DESC:FORM-2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10 and rule 13)

Title: A Platform for Facilitating Academic and Research Internships

APPLICANT DETAILS:
(a) NAME: Adisha Foundation
(b) NATIONALITY: IN
(c) ADDRESS: Adisha Foundation Vasant Square Mall, Plot A, Sector-B, Pocket V, Community Centre, Vasant Kunj

PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION:
The following specification (particularly) describes the nature of the invention (and how it is to be performed):

A Platform for Facilitating Academic and Research Internships

FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to a platform for facilitating Academic and Research internships/fellowships/projects/dissertations for students under Professors/Faculties in India and abroad, across varied fields of Science, Commerce, Management, and Humanities.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The following background discussion includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
Students all over the world who are interested in undergoing internships/fellowships or projects/dissertations have majorly two options to explore that opportunity i.e. either by sending emails to Professors/ Faculties of various colleges considering that contact information of Professors/ Faculties is available on their affiliated college’s/institute’s website; or by referrals to the Professors/ Faculties by others to accept a student for internship. Additionally, different colleges have their portfolios/websites where students can apply to intern under a professor/ department of their college. For example, US20130066795A1 discloses a computer-operated method for distributing job-seeker qualifications to hiring entities comprising job-seeker registration and secure internet entry/uploading, of personal data into a program administrator server, to selectively populate one or more data fields, including a résumé module, a photo/video module, a verification module, and a pre-employment screening module. The job-seeker selects a distribution security scheme, which may include requiring a password to view data, and the program administrator encodes a bar code based upon inputted data and filter/security selections and sends the bar code to the seeker, who forwards the bar code to one or more hiring entities, who use it and a password for online viewing of the seeker's personal data. The bar code is customizable to be hiring-entity-specific and to permit only selective viewing of the entire stored databank and may also be subsequently disabled. The bar code facilitates seeker tracking of a time/date of data viewing.

Further, US20110112977A1 discloses a computer method and system by which an employer or other entity, organization or individual, can collect, manage, view, search, evaluate and store data entered by job applicants for specific employment opportunities. This invention includes a computer method and system by which the employer can create a uniquely identified customized pre-employment application designed specifically for a unique and specific employment opportunity. Furthermore, this invention includes a computer method by which interested individuals can access one or multiple unique pre-employment applications, submit the requested information and exit the system, without obtaining a system registration (username or password). Also, each applicant record is linked specifically to the pre-employment application along with the attached resume. This invention utilizes well-established Internet conventions to allow applicants to remotely access uniquely identified Web pages containing pre-employment applications. Furthermore, this invention utilizes well-established Internet conventions to allow employers to access, applicant information, contained in a database and uploaded to a remote computer or server location. Employer access to the system is determined and regulated by permissions associated with their username and password. Depending on the type of customer, a unique home page can be provided for accessing the applicant's information.
In another document, US11636945B1 discloses a searchable practitioner referral platform, system and method utilizing multiple self-reported objective factors of a practitioner which carry weighted scores based on a frequency of the factor, the weighted scores having a maximum count frequency and accumulating to a total score recalculated for reporting, and where the system is a practitioner-only system utilized in one aspect by a practitioner only after the practitioner inputs his or her own data factor information.

However, it is difficult for institutions, universities, and professors to assess shortlisted interns' abilities promptly. Therefore, there persists a lack of a worldwide structured system of academic/research internships, a potential intern’s profile assessment, accurate matching/pairing of a potential intern with suitable professors, a common data point to assess all candidates on and skill verification. There is no consolidated platform across numerous fields with all the interested students and Professors/ Faculties on it, and there is no structured scope for cross-disciplinary Academic/Research internships. In line with the shortcomings mentioned above in the education systems across the globe, the present invention aims to fill the major existing gaps related to Academic and Research internships/fellowships.

OBJECTIVE OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
The primary object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks associated with prior art.

An object of the invention is to provide a platform/system that helps with internships/fellowships/projects under Professors, all over the world, across all fields of Science, Engineering, Economics, Management, and Humanities, listed in one place, with the facility to apply through the same consolidated platform.
Another object of the invention is to provide a system that grants the greatest visibility and greatest number of interested students to Professors/Faculties who are open to accepting interns for research projects.
Another object of the invention is to provide a standard application process with credentials and skills verification, to assess all potential interns systematically and to bring objectivity in selection processes.
Another object of the invention is to provide a system with greater work efficiency in the field of Research and Academia by systematically matching and recommending a student’s profile to the Professor/Faculties/Researcher whose internships/fellowships they are most suitable for.
Another object of the invention is to supplement professors with tools of skill and research-based filters and sorting facilities to enable the selection and shortlisting of candidates.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION:
In an aspect, the present invention provides a platform for facilitating academic and research internships comprising:
a) a scoring module has embedded memory to store subject knowledge and skill factors of the plurality of students;
b) a verification module connected to the scoring module is configured to verify the credentials of the plurality of students;
c) an input module connected to the verification module is configured to provide an interface for faculty members to provide their input;
d) a recommendation module configured to map the inputs from the students and the faculty member;
e) a controller configured to process data received from the recommendation module, the input module, the verification module, and the scoring module;
wherein the recommendation module is configured to map the inputs from the students and the faculty members, wherein the mapping of inputs comprises every student’s profile and interest area and every faculty expectation is analyzed, wherein the recommendation module is configured to recommend the most eligible students for every input by the faculty members automatically.
In an embodiment, the scoring module is configured to assess student skills and knowledge set relevant to his interest areas, wherein the assessment is performed by the scoring module by an automatic online test.
In an embodiment, the verification module is configured to verify the credentials of plurality of students and divide student’s categories according to their discipline.
In an embodiment, the input module is configured to provide an interface for faculty members to provide their input where input comprises internship listings from time to time along with their preferred skills.
In an embodiment, the platform comprises a table listing showing list of students for internships with their discipline.
In an aspect the present invention provides a method of operation of the platform for facilitating academic and research internships as claimed in claim 1, comprising steps of:
a) entering student details after successfull verification by a verification module;
b) entering details by faculty members in an input module;
c) mapping the details from the students and the faculty member by a recommendation module;
wherein recommending most eligible students by mapping input/details by the faculty members and the students automatically, wherein the mapping of inputs comprises mapping data on every student’s profile and interest and every faculty expectation is analyzed.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING:
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, explain the disclosed principles. The reference numbers are used throughout the figures to describe the features and components. Some embodiments of system and/or methods in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described, by way of example only, and regarding the accompanying figures, in which:

Figure 1 illustrates the system of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

In an embodiment, the invention provides a system for internships/projects/dissertations/fellowships under Professors/Researchers/Faculties, all over the world, across all fields of Science, Engineering, Economics, Management, and Humanities and allied fields, listed in one place. The system/platform will help Professors and Researchers across various ?elds, worldwide, to list their intern requirements for their projects, along with the required skill sets and quali?cations in detail, from time to time, and gain maximum visibility and applications.
In an embodiment, the present invention provides a platform where students can view all these internships/projects/dissertations/fellowships listed by Professors/Researchers/Faculties and apply to any or all of them by Enrolling on the platform. During Enrolment, every student on the platform will be verified, tested, and scored based on the Invention’s Scoring System, thereby giving professors access to a large database of verified and ranked student Profiles, all over the world, across numerous ?elds, looking for internships/fellowships under them, to select from.
In an embodiment, the present invention provides a referral and recommendation system to both students and Professors/Researchers/Faculties where enrolled student profiles will be matched to internships that they are most qualified for and recommended to apply to the same, enabling selection of better interns for Professors/Researchers and better work-satisfaction for students. Furthermore, apart from recommendations and Scoring.
In an embodiment, the present invention provides supplementary aid to students, through an Assistance Program to uplift Scores and a Helpline Number for every and any query that they may have about internships in general, and provide supplementary aid to Professors, through Filters to screen applications and the option to conduct interviews for the shortlisted candidates through the platform.
In an embodiment, the present invention provides a system for facilitating academic and research internships comprising:
a) a scoring module has embedded memory to store subject knowledge and skill factor of plurality of students;
b) a verification module connected to the scoring module is configured to verify the credentials of the plurality of students;
c) an input module connected to the verification module is configured to provide an interface for faculty members to provide their input;
d) a recommendation module configured to map the inputs from the students and the faculty member;
e) a controller configured to process data received from the recommendation module, the input module, the verification module and the scoring module;
wherein the recommendation module is configured to map the inputs from the students and the faculty members, wherein the mapping of inputs comprises every student’s profile and interest area and every faculty expectation is analyzed, wherein the recommendation module is configured to recommend the most eligible students for every input by the faculty members automatically.
In an embodiment, the scoring module is configured to assess student skills and knowledge set relevant to their interest areas, wherein the assessment is performed by the scoring module by an automatic online test.
In an embodiment, the verification module is configured to verify the credentials of plurality of students and divide student’s categories according to their discipline.
In an embodiment, the input module is configured to provide an interface for faculty members to provide their input where input comprises internship listings from time to time along with their preferred skills.
In an embodiment, the system comprises a table listing showing list of students for internships with their discipline.
In an aspect the present invention provides a method of operation of the platform /system for facilitating academic and research internships as claimed in claim 1, comprising steps of:
a) entering student details after successful verification by a verification module;
b) entering details by faculty member in an input module;
c) mapping the details from the students and the faculty member by a recommendation module;
wherein recommending most eligible students by mapping input/details by the faculty members and the students automatically, wherein the mapping of inputs comprises mapping data on every student’s profile and interest and every faculty expectation is analyzed.
In an embodiment, the scoring module or RRAT scoring system with ‘Subject Knowledge’ and ‘Skill Factor’ will assess a student’s skill and knowledge set relevant to the interest areas of his internships through the computerized test, and a ‘Sincerity Factor’ will assess a student’s interest, sincerity, and work ethic. This assessment is conducted through an automated test tailored to gauge the student's competencies. The 'student’s RRAT score' serves as a standardized metric for professors to streamline their selection process when sorting through interested students.
In an embodiment, the verification module will analyze every student’s profile and will have a gap analysis from the vantage point of its suitability concerning a career in research fields. Students with many gaps and those scoring very low on RRAT will have a dedicated assistance program wherein under a Mentor, they will be assisted in filling their gaps to uplift their profile.
In an embodiment, the system of the present invention will perform every student’s profile and will have a gap analysis from the vantage point of its suitability concerning a career in research fields. Students with many gaps and those scoring very low on RRAT will have a dedicated assistance program wherein under a Mentor, they will be assisted in filling their gaps to uplift their profile.
In an embodiment, the list of interested students will be visible to the Professor/ Faculty in the form of a table for every listed internship. The table will consist of the attached student’s profile, their scores as well as their recommendation status from the platform along with multiple skill-based filters at the Professor's/Faculty's disposal.
Examples:
The following is the flow of the methodology followed from the professor (institutes/universities) side and students' side:
Student side flow:
Step 1: Students come to the system and explore All Internships.
Step 2: To apply, go to the registration page and Enroll on the system/platform.
The students will first register at the platform, which will create their student dashboard enlisting their stream, areas for research interest, and skills they possess. In a way, while registering at Konnifel, the research students can make their resumes.
Documents Upload and verification: The student will be uploading their mark sheets and certificates about academic documents, coursework documents, project work documents or supporting URLs, and work experience documents. These documents are verified and the required due diligence is done from the admin side.
Step 3: The student takes the RRAT assessment. This assessment tests every candidate on their subject knowledge in line with their academic qualifications, skills, sincerity, and interest in interning in research through a Computer Test and an Online Automated Interview.
Step 4: The RRAT score is generated and the gap analysis is shared with the student.
Step 5: The Konnifel algorithm generates the recommendation for the professor and matches the students with the professor according to their capabilities in the RRAT.
Step 6: Final interview with professor and finally, an offer letter is dispatched containing the terms for the employment.
Step 7: The internship commences if the terms are acceptable to both student and professor.
Professors Side flow:
Step 1: Registration and uploading of verification documents: Professors register the platform by filling out a form, and providing information such as their name, institution, position, research focus, and contact details.
Step 2: Thorough due diligence is conducted to validate the credentials and suitability of the professor before approving their onboarding request.
Step 3: The professors can now post their internships specifying the details of the internship like duration of the internship, the mode online or offline, location, and the stipend. Professors can indicate the skills that they would require in the intern.
Step 4: System recommends students based on their credentials, RRAT score, interest area, and skill set to professors following their requirements, the professor can shortlist or select the candidates. The platform provides features like filter and sorting facilities, uniform application processes, and interview modules for the professor.
Step 5: Final interview and selection and dispatch of the offer letter: The professor can have a final interview round with the candidate before the final dispatching of the offer letter to the student.
,CLAIMS:We Claim:
1. A platform for facilitating academic and research internships comprising:
a) a scoring module has embedded memory to store subject knowledge and skill factor of plurality of students;
b) a verification module connected to the scoring module is configured to verify the credentials of plurality of students;
c) an input module connected to the verification module is configured to provide an interface for faculty members to provide their input;
d) a recommendation module configured to map the inputs form the students and the faculty member; and
e) a controller configured to process data received from the recommendation module, the input module, the verification module and the scoring module;
wherein the recommendation module is configured to map the inputs from the students and the faculty members, wherein the mapping of inputs comprises every student’s profile and interest area and every faculty expectation is analyzed, wherein the recommendation module is configured to recommend the most eligible students for every input by the faculty members automatically.
2. The platform for facilitating academic and research internships as claimed in claim 1, wherein the scoring module is configured to assess student skill and knowledge set relevant to their interest areas, wherein the assessment is performed by the scoring module by an automatic online test.
3. The platform for facilitating academic and research internships as claimed in claim 1, wherein the verification module is configured to verify the credentials of the plurality of students and divide students’ categories according to their discipline.
4. The platform for facilitating academic and research internships as claimed in claim 1, wherein the input module is configured to provide an interface for faculty members to provide their input where input comprises internship listings from time to time along with their preferred skills.
5. The platform for facilitating academic and research internships as claimed in claim 1, wherein the platform comprises a table listing showing a list of students for internships with their discipline.
6. A method of operation of the platform for facilitating academic and research internships as claimed in claim 1, comprising steps of:
a) entering student details after successful verification by a verification module;
b) entering details by faculty member in an input module; and
c) mapping the details from the students and the faculty member by a recommendation module;
wherein recommending most eligible students by mapping input/details by the faculty members and the students automatically, wherein the mapping of inputs comprises mapping data on every student’s profile and interest, and every faculty expectation is analyzed.