New Delhi, January 28, 2025:
The Indian Statistical Institute (ISI), established in 1931 by the eminent statistician Prof. Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis, is charting an ambitious roadmap to transform into a globally recognized institution by its centenary in 2031. Recognized as an Institution of National Importance under the ISI Act, 1959, the Institute has been pivotal in advancing statistical sciences and applications.
At the helm of this transformative journey is Dr. Koppillil Radhakrishnan, Padma Bhushan awardee and former Chairman of ISRO, who now leads the ISI Council for the 2024–26 term. Under his guidance, ISI is implementing recommendations from the 4th Review Committee, chaired by Dr. R.A. Mashelkar, a renowned scientist. The Committee’s comprehensive report emphasizes reimagining, reinventing, and repositioning ISI for global prominence.
Key Recommendations and Initiatives
The Committee outlined 61 actionable recommendations focusing on governance reforms, research excellence, academic growth, digital transformation, and infrastructure development. Notable proposals include:
- Expanding academic programs in cutting-edge fields like data science and machine learning.
- Strengthening interdisciplinary research with national and international relevance.
- Modernizing infrastructure, including state-of-the-art laboratories and digital tools.
- Enhancing industry and government collaborations for real-world impact and financial sustainability.
The Institute has already commenced implementing these recommendations in a phased approach:
- Short-Term Initiatives: Faculty recruitment, governance reforms, and infrastructure upgrades.
- Medium-Term Goals: Enhanced research programs, increased student intake, and expanded outreach efforts.
- Long-Term Vision: Transforming ISI into a global leader in statistical science by 2031.
Progress and Milestones
Significant progress has been made, including:
- Operationalizing the Centre for AI and ML and aligning its objectives with the National AI Policy.
- Advancing interdisciplinary centers for applied statistics and economics.
- Implementing streamlined faculty recruitment and performance evaluations.
- Introducing online and hybrid courses to broaden academic reach.
Infrastructure modernization, e-governance, and revenue generation initiatives are also underway, reinforcing ISI’s commitment to academic and research excellence.
Government Commitment
The Government of India has expressed unwavering support for ISI’s vision, recognizing its critical role in addressing socio-economic challenges and driving national development. As the Institute approaches its centenary, these transformative initiatives will position ISI as a global leader in statistical sciences and allied disciplines.
Source – PIB
