NEW DELHI, November 6: With multi-national companies and private firms playing an increasingly important role in the funding of research projects at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT, Delhi) this year, the faculty and administrative staff seem to be divided over the issue of academics versus stronger links with industrial houses.Till July this year, IIT recorded an all-time high of 109 sponsored research projects with a total funding of Rs 1.8 crore. It received funds worth Rs 7.7 crore and Rs 7 crore respectively in the past two years. V.S Raju, director (IIT), told Express Newsline, ``Some faculty members do not want industrial houses to get involved in a big way. But they don't understand that IIT is not just an institute to teach undergraduates the basics of technology. We are here to develop technology as well. With the government unable to finance research, we will stagnate if we don't ask companies for help. Technological research needs funds''.Some of the major technology development projects undertaken this year include the analysis of mechanical behaviour of layered materials, biodegradable thermoplastics in streptomyees and modelling and optimisation of bio-polymers. All three projects have been financed by Dupont Research, USA. Other major projects include a jute-coir geomaterials project financed by Aspinwall Geotech Ltd and the design and development of an enhanced modern HF band by the Indian Navy.Industrial houses are also financing consultancies at IIT. This year, the institute received consultancy worth Rs 458 lakh.However, not all professors are happy about this. ``Industrial houses financing IIT's research projects is nothing new. But this year there has been a greater emphasis on promoting links with them and academics have been pushed into the background. IIT is an educational institute, it is not a business centre all set to attract investment,'' said a professor on the condition of anonymity.Those in support of establishing more contacts with industrial houses counter: ``The faculty members who did not get funds for their research projects are the ones who are complaining. Had they got the money, they would have supported us all the way.''Professor R S Aggarwal, dean (IIT), said: ``When you have a privately sponsored research project, you have everything money, the latest equipment and expertise. The professor in-charge of the project also enjoys a lot of clout, he has the research scholars eating out of his hands.''Many students voice the same opinion. According to Rajesh, an M.Tech student, ``When the government has no money to finance research, what do we do? In fact, it helps to queue up in front of professors in-charge of the projects as we also develop the right contacts. These professors know people in the corporate world and can help us get a job. Books don't take one very far''.
