The TERI University has been set up as an
institution of higher learning to meet this set of
needs for a rapidly developing India. But, as a
global institution while it draws strength from
the ethos and traditions of India, the University
reaches out in sourcing knowledge from across the
globe. Its major strength lies in the reservoir of
knowledge, experience and research experience of
the parent body TERI. TERI is a unique institution
engaged not only in research that supports the
objectives of sustainable development but is also
a practitioner in the field and an organization
that engages all types of stakeholders in
fulfilling its mission. While the TERI University
is at the start of its exciting journey, the
richness of programmes that have been launched
already and those that are in the making present
the refreshing flavour of innovation and a strong
relevance for addressing the challenges of
tomorrow.
The TERI University
was recognized as a Deemed University by the
University Grants Commission in 1999. It's
academic programmes have been structured
around the research experience and skill sets
gained in TERI over the last three decades. Having
begun with doctoral programmes in 2001, it has
gone on to offer various master’s degrees since
2003.
The doctoral
programmes and research in the University centre
around four basic themes: natural resources
management ,biotechnology, policy and regulation,
and energy and environment. 55 students are
currently enrolled in the doctoral programmes.
The M Sc programmes
(Environmental Studies and Natural Resources
Management) started with the
setting up of the Department of Natural Resources
through an endowment from the Ford Foundation.
These programmes are now in their fourth year. In
2005, TERI University was entrusted with the
task of introducing a master’s programme in Public
Policy and Sustainable Development for mid-career
civil servants of the Government of India: the
first batch of students was enrolled in January
2006.
The year also saw the
first batch of students inducted into the new MBA
programme in Infrastructure. This is a unique
programme catering to the growing infrastructure
demands envisaged for India and has been supported
by chairs from NTPC and NHPC.
TERI University will
shortly be moving to an energy-efficient, green
campus at Vasant Kunj. This will mark the
beginning of a new and exciting phase in the
University's life, with many new programmes,
supported by state-of-the-art teaching facilities
and a vibrant academic environment.
The twenty-first
century will undoubtedly represent a high point
for human civilization in the development and
utilization of knowledge on an unprecedented
scale. We are living in a period of rapid change
when skills and expertise in several fields are
expanding across the globe while the depth and
rigor of education needed to create them crosses
new frontiers at a brisk rate. There is a
unique opportunity today to produce leaders in
various disciplines, who not only advance the
content of specific professions but who are also
sensitive to the importance of environmental
protection and the need to maintain equity,
ecological security, and the wealth of global
natural resources.