SRM University-AP has been bestowed with the Excellence in Enabling Research Environment (Science) award at the 16th International Education Leadership & Skill Development Summit held at Hotel Shangri-La, New Delhi, on May 26, 2023. The award ceremony was organised by ASSOCHAM – National Council on Education. Prof. Ranjit Thapa, Dean-School of Engineering and Sciences; Dr Mahesh Kumar Ravva, Assistant Dean-Research; and Mr Pankaj Belwariar, Director-Communications of SRM University-AP, received the award from Shri. Kunwar Shekhar Vijendra, Chairman-ASSOCHAM – National Council on Education and Prof. Rajita Kulkarni – Co-Chairperson- ASSOCHAM – National Council on Education.
‘‘Our appetite for research and innovation is always ongoing, and such recognitions are huge fuel for the numerous discoveries that can happen at the interface of science and research. I am proud to say that we are involved in fundamental and pure research; inter-disciplinary and cross-disciplinary research; applied and translation research; innovation and entrepreneurship,’’ commented Prof. Manoj K Arora, Vice Chancellor, SRM University-AP, in response to the award.
Prof. Ranjit Thapa, Dean-School of Engineering and Sciences, said SRM University-AP had created an incredible research ecosystem through a robust research infrastructure, laboratories, and research Centres of Excellence. ‘‘Being at the receiving end of such awards is a great honour for a nascent university. We are confident to make many more impactful innovations and contribute to the country’s development,’’ Dr Mahesh Kumar Ravva, Assistant Dean-Research, SRM University-AP, added.
SRM University-AP has 72 sponsored research and industrial consultancy projects with a total outlay of Rs. 28.11 Crores. Among the 128 published patents, 5 have been granted. The research environment is anchored by Eight Interdisciplinary Research Centres of Excellence. The faculty of SRM University-AP have been recently awarded 10 projects worth 2.50 crores from the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB-SURE). The university has constructed two state-of-the-art research buildings to house more than 50 research laboratories and COEs. In another one-year time, the university will also have a research and industrial park on the campus. The varsity has developed into an ideal platform that vitalises intellectual exploration, diversity of perspectives, ingenious research advancements and inventive industry endeavours.
The summit was organised in the context wherein the use of technology coupled with innovation is potent to improve education, develop ingenuity, empower people, bolster governance, and stimulate the effort to achieve the human development goal for the country. ASSOCHAM is the oldest industry association serving the nation since 1920. ASSOCHAM bridges the industry and government on policy and regulations, ease of business and educational issues. The awards are being conferred in recognition of the significant efforts made by higher education institutions. Over 20 subcategories were awarded among the three main categories.
