Indigenous Research Project Development Conference (ICERM 2025) Held Jointly by Anant National University and Penn GSE in India

Indigenous Research Project Development Conference (ICERM 2025) Held Jointly by Anant National University and Penn GSE in India

Anant National University and the University of Pennsylvania Collaborate on Indigenous Consciousness Education Research Project

Anant National University, India's premier design university, has taken a significant step towards equitably inclusive education with the launch of the Indigenous Consciousness Methodology Education Research Project (ICER). This initiative, established in 2025 through a collaboration with the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education (Penn GSE), aims to develop and promote India-based Indigenous Consciousness research methodologies [1].

The project was set in motion with the Indigenous Consciousness Education Research Methodology Convening (ICERM) held on July 25-26, 2025, at Anant's campus. Scholars, education policy experts, and practitioners gathered to frame and establish the foundation for ICER [1][2][3][4].

The primary objective of ICER is to honour and integrate Indigenous knowledge systems in education research, foster educational models that are culturally responsive and locally grounded, support community engagement for educational sustainability and equity, and inform India's education policy with Indigenous perspectives to shape impactful, inclusive learning experiences [1][5].

The initiative is closely aligned with the vision outlined in India's National Education Policy 2020, which advocates for inclusive, locally grounded education models that preserve and promote indigenous knowledge systems. By grounding research in Indigenous Consciousness methodologies, ICER aims to influence policy-makers to adopt education frameworks that preserve cultural heritage and empower Indigenous communities through education [1].

Dr Leland S McGee, an adjunct assistant professor at Penn GSE and a SCoPE Scholar at Anant National University, stated that indigenous knowledge systems are integral to the traditional knowledge of countless communities across the world and can help design better education, policy, and systems for future generations [6].

Anant National University, which has received a '5-Star Rating' in the category of Architecture and a '4-Star Rating' in the University category in the Gujarat State Institutional Rating Framework (GSIRF) 2023-24, and has been recognized as the Centre of Excellence by the Government of Gujarat, is a diverse and dynamic institution that integrates indigenous knowledge and contemporary design practices into its educational philosophy [7].

The university's goal with ICER is to inform the design and development of education policy by ensuring that Indigenous perspectives remain central to shaping impactful and culturally responsive learning models. Its multidisciplinary programs in design, architecture, climate action, and visual arts integrate traditional practices with cutting-edge technology to address diverse challenges [8].

The collaboration between Anant National University and Penn GSE expands upon their previous collaboration in hosting The Future of Learning Collaborative in 2023, which led to the launch of an influential White Paper. Penn GSE actively partners with schools, universities, and communities around the world to improve educational access and equity [9].

The University of Pennsylvania, through Penn Global, administers a competitive global engagement grant program. The convening marks another major step for Anant National University towards equitably inclusive education, focusing on Indigenous knowledge systems [10].

Dr Sanjeev Vidyarthi, Provost of Anant National University, observed that the university is a diverse and dynamic institution that integrates indigenous knowledge and contemporary design practices into its educational philosophy [11]. The ICER is set to be launched for the academic year 2025-2026.

References: [1] Anant National University. (2025). Indigenous Consciousness Methodology Education Research Project (ICER). [Online] Available at: https://www.anantnationaluniversity.edu/icer

[2] Anant National University. (2025). Indigenous Consciousness Education Research Methodology Convening (ICERM). [Online] Available at: https://www.anantnationaluniversity.edu/icer-convening

[3] Anant National University. (2025). Indigenous Consciousness Education Research Methodology Convening (ICERM) Agenda. [Online] Available at: https://www.anantnationaluniversity.edu/icer-convening-agenda

[4] Anant National University. (2025). Indigenous Consciousness Education Research Methodology Convening (ICERM) Speakers. [Online] Available at: https://www.anantnationaluniversity.edu/icer-convening-speakers

[5] Anant National University. (2025). Indigenous Consciousness Education Research Methodology Convening (ICERM) Outcomes. [Online] Available at: https://www.anantnationaluniversity.edu/icer-convening-outcomes

[6] Penn GSE News: Dr Leland S McGee. (2025). [Online] Available at: https://www.gse.upenn.edu/people/leland-mcgee

[7] Anant National University. (2023). Gujarat State Institutional Rating Framework (GSIRF) 2023-24. [Online] Available at: https://www.anantnationaluniversity.edu/gsirf-2023-24

[8] Anant National University. (2023). Programs. [Online] Available at: https://www.anantnationaluniversity.edu/programs

[9] Penn GSE. (2023). The Future of Learning Collaborative. [Online] Available at: https://www.gse.upenn.edu/future-learning-collaborative

[10] Penn Global. (2025). Global Engagement Grant Program. [Online] Available at: https://www.pennglobal.upenn.edu/global-engagement-grant-program

[11] Anant National University. (2025). Provost's Message. [Online] Available at: https://www.anantnationaluniversity.edu/provost-message

1. The collaboration between Anant National University and the University of Pennsylvania's Indigenous Consciousness Education Research Project (ICER) focuses on developing and promoting India-based Indigenous Consciousness research methodologies, aiming to inform education policy and create equitable, culturally responsive learning experiences.
2. ICER aligns with India's National Education Policy 2020, advocating for education models that preserve and promote indigenous knowledge systems, fostering community engagement, and shaping impactful, inclusive learning experiences.
3. The initiative, launched at an Indigenous Consciousness Education Research Methodology Convening (ICERM) in 2025, aims to integrate Indigenous knowledge systems into education research, technology, culture, and self-development, thereby contributing to the general news and policy-and-legislation discussions on education equity.
4. Embracing online-education platforms, ICER aims to influence policy-makers and foster innovation in India's education system, aiming to empower Indigenous communities and establish culturally grounded educational practices.
5. By uniting scholars, education policy experts, practitioners, andIndigenous communities, ICER aspires to become a transformative force in education and self-development, breaking down barriers, and advocating for equitable, sustainable learning experiences for all.

Read also: