Sage and Ashoka University Join Hands to Support Doctoral Research in Social Sciences

Reinforcing a shared commitment to inclusive, accessible, and interdisciplinary research, global academic content provider Sage joined hands with Ashoka University today to support emerging scholars in the social sciences. The initiative is designed to enable advanced, interdisciplinary research while reducing structural and financial barriers that sometimes limit access to advanced academic opportunities. 

‘Building on Sage’s scholarship initiatives, this partnership also underscores their commitment to inclusive education and research excellence,’ said Sugata Ghosh, Deputy Managing Director, Sage South Asia. ‘We aim to support PhD scholars in the Sociology and Anthropology fields, enabling them to pursue rigorous and interdisciplinary research. Through this partnership, we aim to reduce structural barriers and create conditions in which thoughtful, high-quality work can thrive.’

Sage and Ashoka are investing in the future of social science research by strengthening the pipelines through which new perspectives and methodologies enter the global academic conversation. The initiative reflects the belief that the sustainability of knowledge systems depends on who is able to participate in them, and on creating conditions in which emerging scholars can shape research agendas over the long term. By supporting doctoral researchers at a critical stage of intellectual formation, Sage is contributing to a more resilient, diverse, and globally relevant research ecosystem – one that will continue to generate insights, scholarship, and leadership well beyond the tenure of the programme itself.

Ashoka University will administer the support through its Department of Sociology and Anthropology and will oversee the selection process to identify PhD candidates with strong academic potential. The aim is to deepen understanding of complex social realities, inform public dialogue, and translate ideas into meaningful societal impact. This support will empower scholars to explore complex questions and contribute meaningfully to knowledge creation in Sociology and Anthropology and allied fields.

‘Our partnership with Sage reflects Ashoka’s commitment to advancing rigorous, interdisciplinary research. Sage’s support to research students in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology will strengthen academic engagement across the disciplines and allied fields, and contribute to the global exchange of knowledge,’ said Somak Raychaudhury, Vice-Chancellor of Ashoka University. 

This partnership is part of Ashoka University’s broader efforts to expand access to world-class education while strengthening industry partnerships that enhance academic opportunities and long-term value for students.