Research and Development Cell

Email: [email protected]

Research excellence is at the heart of Women’s Christian College, shaping the academic and personal growth of its students while advancing the college’s mission of empowerment and social responsibility. By promoting a culture of inquiry, innovation, and collaboration, WCC ensures that its students are not only well-prepared for their future careers but also poised to contribute meaningfully to society. Through its unwavering commitment to research excellence, WCC continues to uphold its legacy as a leading institution dedicated to the holistic development of women and the pursuit of knowledge for the betterment of humanity. The two Deans of Research oversee the activities and initiatives of the Research and Development Cell.

Aims and Objectives of the Research and Development Cell

• To develop and implement policies that ensure compliance with the research regulations of the University of Madras.
• To support and enhance research and consultancy activities on campus.
• To provide guidance for submitting research proposals to both government and non-government agencies.
• To manage the distribution of Seed Grants provided by the institution for faculty and student research projects.
• To encourage faculty and students to publish their research in UGC-approved national and international journals, as well as in the in-house multidisciplinary journal, Eleanor.
• To promote faculty development by encouraging them to become recognized guides for doctoral programs.
• To ensure that all research activities adhere to ethical standards and are screened for plagiarism.
• To oversee compliance with the rules and regulations for organizing seminars, conferences, symposiums, and workshops within the departments.
• To organize Faculty Development Programs that emphasize the importance of research in higher education departments.

Gallery

An International Conference on “Global Perspectives on Transforming Academics through Research and Innovative Strategies (ICGPARIS 2023)” was organized by Research and Development Cell, IIC, IRC and IQAC of WCC sponsored by WCC Alumnae Association on 26^th and 27^th of July 2023. The book titled Multidisciplinary Research in Academics: The Way Forward with ISBN Number was released during the Conference.

Click here to view

 

Centre for Women’s Studies (CWS)

Overview of the Centre: The Centre for Women’s Studies (CWS), Women’s Christian College was constituted in August 2017 with the overarching aim of empowering women and raising awareness about gender related issues. CWS aims to foster collaborative relationships with institutional departments, grassroots organizations, and individuals working towards women’s empowerment.

Mission: In tune with the mission statement of the College, CWS aims to educate, empower, and enable women to be intellectually well trained and, promote transformative changes in attitudes and societal norms to ensure women’s equal participation in all aspects of life.

Mission Objectives : Empowering Women and Fostering Social Change

1. Advance knowledge on women’s roles and economic trends impacting their lives through research, dissemination, and education.
2. Provide training and capacity-building programs for scholars, policymakers, administrators, women’s organizations, and community leaders.
3. Foster collaborative relationships with institutional departments, grassroots organizations, and individuals working towards women’s empowerment.
4. Develop strategic partnerships with external agencies to support education, training, and action programs benefiting underprivileged women.
5. Promote transformative changes in attitudes and societal norms to ensure women’s equal participation in all aspects of life.

About us :

The Centre for Women’s  Studies was formally inaugurated on August 11th, 2017 with the overarching aim of empowering women and raising awareness about gender related issues. CWS is headed by Dr. D Punitha – Head and Associate Professor, PG Department of Communications who is the Dean, Centre for Women’s Studies. She is also the chairperson of the Internal Compliance Committee of the College.

Academic Programs : 

CWS offers two certificate courses :

1.  Certificate Course on NGO Management: This course aims at providing knowledge and insight into the management of  Non-Governmental Organisations. The course covers general understanding of NGOs, their establishment, legal procedures and their role in community development.  
2. Certificate Course on Women and Media: This course aims to familiarise students with the concepts of sex and gender as used in feminist works, classic and contemporary feminist and media theory. The course will encourage thoughtful critiques and a foundational understanding of women and media.

Research & Publications

Dr. D.Punitha presented a paper titled ‘Portrayal of Child Sexual abuse in films: The case of Tamil films Sembi and Chiddha’ in the National Conference on ‘The Evolving Landscape : Exploring possibilities and challenges for the girl child in a dynamic world’ on 24 January 2024 organised by Women Study Centre, Holy Cross College Tiruchirapalli in collaboration with The Centre for Women’s Development Studies, New Delhi. The paper was published in the proceedings of the Conference.

• Events
• Webinars
• Guest Lectures
• Workshops

Seminar on ‘Know Your Rights: Legal Awareness for Women’:

CWS along with the Postgraduate Departments of Communication, International Studies and the UG Department of History organized a one-day seminar on the topic, ‘Know Your Rights: Legal Awareness for Women’ on 24th July 2023. Students from the departments of PG Communication, PG International Studies and History were the participants. Students and Faculty from colleges such as Stella Maris, MOP Vaishnav, SIVET also attended the Seminar.

Objectives: To understand and generate awareness about the various rights which women of today need to know, whether it is personal rights or professional rights.

The Sessions:In his inaugural address Justice K Chandru narrated real life anecdotes focused on the reality and gravity of the situation. Advocate D Naga Saila presented an overview of the way the laws have come about. Advocate LitaSrinivasan’s spoke about our neglect to remember those women whose battles were waged quietly. Although Advocate SwapnaSundar spoke more about rights pertaining to business, it was informative for students to develop an awareness of their rights in general. Advocate Selvi focused mainly on the rights that women must know, both in domestic sphere and in the workplace.

The Outcomes: The seminar was an entry point for young women to become aware of the rights they are entitled.  As it covered various section of the law, students from different departments of the College attended the sessions to enhance their awareness.

Brochure and Photographs:

Seminar on Changing Dynamics in Gender Perspectives

CWS, the UG Department of English (Shift I), the PG Department of English (Shift II) and the PG Department of Communication (Shift II) of Women’s Christian College, Chennai, jointly organized a One Day seminar titled Changing Dynamics in Gender Perspectives on the 12th of September, 2023. The seminar was sponsored by All India Radio, as part of the government’s G-20 initiative.

Objectives: To explore the implications of gender dynamics in contemporary times and to examine the changes in perceptions of gender and gender-based realities.

The Sessions: In the first session, Ms. Leela Meenakshi, Deputy Director of News, All India Radio, addressed the students on the need for women to not only enable women to empower themselves but also to become empowering agents of others. The keynote address was delivered by Dr.V Padma, (aka) Mangai, who besides being a retired Associate Professor from Stella Maris College, Chennai, is a renowned theatre practitioner, playwright and activist. She extended an overall exploration of gender realities in the contemporary times in her address, substantiating her arguments based on feminist writers and literary critics.

The second session had two speakers – Ms. GeethaElangovan, lyricist, film maker and writer and, Ms. V Saradha, a journalist, who focused upon women and their challenges in specific contexts. While Ms. GeethaElangovan screened one of her movies on menstruation and analysed the same, Ms. Saradha succinctly extrapolated through data and concrete examples the challenges faced by female media persons in contemporary times. Each of the speakers had a Question-and-Answer session after their talks that brought into focus many pertinent issues relevant to the context and the focus of their addresses. 

The Outcomes: The seminar not only extended itself towards creating a general awareness on women’s and gender issues, but enabled understanding of gender-based realities specific to the current context from an academic standpoint.

Brochure:

Seminar on Women’s Rights and Safety

Conducted in association with the Department of Psychology (Shift 2) on 2 February  2023 in Bertha Corfield auditorium. The Resource persons were  Ms.Chamki Raj (Advocate) Ms. Sangeetha Makesh Counselling Psychologist, Ms. Poorani  -Social Worker. Attended  by nearly 200 students from Shift 1 and Shift 2.

Ms. Sangeetha Makesh Counselling Psychologist talking about relationships and violence against women

 

Organizers with the resource persons

Seminar on “How to be an Irresistible Woman”

Conducted in association with the IT and CST departments of WCC on 3rd November 2022. The Chief guest was by Dr. Gnanasoundari, Former Professor, Lady Doak College, Madurai. 100 students participated from WCC.

Seminar on Institutional response to the Rights of Indian Women in NRI Marriages

A one day seminar on the aforementioned topic was conducted and the speakers included Mr. Sylendra Babu, DGP and Mrs. Rekha Sharma, Chairperson National Commission for Women, New Delhi.

Faculty members Dr. G .Cynthia Jemima Swarnavalli and Dr. Usha Rani, and students Ms. Infancia, III B.Sc. Chemistry and Ms. Stuthi Lilian Joseph, II M.Sc. Psychology participated in the event.

Seminar on Gender Diversity, April 2022

The seminar was jointly organized with Department of IT and CST. Ms. Kurinji Michael  PoSH and DnI Consultant @ Cecureus was the guest speaker.

STREET PLAY : PREVENTION OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT AT WORKPLACES

CWS along with The Department of English (Shift I)  organised the performance of a street play during the break time on campus on 30th January 2024. The students from the III Year English Core Elective, Theatre in Context course performed the street play that focused on harassment of women in public places.

Objectives:

1. To raise awareness on harassment of women and its implications among the student community.
2. To enable students to understand the nuances of street theatre as a powerful medium of examining issues in relevant contexts.

The audience was drawn towards the space on the day of performance by the actors themselves who welcomed all passers-by to witness their performance through the welcome song VaaMaaRaasathi. As many as 300 students and other passers-by were audience to the bilingual street-play (in both English and Tamil) that lasted for 15 minutes with a series of six narratives unfolding in succession. The message of the play that women can and will rise above such victimisation resonated well with the audience as actors moving in a circle proclaimed, “Just like moons and like suns Still I rise! Still I rise!” -lines drawn from Maya Angelou’s poem, Still I Rise.

The Outcomes: The street play was a grand success as it poignantly portrayed the sufferings of women harassed in public spaces. It was received well by the audience as it entertained them through humour and crisp dialogues and plotlines drawn from relevant contexts. For the student-actors, the experience was invigorating and delightful.

 

WORKSHOPS :

Online Workshop on RISE-Resilience Emotional Intelligence and Self Esteem, September 2021.

 Conducted by Aarti C Rajaratnam,Psychologist and Author,University Of Delhi, South Campus

Entrepreneurial workshop For SHG Women on Millet based recipes, March 2022

The workshop was conducted  in association with the Home Science Department. 20 Self Help Group  Women (SHG) were Benefited. 31 March 2022

Highlight of the Programme  – Marketing strategy was taught for entrepreneurial venture. A Booklet on Millet based recipe in Tamil was given  to participants along with a certificate of participation.

OTHER EVENTS

August 2023 - Dr. D Punitha’s interview on DD Pothigai :

Dr D. Punitha, Dean, Centre for Women’s Studies, Women’s Christian College, Chennai was interviewed by Doordarshan Pothigai, about women empowerment and media courses. She spoke about the aims and activities of the Centre on the one hourLIVE telecast.

August 2023- February 2024: National Essay Competition 2023

The National Essay Competition is conducted annually by the PG Department of International Studies. This time, for its 3rd edition, the Centre for Women’s Studies collaborated with the Department to develop topics concerning women and women rights. The topics were:

1. Reservation for Women in the Indian Parliament – 128th Constitutional Amendment Act
2. Breaking the glass ceiling – Striving for Gender Equality in the field of Sports/Business/STEM/Journalism
3. Impact of Media on Women’s self image and empowerment.
4. Environmental Justice and Women – Navigating the impacts of Climate Change
5. Global Perspectives on Women’s Health: Addressing Disparities.

Objectives:

1. To raise awareness on contemporary issues concerning women in the fields of politics, sports, business, STEM, Journalism, Health, and Climate change
2. To stimulate debates and encourage constructive articulation on challenges faced by women.

Evaluation and Results : The prizes and certificates were distributed on the Women’s Day celebrations in Women’s Christian College on 8th March 2023 by Dr. D. Punitha, Dean, Centre for Women’s Studies.

The outcomes : 81 participants registered from across the four southern states of India in the essay competition. The competition, centered around the theme of Women and Women’s rights was able to highlight the contemporary issues faced by women in various fields. The submitted entries showed that the topics resonated with the participants and they have written profusely covering various angles. Overall, the competition was able to achieve the aforementioned objectives.

Brochure: National Essay Competition 2023

March 2024: Tamil Debate :

The CWS and The Department of Tamil (Shift 1) organized a Tamil debate on the theme “மாணவியரின்கற்றல் திறனை பெரிதும் பாதிப்பது ஊடகங்களே / உறவுகளே”. Students from WCC participated in this event, which centered on the contemporary issue of social media’s impact on intellectual development, particularly among young women. 300 students attended the event.

Objectives :

1. Raise awareness among students about the pitfalls of excessive social media usage, aligning with the Women’s Day celebration.
2. Offer insights into the detrimental effects of engaging in toxic relationships through various mediums, ultimately leaving them vulnerable at a young age.

The debate began with an insightful discourse by Esther Joy. S, a first-year B.A. English student representing the team “மாணவியரின் கற்றல் திறனை பெரிதும் பாதிப்பது ஊடகங்களே”, who highlighted the adverse effects of social media by drawing parallels between past practices and current trends, citing examples from the lives of influential women leaders and Nobel Prize winners. Muthamizharasi.S, also a first-year B.A. English student, provided a counterargument, shedding light on how relationships can equally impede students’ intellectual growth. The jury provided constructive feedback throughout the debate.Jayaniranthari A G, a second-year B.Sc. Mathematics student, eloquently presented her arguments, capturing the audience’s attention with her wordplay. Roshini J P, a second-year student from the Home Science Department, countered with examples from everyday life, illustrating how family conflicts can hinder students’ studies. Krishnapriya N, a third-year B.Sc. Chemistry student, concluded the debate by drawing from her personal experiences to demonstrate how social media diminishes students’ intellectual prowess. C.J. Ann Strino, a third-year B.A. English student, presented a steadfast defense for her team, adeptly addressing her opponents’ arguments.

CONCLUSION AND OUTCOMES :

In the concluding segment, the jury Dr. Cynthia Jemima Swarnavalli deliberated extensively on the arguments presented. Their unanimous decision affirmed that social media exerts the most detrimental influence on students, diminishing their intellectual capacity. This event served as a wake-up call for students ensnared by social media addiction. While accepting this reality may prove challenging, the profound words spoken during the debate are poised to resonate in their lives and effect change among the current generation of young students. To further enrich the event, Dr. Punitha D, Dean of the Centre for Women’s Studies, shared insights on “Women Empowerment; Feminist Movement; How and when it was initiated”.

 

Brochure

March 2024 - International Women’s Day Celebrations :

CWS in collaboration with The Department of Tamil (Shift II) organized several programs on 8th March 2024 commemorating International Women’s Day.  The theme chosen for this year’s celebration was “BetiBachaoBetiPadhao,” highlighting the importance of empowering and educating the girl child. The event saw enthusiastic participation from both students and faculty members, showcasing their talents and dedication to the cause of women empowerment. 400 students participated in the event.

Objectives:

1. To raise awareness about gender-related issues, promoting empowerment, inspiring collective action for gender equality, celebrating diversity, educating the community about the significance of the day, and fostering collaboration among different departments and organizations within the college community.
2. Through a series of performances and activities, the event aimed to spark dialogue, reflection, and action towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society where women and girls have equal opportunities to thrive and succeed.

The performances were diverse, reflecting the rich cultural heritage and artistic talents of the college community. The Department of Tamil (Shift II) of Women’s Christian College, along with The Centre for Women’s Studies, contributed significantly to the event’s success.

The performances included Skit, Bharatnatyam and other performances

Outcome:

The International Women’s Day celebration at Women’s Christian College, Chennai, yielded significant outcomes, effectively meeting its objectives of raising awareness, promoting empowerment, inspiring action, celebrating diversity, educating the community, and fostering collaboration. Attendees were captivated by a diverse array of performances, including a powerful play depicting the life and struggles of KalpanaSaroj, presented by the Department of Corporate Economics. This portrayal ignited meaningful conversations on gender-related issues, underscoring the community’s dedication to gender equality. The event served as a catalyst for change, motivating individuals to advocate for an inclusive society where women and girls are empowered to realize their full potential.

Brochure

Student Competition: Reel Making competition - ‘Aval- Idhu Reel Illa Real!’

CWS and the PG Department of Communication organized an online reel making competition on topics pertaining to Women and Women’s rights. The competition was opened for the students of Shifts I and II of Women’s Christian College.

December 2022

An awareness program on Intimate Partner Violence on 8.12.2022 was conducted in association with International Foundation for Crime Prevention and Victim Care (PCVC) on 8.12.2022 with student participants from the departments of Chemistry, History and English of shift I and students of the department of Management Studies and NSS of shift II.

Member from Crime Prevention and Victim Care (PCVC) deliberating on intimate partner Violence

 

October 2022

A consultancy program on “Domestic violence Act 2005 – Possibilities and challenges” was organised in association with the NGO Arogya Agam, Theni, at WCC on 31.10.2022 with Ms. A.S. Kumari, Chair Person, Tamil Nadu State commission for Women as the Chief guest. An esteemed panel of speakers and 60 participants from various city colleges iattended the program.

Ms.A.S.Kumari, Chairperson, Tamil Nadu State Commission

 

Participants, Organizers and the Panel of speakers

 

 

 

Activities

2023-2024 Activities

Choodamani

Date: 13th September, 2017

The Centre for Women’s Studies in Association with the Department of Communication organised a play “Choodamani” on 13th September, 2017, staged by the Madras Players and directed by Mr. P. C. Ramakrishna to sensitise students to women’s issues and the marginalisation of women in society.

 

She Asked for It: A Culture of Victim Shaming

A talk by Ms. Amrutha Karayil was organised by the PG Department of English in association with the Centre for Women’s Studies on 7th February, 2018.

National Seminar : Women In The Indian Armed Forces : Changing Contexts and Transformation

8th – 9th March, 2018
Sponsored by the Indian Council for Social Science Research, New Delhi & Southern Regional Centre – Hyderabad
The Centre for Women’s Studies and the Department of History in academic collaboration with The Peninsula Foundation proposed and organised a two-day National Seminar drawing speakers and 250 participants from 13 institutions from across the country to debate and discuss the issues of this theme based on four sub-themes. An Open House Session was held on

• The changing contexts and transformation of women’s empowerment in the Indian armed forces.
• The organisational, leadership and technological issues concerning women in the Indian armed forces.
• The policy perspective of the government of India on women in the armed forces.
• Gender sensitive issues and challenges of women combatants and officers in the Indian armed forces.

The inaugural address was delivered by Dr.C.Joshua Thomas Coordinator, ASEAN Studies Centre & Deputy Director ICSSR North Eastern Regional Centre, NEHU Campus, Shillong, Meghalaya.This was followed by the keynote address delivered by Air Marshall (Retd.) Dr. M. Matheswaran. He spoke on the life experiences of various pioneering women in the Indian Military.The special address was delivered by Lt.Gen(Retd.). Vinod.G.Khandare

Webinar

• • May 2022: Webinar On Herbal wealth in Women’s Health:
  • Dr. Koppala Narayana Sunil Kumar Research Officer, Scientist – 2 and HOD – Department of Pharmacognosy, Siddha Central Research Institute, (Central Council for Research in Siddha Ministry of AYUSH, Govt of India), Arumbakkam, Chennai was the Resource Person.
  • 
  • March 2022: Pattimandram-Title  “Iyangalai Kalvi Sugama Sumaiya” – Celebration of International Women’s Day  9 March 2022
  • 
• • October 2021: Webinar  on Breast Cancer”-What you should know  Conducted on 26th October 2021. Dr. Geeta Kadayaprath, Senior Director, Breast Surgical Oncology, Max Institute of Cancer Care, Max Healthcare, Delhi-NCR was the speaker. A virtual tour of the new cancer treatment facility at Stanely Medical College, Chennai  was given by Dr. Meenal Alagappan.
  • March 2021: Debate on ““Is Liberation of Women Leading Them to Success  or Failure” Jointly organised with the Department of Tamil on 13th March, 2021. The Shift-I Anchor was Dr. Elizabeth Revathi, Assistant Professor, Department of English, Government Arts College for Men, Nandanam. The Shift-II Anchor was Dr. Lakshmi, Head, Department of Tamil, Sri Kanyaka Parameswari Arts and Science College for Women, Chennai.
  • August 2020: Webinar was held on Women’s Safety in the Digital World.:Dr. Varun Kapoor IPS ADGP Rustamji Armed Police training College, Indore, was the Resource Person. This was jointly organised with the Department of CST and IT on 26th August, 2020.
  • National webinar on Gender Equality: From Transition to Transformation:Dr. Vijaya Head of the Department of History Quad-E-Millath College for Women was the Resource Person
  • March 2020: International webinar, on Women’s Narratives : Facing the Blank Page:Jointly organised with the  Information Resource Centre (IRC). The Resource Person was Cynthia Chirinda, an author from Zimbabwe. It was held on 8th March, 2020.
  • National webinar on Gender Equality: From Transition to Transformation was organised on 10th August, 2020. Dr. Vijaya Head of the Department of History Quad-E-Millath College for Women was the Resource Person.
  • An awareness webinar was held on Women’s Safety in the Digital World. Dr. Varun Kapoor IPS ADGP Rustamji Armed Police training College, Indore, was the Resource Person. This was jointly organised with the Department of CST and IT on 26th August, 2020.
  • An international webinar, on Women’s Narratives : Facing the Blank Page was jointly organised with the  Information Resource Centre (IRC). The Resource Person was Cynthia Chirinda, an author from Zimbabwe. It was held on 8th March, 2020.
  • A debate on the topic “Is Liberation of Women Leading Them to Success  or Failure” was jointly organised with the Department of Tamil on 13th March, 2021. The Shift-I Anchor was Dr. Elizabeth Revathi, Assistant Professor, Department of English, Government Arts College for Men, Nandanam.
    The Shift-II Anchor was Dr. Lakshmi, Head, Department of Tamil, Sri Kanyaka Parameswari Arts and Science College for Women, Chennai.

Certificate Course on NGO Management

ABOUT THE COURSE:

The Certificate Course on NGO Management is designed and offered by the Centre for Women’s Studies in collaboration with the PG Department of Human Resource Management, Women’s Christian College Chennai. This course aims at providing knowledge and insight into the management of Non-Governmental Organisations. The course covers general understanding of NGOs, their establishment, legal procedures and their role in community development.  The importance of project development and the role of funding agencies will be taught with an eye for emerging needs. The course would provide hands on experience on the operation of NGOs through workshops and field visits. The course also aims to motivate students to be part of community building.

THIS COURSE IS OPEN TO ALL UG AND PG STUDENTS OF BOTH SHIFT I AND II

Mode: Offline and Online
Hours: 30 Hours
Course Fees: Rs.1000/- only

Contact:

Dr. Cynthia Jemima Swarnavalli. G
Dean for Centre for Women’s Studies
Phone number: 9444345049
Email id: [email protected]

Dr. Subha Princila
Head, PG Department of Human Resource Management – Shift II
Phone Number: 9884145916
Email id: [email protected]

Awareness Programmes

• April 2022: AZHAGI  – Awareness  Session on Body Shaming
• Organized with Young India Club Shift-I. The actors team of  Debutante director Mr.Mantra Veerapandian addressed the IInd year Students of Shift-I on 11tth April 2022
• 
• November 2020: Awareness Programme on Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Capacity Building was conducted in collaboration with TTK Hospital counsellors from 21st October to 6th November 2020.
• Awareness on Alcohol, Drug Addiction & Capacity Building Webinar series in collaboration with TTK Hospital counsellors from 21st October to 6th November, 2020.

The Centre for Research and Development in association with the Information Resource Centre of WCC organised a webinar on RESEARCH INDICATORS, PUBLISHING ETHICS AND PREDATORY JOURNALS on 16 September 2021. The Resource Person was Dr. J. Arumugam from PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore.

Gallery

About CES

Overview

CES is committed to fostering sustainable environmental and social stewardship within the college community and to prioritize responsible resource management, inclusivity, and active engagement with pressing global issues.

Aligned with WCC Vision Statement, CES aims to create an environment that encourage participation in scientific research, humanistic scholarship, and artistic creation, all while promoting global awareness and skill development.

Through initiatives focused on sustainability and community engagement, CES seeks to empower students, and staff to contribute positively to both the local and global environment

About CES

The Centre for Environmental Studies (CES), Women’s Christian College, was established in the year 2017.

Leadership

Advisory Board: Plays a crucial role in guiding and supporting the Centre’s initiatives related to environmental studies.

1. Principal
2. IQAC Coordinator

Administrative Structure: Comprises faculty and student representatives who are responsible for the planning and execution of sustainability initiatives, ensuring community engagement.

1. Dr.C.Anupama, Dean, Centre for Environmental Studies
2. Core Committee Members from Shift 1 & 2

Academic Programs
Details of courses, degree programs, certifications, or workshops offered in environmental studies.

The collaboration of CES and EVS program provides students with opportunities to engage in community service projects, enhancing their practical understanding of the environment. EVS is a semester-long course offered for all students across various disciplines, promoting awareness and understanding about sustainability, ecology, and the impact of human activities on the planet.

To cultivate a campus-wide culture of environmental awareness and responsibility, most of the degree programmes offer a course with a holistic view of environmental issues and solutions. Engaging lectures, hands-on learning through visits to local ecosystems, workshops and training programmes, networking opportunities and group projects that focus on real-world environmental challenges equip students with tools to analyse environmental problems critically and explore innovative solutions.

Research & Publications
Showcasing the centre’s research projects, publications, and papers focused on environmental studies, women’s rights, and related topics.

CES encourages interdisciplinary studies, joint research initiatives and

collaboratively conducts assessments of the environmental impact and propose actionable recommendations.

Events & Seminars
Information on upcoming academic conferences, guest lectures, workshops, and community outreach programs.

In alignment with the Environmental Day calendar for 2024-2025, our Centre will continue with a series of upcoming academic conferences, guest lectures, workshops, and community outreach programs focused on sustainability and environmental awareness. Leading experts will be invited to discuss innovative practices in environmental conservation. Guest lecture series will feature renowned environmental activists and researchers who will share their insights on pressing ecological issues. Hands-on workshops, designed for both students and community members, will offer practical skills in areas such as waste reduction, renewable energy, and sustainable gardening. Additionally, the Centre will host community outreach programs to encourage local participation in environmental initiatives, such as tree planting and clean-up drives.

Student Activities
Highlights of student-led initiatives, clubs, and activities related to environmental studies and women’s empowerment.

• Induction programme for PG students on 28^th June,2024
• Promote recycling, energy conservation, and sustainable practices within the university
  • International Plastic Bag FREE-DAY – Donate a cloth bag Drive organised on 10/7/24 to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainability
• Integrate Sustainability into Curriculum
  • EVS students get hands on training
• Ensure that sustainability concepts are included across various courses
  • Environment Day 2024 theme promoted – Panel discussion on “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience.” By I PG students of Home Science
• Facilitate student in research projects and independent studies
  – National Symposium titled “ A Sustainable Environment for the Next Gen” was held on 30th Sep & 1 st Oct. 250 participants comprising of faculty and students from WCC and other colleges across many disciplines attended the symposium. Hon’ble Minister, Health and Family Welfare, Government of Tamil Nadu Thiru Ma Subramanian was the Guest of Honour and delivered the inaugural address on 30/9/2024.
  – PG students of Home Science working on project proposals

• Organize Public Events and Workshops
  • Human Chain for a Sustainable Tomorrow organised on 11/7/24 to commemorate World Population Day
  • Coordinated “Environment & Nature quiz” competition conducted by Apollo Tyres in Aug 2024 ( mail dt 25 July)
  • Coordinate student volunteer programs related to environmental protection
  • Beach Cleaning Project.
• Involve students in conservation of green cover and enhance local biodiversity
  – Environment and Nature Quiz event organized on 21 st August as part of Biodiversity and Mangrove Conservation project
  -Slogan writing competition on 23^rd August on the theme ‘International Day against Nuclear Testing’
  – ‘Popularization of IDEAS4LiFE to adopt Environment Friendly LiFE Styles to fight against Climate Change’,  administered the pledge and screened the 3 minutes video during Assembly programme on 2^nd September,2024 for 1500 students of Shift I students. The audience comprised of around 1000 women students belonging to both UG  and PG from Arts and Science Stream.

Afforestation Project -Initiative under environmental management to fight issues of climate change -–Tree plantation drives

Centre for Environmental Studies & Eco Club,Women’s Christian College, Chennai jointly organised #एक_पेड़_माँ_के_नाम #Plant4Mother campaign on September 17th & 18th under the initiative of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

On September 17th, a public holiday, students and faculty engaged in a meaningful tree planting initiative at home and in their neighborhoods, emphasizing the deep connection between trees, mothers, and Mother Earth. The following day, September 18th, the campus hosted a formal tree plantation drive under the theme #Plant4Mother.

Resources
Access to a repository of articles, books, research materials, and other educational resources related to environmental

1. Books

• • “Silent Spring” by Rachel Carson: A classic that launched the modern environmental movement.
  • “This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. the Climate” by Naomi Klein: Discusses the relationship between climate change and economic systems.

2. Websites and Databases

• • NASA Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS): Access to satellite data and imagery for studying Earth’s environment.
  • Global Footprint Network: Offers tools and resources for measuring ecological footprints.
  • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): Resources on climate, weather, oceans, and coastal management.

3. Online Courses

• • MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) – Platforms like Coursera and edX may offer courses related to environmental literature, ecocriticism, and related topics.

4. Documentaries and Films

• • “Our Planet”: A stunning documentary series showcasing the beauty of nature and the impact of climate change.
  • “Save Our Sholas”: A documentary on the need to regenerate Shola species and sites to educate people about the importance of these forests.
  • “The True Cost”: Investigates the environmental and social impacts of the fashion industry.
  • “An Inconvenient Truth” : A 2006 American documentary film directed by Davis Guggenheim about former vice president of the United States Al Gore‘s campaign to educate people about global warming.

5. Government Resources/Organisations/NGO:

• • Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change: A wealth of information on environmental regulations, research, and data.
  • Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board: TNPCB established as a regulatory authority for implementing various pollution control laws provides initiatives for awareness among students.
  • Coordinating with several NGOs and Organisations

6. Community Engagement

• • Local Conservation Groups: Participating in local environmental groups to provide hands-on experience and learning opportunities.
  • Volunteering for Clean-up Drives: Engaging in community clean-up initiatives help Students understand local environmental issues.

• • Collaborations & Partnerships
    Information on collaborations with other academic institutions, NGOs, and governmental organizations for research and advocacy are widely circulated.
  • Alumni & Achievements
    Stories of notable alumni, their contributions to society, and the center’s achievements over the years are shared through different platforms.

Notable Alumni in Environment and Sustainability

1. Vandana Shiva

1. • An environmental activist, author, and scholar, she has been a prominent figure in the movement for sustainable agriculture and biodiversity conservation.

2. Radha Acharya (1952)
   • First lady President of the Agri Horticultural Society of India.
3. Sangeetha Reddy

1. • Known for her work in public health and environmental awareness, she has contributed to initiatives that promote health and environmental sustainability.

Donate a cloth bag Drive organised on 10/7/24 to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainability International Plastic Free Day

PG students of Home Science working on project proposals / Panel discussion on "Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience." By I PG students of Home Science

Human Chain for a Sustainable Tomorrow was organised on 11/7/24 to commemorate World Population Day

Popularization of IDEAS4LiFE to adopt Environment Friendly LiFE Styles to fight against Climate Change

Afforestation Project

Plant4 mother campaign sep 17&18,2024invite

Elaezhini P M (23BCA14 – Shift 2)

Research

National Symposium titled “ A Sustainable Environment for the Next Gen” was held on 30th Sep & 1st Oct 2024

Poster Competition as part of National Symposium

Instrumentation Centre at Women’s Christian College: A Hub for Cutting-Edge Research

The Instrumentation Centre at Women’s Christian College is a state-of-the-art facility that plays a pivotal role in advancing research and academic excellence within the institution. Equipped with a wide array of sophisticated instruments and technologies, the centre supports both faculty and student researchers across various disciplines, enabling them to conduct high-quality, impactful research. The Instrumentation Centre houses a diverse range of advanced instruments that cater to the needs of multiple fields of study, including biotechnology chemistry, biology, physics, food chemistry and more. The centre thus acts as a hub for interdisciplinary innovation, fostering a collaborative research culture within the college.

Food Analysis Lab

The Food Analysis Lab at Women’s Christian College in the Department of Home Science plays a vital role in advancing research by providing essential tools and resources for various studies related to food science, nutrition, and public health.

The Fashion Design Laboratory

The Fashion Design Laboratory at Women’s Christian College (WCC) is a valuable resource that contributes significantly to both research and entrepreneurship. This laboratory provides a space for conducting research on textiles, garment construction, and fashion trends.

Robotics Lab

The Robotics Lab is designed to provide students with a foundational understanding of robotic technology through hands-on experience. Equipped with a variety of tools and kits, the lab features the Mark 1 and Mark 2 kits, which allow students to build and program basic robots, fostering skills in electronics and coding. The Hemissi IoT kit enables exploration of smart device integration and connectivity, giving students insights into the Internet of Things and its applications. Additionally, the Mini Drone kit provides a practical introduction to aerial robotics, allowing students to experiment with flight mechanics and remote control. These diverse tools not only enhance learning but also encourage creativity and innovation, making the lab an ideal environment for aspiring technologists to collaborate and experiment with real-world applications of robotics.

Seed grant

Seed grant funding is a crucial enabler of research at Women’s Christian College (WCC), providing the necessary financial support to initiate and develop innovative research projects. Seed grants provide the initial financial resources needed to explore new and innovative research ideas. These funds help researchers at WCC to conduct preliminary studies, gather data, and refine their research proposals, laying the groundwork for more extensive projects.

Faculty Seed grant

Seed grant funding is a crucial enabler of research at Women’s Christian College (WCC), providing the necessary financial support to initiate and develop innovative research projects. Seed grants provide the initial financial resources needed to explore new and innovative research ideas. These funds help researchers at WCC to conduct preliminary studies, gather data, and refine their research proposals, laying the groundwork for more extensive projects.

Women’s Christian College, Chennai, offers a Seed Money Grant through the Research and Development Cell, aimed at supporting faculty-led microprojects each academic year. This initiative promotes both scientific and social research within the college and encourages faculty members to engage in research that yields tangible outcomes. Seed grants provide the initial financial resources needed to explore new and innovative research ideas

Faculty members are invited to submit their project proposals online when announced by the RDC. Specific guidelines for the submission process, project execution, and reporting will be provided during the call for proposals, and these must be strictly followed. Proposals that address community needs, offer potential for future research, or align with the strategic goals of WCC will be prioritized.

The projects should be completed within the stipulated timeframe. Principal Investigators (PIs) are expected to produce significant outcomes, such as a publication in a UGC-CARE/SCOPUS/Web of Science indexed journal or the filing of a patent. For projects that focus on addressing needs within the college campus, the results may include the development of a design model, policy framework, or product prototype.

PIs are required to give a final presentation upon project completion. Following the project’s conclusion, PIs must submit a comprehensive report, along with a utilization certificate and a detailed account of expenses, and promptly settle any financial matters. All reports and research outputs should acknowledge the support of RDC at WCC. Copies of the research publication, final report, or any awards received should be submitted to both the RDC and the IQAC unit of WCC for official documentation. The RDC will oversee and assist with the progress of all Seed Money Grant projects.

Seed grants have culminated in interdisciplinary research projects that combine expertise from various fields. By engaging in seed grant projects, researchers at WCC can build their capacity to manage larger, more complex studies in the future, contributing to the overall research culture at the college

Faculty Seed Grant 2023-2024

Faculty Seed Grant 2022-2023

Faculty Seed Grant 2021-2022

Student Seed Grant

The Student Seed Grant Funding provides financial support to students to encourage them to take up small-scale research projects, thus nurturing a research-oriented mindset and enabling them to gain hands-on experience in academic research.

Each year, a significant number of students across various disciplines benefit from this funding program. On average, 50-60 students benefit annually from this initiative, depending on the scale of their projects and the allocation of funds for that academic year.

The program is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students of WCC. To apply for the seed grant, students are required to submit a detailed research proposal that outlines the scope, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes of their project. Proposals are evaluated by a selection committee based on innovative potential, feasibility and impact. Year after year, the Student Seed Grant program has a transformative impact on its recipients. It offers them a platform to:

• Gain experience in conducting independent research.
• Learn valuable skills such as project management, critical thinking, and scientific writing.
• Build their academic profile for higher education and research careers.
• Contribute to meaningful research that can lead to further academic publications or conference presentations.

Through this program, WCC continues to nurture a strong research culture among its students, empowering them to become future leaders in academia, research, and innovation.

Student Seed Grant 2023-2024

Student Seed Grant 2022-2023

Student Seed Grant 2021-2022

Eleanor- In house Journal

The Eleanor Journal, is a prestigious in-house academic publication dedicated to showcasing the high-quality research conducted by the college’s faculty and students. This journal provides a platform for disseminating innovative research findings across various discipline. The journal typically follows a peer review process, which ensures that the research published meets academic standards.

Click here to view

Research Support by the Information Resource Centre (Library)

WCC IRINS

All the faculty members are given access to INFLIBNET’s VIDWAN and IRINS web-based Research Information Management Service to measure the research impact.

The Information Resource of WCC provides faculty members have access to INFLIBNET’s VIDWAN and IRINS, a web-based Research Information Management Service, to measure and enhance their research impact. This platform not only facilitates the dissemination and visibility of research outputs but also helps in networking with peers, building collaboration, and identifying potential funding opportunities.

TURNITIN

The IRC at Women’s Christian College subscribes to Turnitin, a leading plagiarism detection software, to ensure the highest standards of academic integrity among its faculty and research students. Faculty members and research students at WCC benefit from access to Turnitin, allowing them to use the software conveniently from anywhere. This access is especially useful for reviewing theses, dissertations, research papers, and assignments to verify their originality before submission. Faculty can also utilize Turnitin to assess student assignments for authenticity and guide students toward improving their citation practices and paraphrasing skills.

Digital Library

The Digital Room in the Information Resource Centre (IRC) is a modern, dedicated space designed to facilitate research for postgraduate (PG) and doctoral (Ph.D.) scholars. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and essential resources, this room provides an environment conducive to research endeavours.

The digital library provides access to a wide range of research databases, allowing scholars to explore peer-reviewed journals, academic articles, dissertations, and other essential resources.  The room is fully air-conditioned, ensuring a comfortable environment for researchers to work for extended periods. A modern projector and smart board are installed, making the space ideal for conducting workshops, presentations, and discussions.

Additionally, one of the reference halls in the library is also furnished with individual research carrols, offering private, quiet spaces for scholars to concentrate on their work. These carrols allow researchers to bring their own devices and work efficiently

Centre for Institutional Advancement

The Centre for Institutional Advancement promotes a culture of philanthropy that attracts vital resources in support of the goals and objectives of Women’s Christian College and its core educational mission. This is accomplished by nurturing life-long relationships with and among alumnae, parents, friends, students, faculty, staff and other constituencies; and by communicating regularly with them through meaningful personal contacts.

The centre also promotes and creates awareness for all UGC, DST, etc. projects/funding, certificate and B.Voc  courses.

It also helps in organising government career opportunities for students.

Research Policy

Research Advisory Committee

The Research Advisory Committee is formed in accordance with the guidelines of the affiliated university. Each Ph.D. candidate registered in the various departments has a committee constituted by their recognized research guide. The committee is responsible for monitoring the candidate’s progress, reviewing their work, and providing validation and constructive feedback throughout the Ph.D. process.

The Research Advisory Committee consists of :

• The Head of the Department
• The Research Guide
• Co-guide, if applicable
• One internal member who is a recognized guide
• An external subject expert who is a recognized Ph.D. guide from another institution within the same university.

Certificate Courses

Certificate Course on NGO Management

ABOUT THE COURSE:

The course aims to motivate students to be part of community building.
The Certificate Course on NGO Management is designed and offered by the Centre for
Women’s Studies in collaboration with the PG Department of Human Resource
Management, Women’s Christian College Chennai. This course aims at providing
knowledge and insight into the management of  Non-Governmental Organisations. The
course covers general understanding of NGOs, their establishment, legal procedures
and their role in community development.  The importance of project development
and the role of funding agencies will be taught with an eye for emerging needs. The
students will be provided hands on experience in NGO’s in Chennnai on the
various aspects of operation of NGOs
THIS COURSE IS OPEN TO ALL UG AND PG STUDENTS OF
BOTH SHIFT I AND II
Mode: Offline and Online
Hours: 30 Hours
Course Fees: Rs.1500/- only
Contact:
Dr. Cynthia Jemima Swarnavalli. G
Dean for Centre for Women’s Studies
Phone number: 9444345049
Email id: [email protected]
Dr. Subha Princila
Head, PG Department of Human Resource Management – Shift II
Phone Number: 9884145916
Email id: [email protected]

OPAC

Book Search (OPAC)

Autolib International Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC)

This will aid in retrieving a list of books available in our Library and also from selected open source publishers such as Google Books, DOAB, Open Library, Open Access, DOAJ, arXiv.org, Crossref, Gutendex, and Google Scholar using our own API and federated search technology by giving a Single Search String.

Android Library Mobile App:

Steps to Download Library Mobile App – Google Play Store -> Autolib App -> Women’s Christian College, Chennai (Institution’s name).

Contact Librarian or mail to [email protected] for Login credentials and further assistance.

Research Support

WCC IRINS

All the faculty members are given access to INFLIBNET’s VIDWAN and IRINS web-based Research Information Management Service to measure the research impact.

TURNITIN

Library subscribes to Turnitin plagiarism detection software to uphold academic integrity. Remote access is provided to all the faculty members and the research students.

E-Resources

The IRC subscribes the electronic resources through EBSCO Academic Search Elite, N-LIST, e-ShodhSindhu (accessible via N-LIST) and National Digital Library of India (NDLI).  The Off-Campus Access service is provided to the faculty members, research scholars and students to seamlessly access the subscribed scholarly electronic resources 24/7 through individual credentials. The users may communicate to [email protected]  to get the individual username and password. For any further support please contact the Librarian.

Subscribed Full Text Journals and Database

1. Ebsco Academic Search Elite

User Name/Password: contact [email protected]

2. N-LIST

User Name: Your mail ID (Ex. *****@wcc.edu.in)

Password  : Sent via mail once registration is done

E-Journals (Fulltext) Via N-LIST

American Institute of Physics [18 titles]

Annual Reviews [33 titles]

Economic and Political Weekly (EPW) [1 title]

Indian Journals [180+ titles]

Institute of Physics [46 titles]

JSTOR [2500+ titles]

Oxford University Press [262 titles]

Royal Society of Chemistry [29 titles]

W. Wilson [3000+ titles]

Cambridge University Press [224 titles] (2010-2016)

E-Books Via N-LIST

Cambridge Books Online [1800 titles]

E-brary [185000+ titles]

EBSCoHost-Net Library [936 titles]

Hindustan Book Agency [65+ titles]

Institute of South East Asian Studies(ISEAS) Books [382+ titles]

Oxford Scholarship [1402+ titles]

Springer eBooks [2300 titles]

Sage Publication eBooks [1000 titles]

Taylor Francis eBooks [1800 titles]

Myilibrary-McGraw Hill [1124 titles]

South Asia Archive [through NDL]

World e-Books Library [Now Available through NDL only]

3. e-Shodhsindhu (via N-LIST)
4. e-PG Pathshala (via N-LIST)

Open Access e-resources

1. National Digital Library of India (NDLI)
2.  Taylor & Francis 
3. Elsevier 
4. Wiley 
5. Springer 
6. Science Open 
7. Science Direct 
8. JSTOR
9. (OAL) Open Access Library 
10. Oxford Academic 
11. Lund University Libraries 
12. Karger
13. Thieme Open 
14. Omnics Open Access
15. BMC
16. MDPI 
17. COGENT OA 
18. Open Access
19. Erudit 
20. Highwire
21. Directory of Open Science Articles
22. Tamil Virtual Academy
23. Tamil Electronic Library
24. Project Madurai

Facilities and Services

• Regular Information Literacy Programmes, Orientations, Know Your Library Tours,Webex, Webinar, FDPs
• Subscription and awareness creation to INFLIBNET by products
• Complete safety is ensured – Surveillance cameras / Fire Extinguishers / Ramp
• Free Internet access centre for students and faculty
• Digital Library comprises various E-Databases Research Support
• Regular New Arrivals Display / New Books Added Alert, Library Happenings Alert using Social Media
• Reading List/Bibliographic Compilation
• Exclusive Fiction collection Area / Air-conditioned Relaxed Reading Room
• Books on hobbies / Foreign Languages Corner
• In-House/remote access to e-resources; Links to National Digital Library
• Research Carrels.
• Competitive Examinations Collection Corner
• Plagiarism Software Turnitin – For detecting, preventing and handling plagiarism
• Photocopy facility
• WCC Heritage Centre WCC Author’s Corner
• Earn while you Learn Scheme
• Institutional members of British Council, American Centre Anna University Libraries
• Collaborations – IQAC: Library Quality Circle, Research Deans: Plagiarism Check.
• Subscriptions – Sugamya Pustakalaya Library membership Openbook Pearl Camera with JAWS reader facility for visually challenged students

Services for Divyangjan

Ramp Facility:

The library features a convenient ramp facility, providing easy access for patrons with mobility impairments.

The library is equipped with JAWS talking screen reader for the visually challenged patrons. An advanced camera device, Pearl Openbook Hi-speed scanner reader enables the Visually Challenged to read independently.

Patrons who are visually challenged and cannot read the standard print can get books from this library. They need to provide their disability certificate at the time of applying for membership. Their disability certificate will be validated by the library before approving membership.

WOMEN’S CHRISTIAN COLLEGE

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CELL

The Research and Development Cell at Women’s Christian College (WCC) has established an Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC) to ensure the ethical conduct of research projects involving human participants. The primary responsibility of the IEC is to review, approve, and monitor research proposals to ensure that they adhere to ethical standards and protect the rights, dignity, and welfare of human subjects. This is particularly critical for projects that involve surveys, clinical studies, or any interaction with individuals that may impact their privacy, health, or well-being.

The IEC at WCC is constituted in alignment with the guidelines set forth by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), ensuring that the committee operates according to nationally recognized ethical principles. Committee members are selected based on their expertise in various fields relevant to ethical review, including medicine, law, social sciences, and community health, which enables a comprehensive evaluation of the diverse research projects submitted for approval.

Members of the IEC serve a maximum term of three years, during which they participate in regular meetings to evaluate research proposals, assess risks and benefits, and recommend changes or approvals where necessary. The committee ensures that all projects involving human participants obtain ethical clearance before commencement, thus safeguarding the integrity of the research process and the protection of individuals involved.

In addition to approving research proposals, the IEC monitors ongoing projects to ensure continued compliance with ethical standards throughout the research period. This helps maintain the credibility and ethical rigor of research conducted at WCC, promoting responsible and ethical practices in all human-related research activities on campus.

MINUTES

Minutes 2022

Minutes 2023

MEMBERS OF INSTITUIONAL ETHICS COMMITTEE

ROLE OF THE MEMBERS OF THE INSTITUTIONAL ETHICS COMMITTEE

1. Review and approve all research proposals related to biomedical, social, and behavioural science research for health involving human participants, ensuring ethical standards are met.
2. Provide guidance to researchers on safeguarding the dignity, rights, safety, and well-being of all research participants throughout the project.
3. Ensure adherence to universal ethical values and international scientific standards, while respecting local community values and customs.
4. Hold all stakeholders accountable for their professional, social, and moral responsibilities, ensuring compliance with ethical guidelines and related regulations binding on all involved parties.
5. Ensure that research design and execution maximize benefits to participants and/or society, either directly or indirectly.
6. Oversee the protection of the environment and resources throughout the research process, in line with existing guidelines and regulations.
7. Assist in the development and education of the institution’s research community, including researchers, clinicians, and students, with a focus on meeting local healthcare needs.
8. Prevent repetitive research (replicative) and ensure that identical research proposals are not submitted to different funding agencies.
9. Ensure that conflicts of interest are declared to the Chairperson at each meeting, and that such declarations are recorded in the minutes.
10. Operate objectively, promptly, and independently, attending meetings and actively participating in discussions and deliberations.
11. Safeguard the privacy of individuals and the confidentiality of research data, including IEC meeting records, ensuring they are retained for the required duration for possible external audit or scrutiny.
12. Ensure that the institution supports the Member Secretary in documenting and filing procedures under a confidentiality agreement.
13. Participate in continuous education activities in research ethics to stay updated on relevant guidelines and regulations.
14. Monitor the safety and adverse events of interventional studies, requiring investigators to regularly report such events to IEC members.

WCC Journal of Multidisciplinary Research

Click here to view

Click here to view

Internal Review Board (IRB)

The Internal Review Board (IRB) is responsible for the initial review and scrutiny of project proposals submitted by research scholars, postgraduate students, undergraduate students undertaking final-year projects, and faculty researchers. After this preliminary review, the proposals are forwarded to the Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC) for ethical clearance. Projects that involve surveys will be reviewed and cleared by the IRB, though any suggestions from the IEC must be incorporated. Only projects with interventions or more complex methodologies require formal presentation at IEC meetings.

The IRB is composed of the following members:

• The Deans of Research
• Heads of Departments or Recognized Guides from departments requiring ethical clearance for their research projects.

Research Advisory Committee

Research Advisory Committee

The Research Advisory Committee is formed in accordance with the guidelines of the affiliated university. Each Ph.D. candidate registered in the various departments has a committee constituted by their recognized research guide. The committee is responsible for monitoring the candidate’s progress, reviewing their work, and providing validation and constructive feedback throughout the Ph.D. process.

The Research Advisory Committee consists of:

• The Head of the Department
• The Research Guide
• Co-guide, if applicable
• One internal member who is a recognized guide
• An external subject expert who is a recognized Ph.D. guide from another institution within the same university.

Activities of IRC