Four SLSU Faculty Selected for Prestigious Naveen Jindal Young Global Research Fellowship in India

Four faculty members from Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) have been selected to participate in the prestigious Naveen Jindal Young Global Research Fellowship (NJYGRF) 2026–2027, hosted by O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) in Sonipat, Haryana, India, from June 9 to July 7, 2026.

Representing SLSU in this international academic engagement are Dr. Mark B. Galdo from the Tomas Oppus Campus, Dr. Adel Grace P. Gaudicos and Dr. Vernabelle L. Balmori from the Sogod Campus, and Dr. Catherine M. Garcia from the San Juan Campus. Their participation highlights the University’s continuing commitment to academic excellence, research productivity, and internationalization.

The Naveen Jindal Young Global Research Fellowship is a highly competitive program that brings together emerging scholars from different countries for an intensive month-long engagement in research collaboration, academic mentoring, cultural immersion, and interdisciplinary learning. Fellows are provided opportunities to work with distinguished faculty members, participate in scholarly discussions, and develop research outputs that address contemporary global and local challenges.

Through this fellowship, the SLSU delegates are expected to strengthen their research competencies, expand international academic networks, and explore innovative practices that can be integrated into the University’s instruction, research, and extension programs. The fellowship also provides avenues for intercultural exchange and collaboration among scholars from diverse disciplines and cultural backgrounds.

The participation of the four faculty members aligns with SLSU’s Strategic Internationalization Plan, which seeks to enhance global engagement, foster international partnerships, and promote research and innovation. The knowledge, skills, and experiences gained from the fellowship are expected to contribute significantly to faculty development, institutional research productivity, and the University’s efforts to strengthen its global presence.

Upon completion of the fellowship, the participants will implement re-entry activities, including echo seminars, research dissemination initiatives, curriculum enhancement efforts, and the development of international collaborations that will benefit the broader SLSU academic community.

As SLSU continues to expand its international footprint, the selection of these faculty members to the Naveen Jindal Young Global Research Fellowship serves as a testament to the University’s growing reputation as a center for research, innovation, and academic excellence.

This international fellowship supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education by enhancing the research capabilities, global competencies, and professional development of faculty members through international academic collaboration. It also advances SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals by fostering global partnerships and knowledge exchange between Southern Leyte State University and O.P. Jindal Global University, contributing to innovation, research excellence, and sustainable institutional development.