The India Research Tour 2025, a flagship research outreach initiative by Springer Nature in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, made a significant stop in Guwahati, engaging with researchers, academicians, and students at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati and the OKD Institute of Social Change and Development (OKDISCD). The initiative aims to strengthen research capacity, inclusivity, and innovation across India, with a special focus on the underrepresented Northeast region. Covering 29 institutions across 15 cities in seven states from 6 October to 13 November, the tour seeks to advance Open Access and Open Science, promote research integrity, encourage e-book adoption, and support editorial board recruitment, while fostering diversity and inclusion in research.
Speaking at the event, Venkatesh Sarvasiddhi, Managing Director, Springer Nature India, said, “The inclusion of Northeast India in the India Research Tour 2025 is both intentional and essential. For India to achieve truly inclusive and globally competitive research outcomes, every region, especially the Northeast with its unique perspectives, must have equal voice and opportunity. IIT Guwahati and OKDISCD exemplify the talent and potential of this region. Through this engagement, we aim to provide researchers here with tools, training, and visibility that connect them to the national and global research ecosystem.” The tour’s sessions explored how researchers can contribute to regional and national development through open science, research integrity, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Key initiatives highlighted included One Nation One Subscription (ONOS), Her Research, Our Future, and the Research Ambassador Program, all designed to democratize knowledge, promote ethical research practices, and empower underrepresented voices. The Northeast, with its diverse communities, unique socio-economic challenges, and rich natural resources, holds immense potential for research-led growth. The visit underscores Springer Nature’s and the Ministry of Education’s commitment to equitable knowledge access and building a culture of impactful research across India.
The India Research Tour 2025 has already visited institutions in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal and will next move to Arunachal Pradesh, continuing its mission to foster innovation, inclusivity, and integrity in Indian research.