- Initiative to enhance Ashoka University’s PhD, Post-Doctoral, and Research Programmes, supporting interdisciplinary research and facilitating cutting-edge scientific inquiry
 Ashoka University, India’s premier interdisciplinary higher education and research-focused institution, today announced a strategic partnership with Axis Bank to bolster its PhD, Post-Doctoral and Research programmes. Through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Axis Bank and Ashoka, the initiative titled “Co-building Interdisciplinary Sciences and Research at Ashoka University,” will strengthen the university’s research ecosystem and facilitate the development of advanced scientific facilities. Axis Bank has committed to a CSR grant of INR 104 crores over four years for the programme.
The programme aims to establish an ecosystem of excellence in research and interdisciplinary education, by supporting investment in PhD and Post-Doctoral programmes as well as the creation of shared advanced science laboratories equipped with cutting-edge tools for Neurosciences, Behavioural Studies, and Physics research, ensuring that high-end research infrastructure is accessible to both faculty and scholars.
This contribution will augment our capacity to attract top-tier scholars in both PhD and Post-Doctoral programmes by offering competitive fellowships and research grants, ensuring scholars can dedicate themselves fully to their studies and research without financial strain. With this focused commitment, the country will not only be able to retain top talent but also position itself as a global leader in research and innovation.Â
The establishment of state-of-the-art research facilities will enable a deeper understanding of critical global issues such as climate change, public health, and economic sustainability, while also driving the discovery of transformative solutions to such issues. From advancing disease research and promoting sustainable eating habits to uncovering new species and exploring untapped aspects of human potential, the programme aims to empower scholars to make meaningful contributions to society and to the planet by fostering cross-disciplinary, groundbreaking work across fields such as Neurosciences, Green Energy, Fluid Dynamics, Astronomy, and Behavioural Biology.
 “Axis Bank is pleased to deepen its partnership with Ashoka University, focusing on building world-class science infrastructure that can support cutting edge scientific research and enabling the next generation of Indian researchers solve real world challenges. The Bank’s grant shall support the University, now counted amongst India’s top-ranked private universities, in establishing itself as a leading institution for inter-disciplinary research in the country,” Vijay Mulbagal, Group Executive for Strategic Programs & Sustainability, Axis Bank remarked.
Somak Raychaudhury, Vice Chancellor, Ashoka University, said, “This initiative is a testament to our commitment to interdisciplinary education and research excellence. By building state-of-the-art facilities and offering unparalleled opportunities for scholars, we are setting a new benchmark for research and education in India, aligning it with the highest global standards. Importantly, the University will be able to address the important issue of retaining top talent within the country which otherwise transitions abroad for want of better funded programmes.”
“The partnership with Axis Bank marks a significant step in bridging academia and industry to foster groundbreaking interdisciplinary research in the sciences. By combining financial resources with academic innovation, we aim to create a platform for scholars to drive impactful change across multiple disciplines and contribute meaningfully to global challenges,” Pramath Raj Sinha, Chairperson, Board of Trustees, Ashoka University, said.
 Axis Bank has been a steadfast supporter of Ashoka University’s vision, playing a pivotal role in advancing educational excellence and is an early champion of the university’s expansion into the sciences. Its previous commitments have been instrumental in funding the Scholarship Programmes, ensuring financial assistance for deserving students, particularly women, and in supporting Ashoka’s science and research initiatives, further reinforcing the university’s academic foundation.
About Ashoka University
Ashoka University is a premier interdisciplinary higher education and research-focused institution, offering world-class opportunities in the natural sciences, social sciences and humanities. Established in 2014 by leaders, thinkers, academics and philanthropists from diverse fields, it operates on a unique model of collective philanthropy, blending the finest governance practices with cutting-edge pedagogy and an internationally reputed faculty. Today, the University has a community of 3000+ students, and operates with 21 dedicated Centres of Excellence, producing research and interventions for impact in areas such as public health and disease control, energy transition, digitisation of society, and women empowerment, among other areas of public policy. The University stands for principles of inclusivity and diversity, having more than 47% women, 4% international scholars, 80+ especially abled students, and over 50% students on financial aid. A non-profit university established under the Haryana Private Universities Act (2006), it is in Rajiv Gandhi Education City, Sonipat, Haryana, India.
For further information, visit www.ashoka.edu.in
