Research & Development Cell (RDC)
The Research and Development Cell (RDC) of Dakshakriti ThinkLab aims to enhance India's research landscape, focusing on inclusive and sustainable development for all. The cell works on the 4E framework of Enable, Enhance, Engage, and Empower to provide necessary support, resources and opportunities to researchers to conduct high-quality research. This will help evidence-based decision-making for a broad array of interested parties, including research organisations, multilateral organisations, community organisations, academic institutions, professional societies, businesses, other government agencies, health services organisations, those employed by or receiving funding from us, people with lived experience and the public.
Objectives of RDC
The primary objective of the R&D Cell is to create an enabling environment for research and development activities in India, focusing on inclusive and sustainable development. The key objectives of the cell are:
To promote research contributing to inclusive and sustainable development for all, particularly in currently under-researched areas.
To provide research resources and support, including training, funding, and access to data and infrastructure.
To facilitate collaborations between researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and communities to ensure that research findings are relevant, practical, and useful for decision-making.
To promote the dissemination of research findings and their translation into policy and practice.
To promote interdisciplinary/intersectoral research that contributes to the sustainable development of India.
To support researchers in conducting high-quality research relevant to various stakeholders’/interest group needs.
Functions of RDC
The R&D Cell will perform the following functions to achieve its objectives:
Identify research priorities and opportunities for funding and collaboration.
Develop and implement research projects in collaboration with researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and communities.
Provide training, capacity-building and technical support to researchers, including research methods, data analysis, and communication skills.
To provide financial and other resources to researchers to conduct research relevant to the thematic areas.
Facilitate partnerships and collaborations between researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and communities to ensure that research findings are relevant and useful for decision-making.
Promote the dissemination of research findings through publications, conferences, and other knowledge-sharing activities.
To collaborate with stakeholders, including policymakers, practitioners, and communities, to ensure that research is relevant and useful to them.
To develop and maintain a database of research findings and resources related to the thematic areas.
Research Committee Structure & Role
The R&D Cell will be headed by a Director, who will be responsible for the overall functioning of the Cell. The Director will be supported by a Committee comprising representatives from academia, civil society organisations, government, and industry. The Committee will guide and support the Director and the cell in achieving its objectives.
Research Activities & Thematic Areas
The R&D Cell will focus on research contributing to inclusive and sustainable development for all, particularly in the under-researched areas. The themes listed below are our proposed topic areas for the supervision of prospective research students to build upon. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list; we are open to receiving high-quality applications.
Climate change and environmental sustainability
Social inclusion and equity
Healthcare and well-being
Education and skill development
Sustainable Development Goals
Rights-based research
Social Entrepreneurship
Human Development
Migration and society.
Media, Society and Culture
Religion, Politics and Society
Urban Sociology
Social Movements and New Technologies.
The research activities will be carried out in collaboration with researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and communities to ensure that research findings are relevant, practical, and useful for decision-making. The research activities will also promote evidence-based decision-making by various stakeholders, including policymakers, practitioners, and communities.
How to Apply
You are required to send us the following documents at contact@dakshakriti.org with the subject line "Application for RDC":
A detailed research proposal
Your Language preferences for guidance.
A photograph or scan of your passport
CV or other relevant documents
Note: Our Committee has guided applicants on how to put together a research proposal. For more information, please get in touch with us at contact@dakshakriti.org with the subject line "Support required for Research Proposal Writing".
The Faculty will assess your application, qualifications and the proposed research project. If suitable, you will be invited to an interview to discuss your application and research project. Interviews may take place over the telephone or by Skype, if appropriate. We will assign a first supervisor to help you develop your proposed research into a practical project, and you will attend our research training programme.