Odisha govt, Chicago university partner for research projects

Government of Odisha collaborated with the University of Chicago and the University of Chicago Trust in India to sign a statement of intenton April 3, 2017to advance its commitments for new research, knowledge, and capacity-building partnerships.

This partnership will enable the University of Chicago’s Center in Delhi to work closely with the Government of Odisha in carrying out research, impact evaluations, and pilot project implementation in the sectors of energy and environment, health, and water & sanitation through the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC-India) and the Tata Centre for Development (TCD).

This partnership will also facilitate knowledge sharing and capacity development of personnel and institutions, and assist in the development of Odia Virtual Academy for digitisation, preservation and improved access to archival material through the University of Chicago Library.

As part of the partnership, EPIC-India, a satellite office of the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago focused on working with Indian policymakers tackle energy-related challenges, will be setting up a knowledge cell wherein Bhubaneshwar-based researchers will work closely with state government officials in designing innovative energy and environment solutions. The cell will be housed within the State Pollution Control Board, Odisha.

Shri Naveen Patnaik, chief minister of Odisha, during the signing of statement of intent, said: “The world is undergoing fast changes cutting across fields and the changing paradigms are evident and prominently visible. The future will be driven by the knowledge and technology-centric solutions. Hence, knowledge partnerships between premier Universities and the policy makers have become an important imperative. As Odisha is marching towards its Vision for the future, such collaborations will have to become an integral part of planning process.”