AGRA: Strengthening Research through Global Partnerships

The Ashoka Global Research Alliances (AGRA) team was established in 2024 and aims to facilitate Ashoka University’s ambition to be ranked globally among the top hundred research-led liberal arts universities. AGRA’s top mandate is to drive Ashoka’s growth as a research university, driven by international partnerships, strategic collaborations and sustained, mutually beneficial, multi-stakeholder alliances.

Our mission is to facilitate a robust and collaborative research ecosystem for Ashoka through research partnerships that deliver globally relevant and actionable results, develop state-of-the-art research facilities for Ashoka’s research community, and a cross-disciplinary meetings and workshops programme that connects researchers from across the globe. Attracting funds and partners to support the growth and development of research across Ashoka, particularly in the natural sciences, will be an important part of the team’s remit, in close collaboration with the Development team and Ashoka leadership. 

AGRA’s path to achieving these goals will include prioritising relationship development with various research funding bodies, including foundations, philanthropic organisations and research funding agencies. An equally important function of AGRA would be partnering with the world’s leading research institutes and universities, international trusts & foundations and significant national organisations. Horizon scanning for significant opportunities for funding and research, as well as co-creating partnerships and projects, addressing global challenges and government-led initiatives, will be a key aspect as well. Ashoka’s presence, participation and indeed leadership at relevant platforms, conferences and meetings will also be a key remit.

AGRA’s success will be contingent on the quality of our collective ideas and programmes developed by our world-leading faculty supported by committed professional services teams such as AGRA and others at Ashoka interfacing with our international partners. Our team has a track record of developing and implementing innovative partnerships and programmes ranging from creating courses, fellowships & funding, immersive learning experiences, student-centric programmes and institution building around the common theme of research at their centre.

AGRA is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping Ashoka University’s future as a globally recognised research institution. As we embark on this journey, we remain committed to strengthening Ashoka’s research footprint on the global stage, ensuring that our partnerships and initiatives create a meaningful and lasting impact on society.

(This blog has been written by Amrita Sadarangani, Senior Director and Head, Global Research Alliances, Ashoka University)