing pressing societal challenges through rigorous academic inquiry and research.

Future Trajectory

St Joseph's University (SJU) is a proud member of the esteemed international network of Jesuit universities, comprising 28 institutions in the United States, as well as several others across Europe, South Korea, and Japan. This affiliation opens doors for SJU students to engage in enriching academic exchanges and opportunities worldwide. For instance, this academic year, two students have been awarded fully-funded scholarships by the association of Jesuit universities in the United States, further highlighting SJU's commitment to facilitating global learning experiences.

Additionally, through programmes like Magis, SJU students have the chance to immerse themselves in a semester abroad, broadening their perspectives and fostering cross-cultural understanding. As a member of this esteemed network, SJU continues to uphold the principles of Jesuit education, striving for academic excellence, social justice, and the holistic development of its students, both locally and on the global stage.