Abhishek Sinha
Global academic publisher Springer Nature flagged off the third edition of the India Research Tour 2025 at the Indian Council for Social Science Research (ICSSR) in New Delhi. Organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Government of India, this year’s tour will span 29 institutions across 15 cities and seven states, reinforcing the themes of integrity, inclusivity, and innovation in research.
Now in its third year, the India Research Tour has evolved into one of the country’s most impactful outreach initiatives. It aims to promote awareness about Open Access (OA) and Open Science, encourage ethical and inclusive research practices, and support the recruitment of editorial board members from diverse backgrounds.
Over the past two years, the initiative has engaged thousands of researchers and academicians, covering 36 institutions in 25 cities across 15 states. It has also recognized more than 200 women researchers for their contributions to multidisciplinary research.
Leaders Emphasize Integrity and Inclusion
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Smt. Savitri Thakur, Union Minister of State for Women and Child Development, highlighted the importance of inclusive research ecosystems.
“The India Research Tour is a vital platform for connecting with researchers across the country. It supports women in research, strengthens ethics in scholarship, and ensures equitable access to opportunities and resources. Empowering women researchers is central to building an inclusive knowledge economy and realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat,” she said.
Frank Vrancken Peeters, CEO of Springer Nature, underscored the company’s commitment to advancing India’s research landscape.
“We are proud to be part of India’s progress by supporting researchers and accelerating solutions to global challenges. The India Research Tour 2025 reflects our long-term partnership with the Ministry of Education and ICSSR to empower researchers, foster collaboration, and position India as a global leader in science and scholarship.”
Prof. Dhananjay Singh, Member Secretary of ICSSR, said the initiative helps connect social science researchers across India.
“By engaging institutions from diverse regions, especially in Eastern and North-Eastern India, we aim to strengthen research capacity, uphold integrity, and support evidence-based policymaking that benefits society.”
Venkatesh Sarvasiddhi, Managing Director of Springer Nature India, described the tour as a “movement” transforming how researchers engage with knowledge and ethics.
“In 2025, we’re deepening our focus on Open Access, One Nation One Subscription (ONOS), and inclusivity. Our goal is to build a future-ready research ecosystem that leaves no one behind,” he said.
Tour Highlights
This year’s tour will cover major institutions across India, including:
- IIT Kharagpur
- IIT Kanpur
- IIT Guwahati
- Maulana Azad Medical College (New Delhi)
- IIM Calcutta
- IIM Lucknow
- IIM Bodh Gaya
Core Pillars of India Research Tour 2025
- Promoting Open Access (OA) and advancing awareness of One Nation, One Subscription (ONOS)
- Encouraging discussions on Research Integrity and the role of Artificial Intelligence in publishing
- Highlighting diversity and inclusion through initiatives like Her Research, Our Future
- Supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by democratizing access to knowledge
About Springer Nature
Springer Nature is one of the world’s leading publishers of academic research, known for its pioneering work in open research. With over 180 years of legacy, Springer Nature offers trusted journals, books, and digital platforms that empower researchers, health professionals, and educators. The company remains committed to sharing knowledge, fostering innovation, and advancing understanding globally.
For more information, visit about.springernature.com or follow @SpringerNature.
