Guwahati: Gauhati University hosted an ANRF-PAIR Workshop in collaboration with IIT Guwahati, Dibrugarh University, North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), NIT Agartala, NIT Manipur and IIIT Guwahati, bringing together researchers and academic institutions to promote collaborative and interdisciplinary research. The programme was attended by Gauhati University Vice Chancellor Prof. Nani Gopal Mahanta, who highlighted the importance of institutional collaboration in advancing research and addressing emerging scientific and societal challenges.
The workshop began with a welcome address by Prof. Sikhar Kumar Sarma, Dean, Faculty of Technology, Gauhati University. A major feature of the programme was the presentation of 46 technical papers, covering emerging research ideas, findings and practical approaches to a range of scientific and societal issues. The presentations provided researchers an opportunity to share their work and exchange perspectives across different areas of study.
The university stated that the PAIR initiative has grown into its largest collaborative research initiative so far. The programme involves 38 co-principal investigators and 68 research scholars from Gauhati University, with support from approximately 30 mentors from IIT Guwahati. The scale of participation reflects an effort to create stronger research networks between institutions across Northeast India.
The initiative aims to move beyond conventional institutional boundaries by developing sustained research partnerships among participating universities and institutes. Through these collaborations, PAIR seeks to strengthen research capabilities, encourage interdisciplinary work and provide young researchers with greater opportunities to engage with experienced academics and research mentors.
According to Gauhati University, the workshop represents an important step towards building a more connected research ecosystem in the Northeast. By bringing researchers, scholars and mentors from multiple institutions onto a common platform, the ANRF-PAIR programme is expected to facilitate knowledge sharing, strengthen research capacity and encourage collaborative approaches to scientific and societal challenges.
