V. 14 I. 3 – Mar 2014

Canada at the Times Education Boutique in Ahmedabad & Kolkata

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Source: CONNECT: Canada in India | April 8, 2014

 

Our education officers and representatives from the University of Alberta, Fanshawe College, Georgian College, George Brown College, St. Clair College and theUniversity of Saskatchewan interacted with students and parents, answered queries and provided insights on studying in Canada at our booth at the Times Education Boutique in Ahmedabad, April 5-6. Our education officers will also interact with students and parents on various programs and courses in Canada at our booth in Kolkata, May 17-18.

Stay tuned to our Facebook page, for more information on studying in Canada, profiles of universities and colleges, scholarship announcements, and webinars and live chats with our officers.

McMaster Students Create Undergraduate Research Journal

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Source: McMaster News Release via Academica | April 7, 2014

McMaster University undergraduate students Claudia Frankfurter and Andrew Webster are leading the development of a new McMaster Undergraduate Research Journal (MURJ), the university’s first exclusively online, multidisciplinary, and doctoral-reviewed undergraduate research publication. “We wanted to give all undergraduates the opportunity to engage in the fundamental scholarly process,” says Webster. “This process encourages students to think both critically and imaginatively, to question the ‘obvious,’ to hone their analytical research and writing skills and sharpen their intuition to reveal new patterns and possibilities. These skills are absolutely transferable to any career a student may choose.” Frankfurter and Webster, both third-year Health Sciences students, are active researchers who have had articles published in academic journals. “A lot of learning at the undergraduate level is theoretical and done in a classroom setting,” says Frankfurter. “Research gives students the chance to apply their learning and contribute to the current body of knowledge. It can give meaning and a sense of purpose to undergraduate education.”

TCS Insights: The existence of an undergraduate research journal will allow students in different fields of study to better their communication and research skills as they pursue a post-secondary education. This gives them the opportunity to be better prepared for their careers  upon graduation. The creation of this journal further exemplifies why McMaster should be a destination for students looking to study abroad.

Alberta Releases Details for Extra $32.5 Million in PSE Funding

Alberta Releases Details for Extra $32.5 Million in PSE Funding

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Source: Alberta News Release via Academica | April 3, 2014

The Alberta government has released details on the extra $32.5 million funding for PSE announced in the 2014 budget, tabled at the beginning of March. The funding will create 2,000 new spaces this fall in the Campus Alberta system to increase access to high-demand programs such as engineering, environmental science, and occupational therapy. Highlights of the funding include $11.3 million for additional access for these high-demand programs at 6 PSE institutions, $12.3 million for new or expanded programs at 19 PSE institutions, $7 million for one-time and system-wide collaborative initiatives that support all Campus Alberta learners, such as the Lois Hole Digital Library and French Language Collaboration Programs, and an increase of $900,000 for the Apprenticeship Technical Training grants, which assist apprentices in completing their programs and meeting industry demand.

TCS Insights: With Alberta creating 2,000 new spaces for students enrolled in their various universities, more students will be able to pursue higher education than ever before. This reenforces Canada’s reputation as a nation that making post-secondary education accessible to increasing numbers of domestic and international students.

Global Ranking Places Canada 2nd in Access to PSE

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Source: The Social Progress Imperative via Academica | April, 3, 2014

Canada ranks 2nd globally in access to advanced education, and 7th in social and environmental progress, reveals a new global ranking led by Harvard University researcher Michael Porter. The ranking evaluates countries based on 3 separate scales: basic human needs (such as medical care, water and sanitation, and shelter), foundations of well-being (such as access to basic knowledge and ecosystem sustainability), and opportunity (such as personal rights, tolerance and freedom, and access to PSE). Canada also scored high compared to countries of similar GDP per capita in “years of tertiary schooling” and “women’s average years in school.”

TCS Insights: Canada in steadily increasing its reputation as a nation making higher education accessible to students. International students looking to gain experience abroad would do well to consider Canada as a destination to pursue their studies.

Own Business Now Big Lure for Fresh MBA Graduates: Survey

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Source: Times of India | March 17, 2014

NEW DELHI: Fresh B-school graduates are increasingly shunning the security of a steady job and striking out on their own. A worldwide survey of B-school alumni reveals that 45% of those who graduated between 2010 and 2013 preferred self-employment — that’s almost double the proportion of their seniors who opted to pursue their own dreams in the 2000-2009 period. The survey, conducted among nearly 21,000 alumni representing 132 institutions from 129 countries, covered batches from 1959 to 2013. It showed a steadily growing preference for self-employment among fresh graduates. In the 2000-2009 period, 25% of graduates opted for it while in the decade before that the figure was 14%. 

The survey was carried out by Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), which conducts the GMAT exam for admission to more than 6,000 graduate management programmes worldwide. 

The US remains the most preferred job location for alumni from B-schools worldwide with Chinese and Indians taking the lead. As many as 38% of Chinese graduates preferred to work in the US, while 23% of Indian B-schoolers landed up in that country. The survey revealed that a quarter of B-school alumni across the world don’t work within their own country. While almost all B-school graduates from the US (97%) are likely to work in their own country, a majority of the Chinese are likely to work overseas (52%). 

Canada leads the table for annual median salary at entry level with US$ 75,000, but it is the US which pays the highest mid, senior and executive-level salaries. The pay package for B-school alumni in India was among the lowest in the 18 countries listed in the survey. 

“This is a robust survey results in this debut effort from direct collaboration with 132 business schools in 29 countries. A fascinating highlight of this year’s alumni survey is the wide reach of salary data. Seeing earnings data by job level for graduates of business school who work in India is helpful information to consider in one’s career planning and expectations,” said Michelle Sparkman Renz, director, research communications, GMAC. 

As for B-school education, 77% of the alumni said it was financially rewarding. Old students also ensured that they keep in touch with the alma mater be it for mentoring scholars or for recruitment. Nearly 34% of recent alumni have kept contact with the faculty, while 28% attended alumni events. Around 43% of old students visited their alumni website, and an even higher 45% followed their B-school on social media. 

The survey also revealed a shifting preference in functional domain. Since 2000, finance and accounting has been the dominating sector, overtaking the tradition general management. Emerging trends show that marketing, sales and consulting are the new areas of aspiration.

TCS Insights: Business students are currently more inclined to start their own businesses around the world than in years prior. International experience will play a critical role to those looking to succeed in this pursuit. Those aspiring to do business in North America after they graduate should attempt to spend time studying there to develop a knowledge of the culture along with their network of contacts.

BC Gives PSE Institutions Another $6.7 million for ESL Programs

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Source: BC News Release via Academica | April 2, 2014

The BC government has announced another $6.7 million in funding for English as a second language (ESL) programs at 9 PSE institutions, to make it easier for the colleges and universities to wind down their programs following cancelled federal funding. Advanced Education Minister Amrik Virk explains that Immigration Canada had decided to award contracts directly to non-profit agencies and a limited number of PSE institutions, rather than funnel money through the provincial government to colleges and universities. The ministry is still waiting for further details about the federal ESL program, and what agencies or institutions will receive contracts to deliver the training. The 9 institutions that will receive the additional funding include British Columbia Institute of Technology, Camosun College, Capilano University, Douglas College, University of the Fraser Valley, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Langara College, Okanagan College, and Vancouver Community College.

TCS Insights: With details from the Canadian federal government regarding their ESL program still unclear, British Columbia has displayed leadership by funding ESL programs within the province. Students who did not grow up speaking English will be better afforded the opportunity to succeed as they pursue an education in BC as a result of this funding.

Canada Announces Over $88 Million for New, Renewed Research Chairs

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Source: Canada News Release | March 28, 2014

The Canadian government has announced over $88 million for 102 new and renewed Canada Research Chairs at 33 PSE institutions across the country. The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) also announced today more than $3 million in new funding for research infrastructure that will support the latest appointments to the Research Chairs. As part of the CFI announcement, Canada has also committed an extra $1 million through the Infrastructure Operating Fund, which helps PSE institutions with the incremental operating and maintenance costs associated with the new infrastructure.

TCS Insights: Select educational institutions will benefit from the Canadian government’s continued dedication to research development. Through increased funding towards research infrastructure, these institutions will have what it takes to further their studies and benefit students as well as the general public.

NS to Eliminate Interest on Student Loans

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Source: NS News Release via Academica | March 28, 2014

The Nova Scotia government has announced it will eliminate the interest on provincial student loans, beginning with qualifying borrowers who entered repayment on or after November 1, 2007. These borrowers won’t be reimbursed for interest they’ve paid since that date, but they will no longer pay interest going forward. There are roughly 18,000 borrowers who could be eligible to benefit annually, says an NS news release. The average NS student loan is about $5,600; eliminating the interest would save about $800 over the lifetime of the loan. NS has committed $1.6 million annually to fund the move. StudentsNS welcomed the announcement, but said that NS should take further strides to support students by following the example set by Newfoundland and Labrador; NL announced last week that it would replace all student loans with non-repayable grants.

TCS Insights: Much like the example set by Newfoundland & Labrador, Nova Scotia is making higher education more affordable to post-secondary students. Any student, domestic or international, will be able achieve academic success in the province with less economic stress than in recent history.

NL to Replace Student Loans with Non-Repayable Grants

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Source: CBC News via Academica | March 27, 2014

The 2014 Newfoundland and Labrador budget, tabled last week, includes $50.6 million over 5 years to eliminate provincial student loans and replace them with non-repayable, upfront grants; according to CBC News, about 7,000 students are expected to be eligible. The budget also committed to maintaining its PSE tuition freeze (at a cost of $5.1 million), and $39.8 million for continuing its apprenticeships and labour-market training programs. The Canadian Federation of Students (CFS) has welcomed the budget’s move to replace student loans with grants, calling it “a landmark step towards equality of access to postsecondary education.”

TCS Insights: Newfoundland and Labrador have benefited look to benefit many with the implementation of grants for students. Fewer individuals will be burdened with the debt caused by student loans after their graduation, making it easier for them to establish themselves financially. Making higher education more affordable and accessible to students should make the province an area of interest for any student looking to advance their studies.

Saskatchewan Budget Commits 2% Average Funding Increases for PSE Institutions

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Source: Government of Saskatchewan News Release via Academica | March 19, 2014

The Saskatchewan budget for 2014, tabled this week, provides a $24-million (3.7%) increase over 2013 for higher education—a total of $817.8 million. The increase includes a $12.3-million increase in operating funds, with an average 2% going to universities, federated and affiliated colleges, technical institutes, and regional colleges, and a $19.8-million direct investment going towards First Nations and Métis education. PSE institutions will also be given $134 million towards scholarship and financial assistance programs, $32.6 million in capital investments, and several grants for research projects.

TCS Insights: The provincial budget for 2014 has aided post-secondary institutions in Saskatchewan. With greater amounts of funding being provided for operations, scholarships, research and financial aid, universities and colleges will be able to grow and provide services for increasing numbers of both domestic and international students.

Degrees at IIMs Likely to Become a Reality

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Source: Times of India | March 14, 2014

INDORE: If all goes well, much-awaited degrees at Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) would turn into a reality soon. Officials at the premier management institutes of India are eagerly waiting for the polls to get over as the decision on the proposed Bill in the Parliament is likely to be taken after the new government is formed. 
 
If passed, the Bill would ensure that the post graduates and five-year (Integrated Programme in Management) IPM pass-outs from the prestigious institute get a degree and not just diploma or certificate. At present, IIMs do not provide degrees as they do not fall under the category of university. IIM- Indore is the only one among 13 IIMs to offer 5-year IPM. 
 
IIM-Indore director Rishikesha T Krishnan told TOI, “At government level, there is a proposal to enact an IIM Act, which will be applicable to all 13 IIMs in the country. Once it is passed, IIMs will be able to provide degrees of their own. We will also be able to provide degrees to our students at Dubai centre then.” 
 
“However, the whole process may take some time. We will have to wait for the new government to take office and if and when they pass the legislation, we will be able to give degrees for all our programmes in India as well as in Dubai.” 
 
Students are upbeat over the developments. “PGDM is not recognized at many places abroad and students face problems while pursuing PhD. A degree would ensure better job prospects for IIM students. It will enable them to apply for government jobs and pursue higher education at any place of their choice,” said Ankur Jain, a second-year PGP student at IIM-Indore. 
 
IIM-I passout Deepti Jaiswal said, “Quality of education and placement at IIMs matter more than degrees. However, a degree would definitely help students willing to pursue higher studies abroad”.

TCS Insights: Depending on a Bill currently seeking approval in Parliament, students earning their educations at any of the 13 IIMs in India will have the opportunity to achieve degrees, rather than just diplomas and certificates. This should benefit those seeking to use their educational credentials for a job or higher levels of education.

uRegina Applications Increase by 15%

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Source: uRegina News Release via Academica | March 19, 2014

The University of Regina [CIEC Academic Member] so far has seen a 15% increase in applications over last year, with 75% of the total applications for fall 2014 now submitted; applications to the university have more than doubled in the past 3 years. uRegina explains that more than 80% of the application boost is due to an increase in international student applications, which have risen 7% this year. There are also more out-of-province high school applications than there were last year. “Of particular note is the increase in the number of applicants from Calgary, which shows that our targeted recruitment efforts are well received and effective,” says uRegina President Vianne Timmons.

TCS Insights: uRegina is experiencing a rise in their received number of admission applications. While Canadian students from outside of Alberta have also contributed to this increase, the 7% surge in international applications is thought to be the main source for this growth. This shows that the university is becoming a destination for students from countries other than Canada for a place of higher education.

Ivey Business School and IIM Calcutta Sign MoU

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Source: Times of India | March 19, 2014

KOLKATA: Ivey Business School and the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta on Wednesday signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding to jointly develop and publish India-relevant cases. 
 
The partnership between the two leading institutions entails a collaborative effort to foster case based teaching and in creating high quality case materials to enrich classroom discussions. 
 
The MoU was signed by Eric A. Morse, Associate Dean, Programs, Ivey Business School and Ashok Banerjee, Dean of New Initiatives and External Relations, IIMC at the IIM campus in Kolkata. 
 
Under this partnership, the two institutions will collaborate in the areas of research, development and publishing of cases as well as in fostering a culture of case writing and case pedagogy in Indian management institutes. 
 
This MoU will help the IIM-C Case Research Centre increase its global reach, leverage Ivey’s rich knowledge base and accumulated intellectual capital in business case study research and encourage joint research and co-authorship between faculty of the two institutes. 
 
This will support IIM-C’s emphasis on case based teaching and writing to further enhance its reputation as a leader in management education. 
 
Ivey finds great complementarity in the two institute’s aims and goals for furthering the case pedagogy in India and is looking forward to collaborating with IIMC in building on IIMC’s extensive industry network and their case focus to further add to Ivey’s India efforts in these areas. 
 
Speaking on the partnership, Eric Morse, Associate Dean-Programs, Ivey Business School, said, “Ivey is the largest producer of high quality Asian Business Cases and we are delighted to partner with IIM-C to build on this quality portfolio. IIM Calcutta has a tremendous reputation for its ties with industry and for attracting some of India’s best talent. We believe our combined expertise and focus on quality will lead to exceptional results for both institutions and the stakeholders we collectively serve.” 
 
“The Case Research centre at IIM-C was set up with the idea of developing India-specific cases from the formal and informal sectors. The MoU will help IIM Calcutta faculty to list their cases in Ivey thereby enabling faculty and students from all over the world access to such cases from a leading emerging market,” said Professor Ashok Banerjee, Dean of New Initiatives and External Relations, IIM Calcutta. 
 
One of Canada’s leading and most prestigious business schools, Ivey has been using cases in its classrooms since 1923 and is committed to mentoring high-potential faculty in case teaching and writing through a comprehensive process of case development – from generating ideas to publishing case studies globally. 
 
Active in India based case development, training Indian faculty and perpetuating the case pedagogy in India since 2008, Ivey runs an annual Global Case Competition for India based cases. Co-hosted with ISB since 2010, the competition has rapidly gained prominence in India and abroad. 
 
Ivey has also so far trained over 720 Indian faculty in case teaching and writing through numerous workshops organized in partnership with Indian business schools such as ISB, IIM-B, MDI, IMI, IIT-B, SPJIMR to name a few. 
 
IIM Calcutta is one of the premier business schools in India, and is globally recognized as a leader in business education. IIM Calcutta uses cases as a key learning tool in several of its courses for postgraduate students and participants in management development programs. 
 
The Case Research Centre (IIMCCRC) was started in 2012 to champion the cause of participative case based learning in Business Schools and other institutions in India by creating a repository of teaching cases with an Indian context, spreading awareness on the value of the Case Method, and propagating practice standards for development and use of cases in management education. 
 
Today, it actively engages with several industry organizations to develop world-class cases. Interestingly, not only do both the institutes strongly propagate the case based learning methodology but also have been the first, in their respective countries, to have recognized the need for world class management education. 
 
IIM-C was established as the first national institute for Post-Graduate studies and Research in Management by the Government of India in November 1961. 
 
Similarly, Ivey was the first to offer management education in Canada in 1922 and after a comprehensive study of all recognized business courses of University grade, it was determined that the Harvard case study method was the most effective style of teaching. Strong links were established with Harvard Business School and the school curriculum established thus. 
 
In 1948 Canada’s top 100 CEOs and Presidents met at Western University and determined the need for a National School of Business Administration and the first executive education program was established at Ivey.

TCS Insights: This partnership between institutions will allow them both to increase their notoriety around the world while allowing them to work together in the areas of research and development. Ivey and IIM-Calcutta will additionally develop more case studies relative to India to facilitate further student engagement during class discussions.

Pearson PTE Testing a New CIEC Academic Member

Pearson PTE Testing a New CIEC Academic Member

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CIEC Welcomes Pearson PTE Testing to our Academic Membership Ranks… 

‘I am looking forward to working with the Council promoting our services to CARE Agents & establishing linkages with academic stakeholders,’ Marcie Mealia, Client Relationship Manager Canada, PTE Academic. Contact: [email protected].

The Pearson Test of Academic English, is a widely recognized English Language Proficiency Test, which can be scheduled up to 48 hours in advance and students most often receive their scores within 24 hours, allowing for a quicker turnaround of student applications for college and university acceptance. Learn more…

George Brown, Ryerson Receive $1.5 Million For Job Training

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Source: Ontario News Release via Academica | March 18, 2014

The Ontario government has committed $1.5 million towards partnerships with George Brown College and Ryerson University that are aimed towards training graduates for jobs that lack skilled employees. George Brown will receive $750,000 to train 92 unemployed and under-employed youth for commercial baking and metalwork jobs. Ryerson will get $800,000 to create 120 jobs in the high-tech sector for graduates in the social sciences and humanities; examples of possible initiatives include offering liberal arts graduates short-term training and job placements that would provide them with the types of skills already acquired by science students. Both projects are part of the government’s $25-million Youth Skills Connections program, which aims to bring employers, PSE institutions, government and young people together to tackle the so-called skills-gap issue.

TCS Insights: The Ontario government hopes to fill the void created by low numbers of skilled employees in certain industries by training unemployed and underemployed individuals for available positions. The province is displaying a commitment to providing job opportunities for all students attending post-secondary institutions.

AlgomaU’s ESL Programs Receive Accreditation From Languages Canada

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Source: Algoma University News Release via Academica | March 17, 2014

Algoma University has received full accreditation from Languages Canada for its English as a Second Language (ESL) program. “Languages Canada holds its members to the highest standards, and only those who continuously offer quality education receive accreditation. Being a member of Languages Canada increases the accountability of the university’s program, and ensures that course objectives and learning outcomes are always met,” says AlgomaU President Richard Myers. Languages Canada examined 6 areas of the ESL programming, including student services, curriculum, program administration, teaching staff qualifications, marketing and promotion of the program, and student admissions.

TCS Insights: International students will now be able to find greater success at Algoma University due to their ESL program earning full accreditation. Students who are new to English should be assured that they will be able to learn the language here through teaching of the highest quality.

Canada Launches Pilot Program Connecting SMEs With PSE Research

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Source: Canada News Release via Academica | March 18, 2014

The Canadian government has announced a new $20-million program, the Business Innovation Access Program, which will connect small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with universities, colleges and other research institutions, giving the SMEs the business and technical services they need to get innovative products and services to market faster. “The support available through the program can involve external business services such as planning and marketing as well as technical services such as specialized testing, product prototyping and process development,” explains a Canada news release. The program is one of the recommendations made by an independent Research and Development Review Expert Panel in 2010-11, which aimed to better focus federal investments and maximize innovation and economic benefit for Canadians. The Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC) has welcomed the program. “Business already counts on Canada’s universities for more than $1 billion in research every year,” says AUCC President Paul Davidson. “This mechanism will boost university-industry links even further.”

TCS Insights: By better connecting small and medium sized businesses to post-secondary institutions, this program aims to improve product development while generating a greater amount of innovation. With universities doing vast amounts of research already, business should be able to benefit substantially by partnering with them.

Queen’s Introduces 5-year Strategic Framework

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Source: Queen’s News Release via Academica | March 11, 2014

Queen’s University has introduced a new Strategic Framework for the next 5 years that aims to “advance the university’s vision as the quintessential balanced academy.” The framework, which is closely aligned with the university’s Academic Plan and Strategic Research Plan, includes 4 priorities that support the university’s vision: the student learning experience, research prominence, financial sustainability, and internationalization. “While the framework sets priorities, it is not prescriptive,” says Queen’s Provost and VP Academic Alan Harrison. “Ultimately, it is up to each of the faculties and shared service units to identify the actions each of them will take to advance the university’s objectives and improve the metrics we measure ourselves by. Everyone has a role to play in the university’s success as we move forward.” The Queen’s principal and VPs will review the Strategic Framework regularly over its 5-year timeframe and develop progress reports for the Queen’s community on an annual basis.

TCS Insights: Over the next 5 years, Queen’s University aims to reach specific goals with the launch of their new framework. Among the priorities they hope to reach is greater internationalization. By increasing their number of international students, the university can raise their reputation in the international community while connecting bright individuals and preparing them for their futures.

BCIT to Recognize Work Experience As Course Credit in McDonald’s Partnership

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Source: Vancouver Sun via Academica | March 7, 2014

The British Columbia Institute of Technology [CIEC Academic Member] has partnered with McDonald’s Canada to allow business students to gain course credits with experience gained through work placements at the company. The program follows a successful pilot in 2010, in which BCIT partnered with the Canadian military to recognize experience as course credits for soldiers returning from Afghanistan. “The pilot project turned out to be way more successful than we expected. On average, these guys outperformed the other students. Their work ethic, maturity and discipline gave them an edge,” says School of Business Program Head Kevin Wainwright. Wainwright adds that BCIT expects the program with McDonald’s to be equally successful.

TCS Insights: BCIT and McDonald’s Canada have partnered to let students to allow students earn course credits during work placements at the company. This will allow students not only to further their studies but acquire valuable work experience at the same time that will help them in their careers.

Alberta, Manitoba Budgets Offer Small PSE Increases

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Source: Edmonton Journal via Academica | March 6, 2014

The Alberta government last week tabled its 2014 budget, which restores $50 million in funding to colleges and universities under the Access to the Future Fund. The fund was frozen last year, when the government announced a $147-million cut to the PSE operating budget. The budget also maintains the separate $50 million it put back into the system in November to ease budget restraints. The government says it will add another $32 million for enrolment in targeted programs, which are not yet specified. The Manitoba government also tabled its 2014 budget last week, and has committed base grant increases of 2.5% to universities and 2% to colleges. Manitoba’s budget will also establish a Research Manitoba initiative “to target funding to strategic priorities under the guidance of researchers and entrepreneurs.”

TCS Insights: The province of Alberta will increase funding to the operating budgets of post-secondary institutions in 2014 as well as specific programs. Manitoba will also increase financial contributions to colleges and universities while farthing their commitment to research programs. These acts should not only benefit institutions but their students as well.

“Research Theses of Graduate Students of GTU Are of Canadian Standards”, say the Experts from a Canadian University

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Source: Gujarat Technological University | March 7, 2014

Contact: Bhavita Shukla Dave, GTU Media Officer, 982-530-5020; [email protected]

Gujarat Technological University is relatively a new technology University established in the year 2008 by Government of Gujarat, India. Gujarat Technological University (GTU) organizes Research Week as an evaluation process of the Ph. D students and Masters students for the mid-sem review of their final year theses work at its Chandkheda Campus. Experts from other universities of India (and abroad) evaluate the work of these students and mentor the students so that they can improve the quality of their work. The visiting experts conduct workshops on the topic of their expertise and new developments in their field to enhance the knowledge of students. This is the 3rd Research Week organized by GTU. Last year 96 workshops were organized under the Research Week.

Dr. Vasu Apanna is the dean of pharmacy in Laurentian University, Canada. Dr. Vasu evaluated more than 30 students at GTU Pharmacy Research Week. He was impressed with the concept of Research Week. Talking about the work of students Mr. Vasu said that “Many of the Research work done by GTU students is of Canadian Standards. Even the topics of research are quite similar.” He said that work of some of the students was really good. “Some presentations were as good as the presentations we see in Canada”. During the interactions with students we discovered that students have good knowledge about the topic of research which is a good sign.  As GTU has insisted the PSAR this time it is a very good idea.

Dr. Vasu also shared some very interesting suggestions. Dr. Vasu said that whatever research students do cannot have regional approach. Research is for the use of the entire world. So it is very important to stay updated with what is happening around in the world in the field of Research. Students should join the Common Research Clubs like Research Gate where they can discuss issues in research with their peers. Through such clubs students can learn if any other students have published any article in any other country on the same topic. Dr. Vasu said that in Canada there are labs where students can go and conduct practical work. There is a special Cell Imaging Laboratory in our town where students of pharmacology can go and conduct the cell tests. They all are state university owned labs as there is no trend of privatization in education in Canada.

Dr. Abdel Omri also evaluated more than 30 students and agreed with Dr. Vasu Apanna. Talking about the research review patterns in Canada Dr. Abdel said that in Canada we also organize a Research Day. On the Research Day students display their work on posters. The best three research work then participate in state level competition. This exercise also brings in donations for research work.  Dr. Vasu suggested that Gujarat should have a laboratory in the centre of the City where students can go for further research to encourage practical research work. Dr. Abdel is really impressed to see the environment at the Research Week of GTU. Dr. Abdel said that “We have learnt from the students. Students here are very smart.” He said that Research week is very well organized. He also said that people here are very nice and the hospitality is very good around here.

On the occasion Dr. Akshai Aggarwal, Vice Chancellor of GTU said that the research week not only reviews the work of students but it also provides mentoring to them. Moreover open source format of review helps create excellence in the thesis work at all colleges across the state. Evening workshops by experts along with the morning session of review create a Kumbh Mela of knowledge seekers.

The Research Weeks of 2014 started in February 2014 and will end in April 2014 as research weeks are organized in three different phases for Pharmacy, Management and Engineering respectively.