JSS Science And Technology University, Mysuru Offering PhD Programs Aligned With Global Interdisciplinary Research Trends

The demand for global PhD is increasing at an estimated rate of more than 5 per cent per year, driven by demand in Artificial Intelligence, Biotechnology, and Sustainability. Nevertheless, this development is hampered by serious deficiencies, including the lack of transdisciplinary solutions, outdated methods, and inadequate industry cooperation, which result in low-impact research.

In India, there is a lack of funding and proper infrastructure to facilitate further development. Additionally, most domestic doctoral programs do not prioritize national objectives, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These concerns underscore the need to develop a doctoral education model that integrates academic, industry, and social requirements to foster practical innovation.

JSS Science and Technology University (JSS STU) was established in 2016 in Mysuru, built upon the 63-year legacy of Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering (SJCE). In line with prevailing global trends in interdisciplinary studies, modern approaches, and industry partnerships, JSS STU offers solutions to contemporary issues through its PhD programs.

The university's foundation facilitates independence in academic, social, and industrial research and enhances the Indian innovation ecosystem through partnerships with government organisations, including the AICTE, UGC, and DST, among others.

Innovation-Driven Research Programs

A close focus on innovation, cross-disciplinary research, and social contribution distinguishes the PhD programs at JSS STU. In contrast to the traditional doctoral programs, JSS STU encourages research on thrust areas that require originality and discourage duplication of existing research.

The university promotes interdisciplinary collaboration that unites fields such as Computer Science and Biotechnology, or Electronics and Mechanical Engineering, to solve broad global issues, such as climate change and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

The PhD programs at JSS STU currently have close to 300 research scholars. These scholars are supported and mentored by a strong alumni network, some of whom have served as Vice Presidents and Directors of organisations globally.

This strong alumni network offers essential perspectives on new industry trends, as well as in developing practical interrelationships between industry and academia.

Innovation ecosystems within the university offer full-time research fellowships, industry mentorship, and a wide range of academic, industrial, and entrepreneurial career opportunities. To ensure a sound educational foundation, JSS STU has a well-laid-out coursework and research framework in line with UGC requirements.

Researchers engage in systematic training in the respective discipline, research methodology, research colloquia, and biannual conferences, through which they are exposed to international mentors. Doctoral Advisory Committees continuously review progress and, when necessary, implement remedial actions to maintain academic rigour.

The university’s extensive library system and specialised research resources enable scholars to cultivate both theoretical depth and practical skills for impactful research.

JSS STU is working towards achieving its mission to become a prime place of innovation and entrepreneurship in the creation of solutions for society

World-Class Research Infrastructure

JSS STU boasts one of the best research infrastructures, with a 102-acre campus and state–of–the–art facilities. The university is also equipped with purpose-specific laboratories in fields like Robotics, PCB Fabrication, Biomedical Engineering, and Earthquake Engineering, and it has a Nano Satellite Research Facility, which is developing a satellite with ISRO to assess the stability of pharmaceutical compounds in space.

Centralised computing facilities comprise highperformance workstations, a supercomputing unit, and AI-assisted analytical tools, enabling state-of-the-art research. Laboratories sponsored by industry, such as those offered by Bosch, TCS, Schneider Electric, Circutronica, provide students and researchers with practical experience, technical mentoring, and opportunities for regular interaction with industry.

Ongoing infrastructure development, guided by industry partnerships, has led to developments in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Biotechnology, Materials Science, Biomedical Engineering, Smart Materials, and Environmental Sustainability.

Global Academic Partnerships

Collaboration with industry, research institutions, and governmental agencies is one of the pillars of JSS STU's approach to applied research. The university has more than 50 operational Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with major institutions, including IIT Madras, IIT Guwahati, IIM Bangalore, and the NAM S&T Centre, representing 120 countries. Such collaborations offer researchers an invaluable experience of research and practical problem-solving.

JSS STU maintains high academic standards to achieve academic excellence. Before submitting the thesis, every scholar should have at least two scholarly articles published in Scopus or Web of Science-indexed journals and have presented their work in reputed conferences.

All outputs of the research are examined by the quality wing of the university based on relevance, originality and plagiarism, with substantial implications to society being given priority.

The researchers have contributed over 500 publications in the last year, with over 75 percent in Quartiles 1 and 2, with a significant number of citations. An Intellectual Property Management Cell is responsive and directive in patent filings.

Research scholars receive additional financial support of up to ?2 Lakhs for consumables. Government schemes, including NIDHI PRAYAS, offer a grant of up to ?5.00 Lakhs. These initiatives have enabled the development of innovations such as Agribots and MedTech solutions, aligning with society's needs through regular industry-alumni interactions.

In the future, JSS STU is strategically planning to incorporate new areas of focus, including Semiconductor Technology, Quantum Computing, Space Medicine, and advanced MedTech by creating new postgraduate programs and Centres of Excellence.

Research-intensive collaborations with the most prominent universities in the United States and the United Kingdom, and a long-term relationship with ISRO, will further promote the depth of research and global outreach of the university.

Supported by a grant of ?10 crore from the Karnataka State Government to develop a state-of-the-art Technology Business Incubator, JSS STU is working towards achieving its mission to become a prime place of innovation and entrepreneurship in the creation of solutions for society and the realisation of the founding vision of excellence of JSS Mahavidyapeetha.