HPCC Workshop
2026-02-06 10:00 - 13:00 (Asia/Kolkata) | SRM University-AP
The Office of Dean-Research is organising a one-day HPCC workshop to ignite innovations in computing. The workshop will delve into HPCC systems, how to connect HPCC to PuTTY, Linux commands, transferring files to HPCC using Win SCP and PBS script for job submission.
Date: February 06, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 01:00 PM
Join the workshop and explore novel frontiers in Computing!

4-Day Workshop on Advanced Academic Writing
2026-02-24 09:30 - 2026-02-27 17:00
The Office of Dean-Research is organising a 4-Day Workshop on Advanced Academic Writing on February 24-27, 2026. The workshop aims to equip participants with essential strategies for developing research questions, theoretical frameworks, and evidence-based arguments suitable for high-impact journals.
The workshop will be beneficial for participants to: –

Enhance skills in writing grant proposals, book chapters, and conference abstracts for interdisciplinary audiences
Hands-on training in revision techniques, peer review simulation, and ethical use of AI in academic writing
Build a collaborative network among humanities scholars in India

Key Topics of Discussion:-

Literature Review, Tools, Ethics & Publication Standards
Writing Thesis and Dissertation
Strategies of Referencing in Academic Writing and Scopus AI
Navigating Technicalities: Scopus Database, ORCiD, and Google Scholar
Research Integrity in the Age of AI
Lecture on Project Grant, Fellowship, and More

Learn from Resource Persons:-

Dr Priyanka Tripathi, IIT Patna
Prof. P K Nayar, University of Hyderabad
Prof. Diana Fox, Bridgewater State University
Dr Ridhima Tewari, IIT Dharwad
Dr Shalini Mittal, Bennet University
Dr Soni Wadhwa, SRM University-AP
Shubhada Nagarkar, Savitribai Phule Pune University
Dr Debashrita Dey, IIT Dhanbad
James Campbell, Intellect Books
Prof. Saseendran Pallikadavath, University of Portsmouth

Registration Link – https://forms.gle/L5iFRgaKWdLorJCJ6
Payment Link – https://payment.collexo.com/user/login/?dest=/pay-fee/srm-ap-events/

UDL#23 - Is AI Really Useful for Materials Science?
2026-02-24 11:00 - 13:00 | ALC 1, Homi J Bhabha Block
The Office of Dean-Research is organising the 23rd edition of the University Distinguished Lecture inviting Prof. Stefano Sanvito, Professor and Chair of Condensed Matter Theory, School of Physics and Director, CRANN (Centre for Research on Adaptive Nanostructures and Nanodevices), Trinity College Dublin, Ireland.
Title of the Lecture: “Is AI Really Useful for Materials Science?”
Abstract
AI and machine learning have rapidly become important tools for our daily life, providing assistance over many tasks. These, however, often concern relatively low-stake domains, such as idea generation, text summarisation, automated paper writing/ reviewing, etc. The physical sciences, however, demand far more: accuracy at the level of experimental validation, reproducibility across thousands of steps and the orchestration of a vast and diverse toolset.
In this talk I will describe our attempts at integrating machine-learning and AI methods into materials science, by looking at rather different domains. Firstly, I will discuss a machine-learning scheme for predicting the Curie temperature of ferromagnets, which uses solely the chemical composition of a compound as feature and experimental data as target [1]. In particular, I will discuss how to develop meaningful feature attributes for magnetism and how these can be informed by experimental and theoretical results. Furthermore, I will show how the experimental data can be mined from published scientific literature with the help of natural language processing tools [2].
Then, I will describe how an accurate description of the structure of materials, which is amenable to be used with machine learning, can offer a quantum-chemistry-accurate description of local properties at virtually no computational costs. This is based on a newly developed cluster expansion formulated in terms of Jacobi-Legendre polynomials. Such general framework allows us to construct, on the same footing, extremely accurate force fields [3] as well as converged electron densities [4]. These can both be integrated in material-discovery workflows generating unprecedented speedup.
Finally, I will present two examples of how visual-graphic techniques can be integrated into materials science. In the first case autoencoder neural networks will be used to denoise scanning electron transmission microscopy images [5], thus allowing us to perform microscopy on fragile samples, which rapidly degrade under electron irradiation. In the second case, I will use movie- enhancement methods to provide high-resolution tomographic maps of complex materials complexes [6]. Importantly, the same method can also be used for medical imaging and can be incorporated in medical devices.
[1] Physical Review Materials 3, 104405 (2019).
[2] npj Computational Materials 9, 222 (2023).
[3] Physical Review B 108, 094102 (2023).
[4] npj Computational Materials 9, 87 (2023).
[5] Machine Learning: Science and Technology 4, 015025 (2023).
[6] Nature Communications 15, 7962 (2024).

Indo-German Scientific Meeting to Strengthen Scientific Collaboration
2026-02-27 10:00 - 2026-02-28 13:00 | ALC 1, Homi J Bhabha Block
The Department of Biological Sciences is organising a two-day Indo-German Scientific Meeting (2026) bringing together antimicrobial resistance (AMR) research experts from the Freie Universität Berlin, and faculty members of the department.
Day one will have a panel discussion that focuses to create awareness on the dimensions and precautionary steps needed to be taken to contain any microorganisms. Day two shifts the focus on strengthening Indo-German research collaboration, promoting academic exchange, and identifying opportunities for joint projects and international funding. By aligning complementary expertise and shared priorities, the meeting aims to establish sustainable partnerships that advance AMR research and translate science into public health impact.
Prof. Thomas Alter, Dean of Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universitaet Berlin, Prof. Uwe Roesler, Dean, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universitaet Berlin, Prof. Robert Klopfleisch from the Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Dr Anika Friese from the Centre of Infectious Medicine, Prof. Jayaseelan Murugaiyan, Associate Dean together with the faculty members of the School of Engineering and Sciences (SEAS), SRM AP will attend this event.

9th Eminent Guest Lecture on Sustainable Clean Thorium Energy
2026-03-23 11:00 - 13:00 | ALC 1, Homi J Bhabha Block
The Office of Dean-Research, SRM University-AP hosts the 9th Eminent Guest Lecture by renowned academician Dr Ganapati Myneni, Director, VT-India Nuclear Energy Partnership and Adjunct Faculty, Virginia Tech, Virginia, USA on March 23, 2026.
Title of the Talk – “Clean Air and Water with Sustainable Clean Thorium Energy”
Abstract
Clean air and water are essential to the health of living beings. Solar, wind, and hydro power sources are helping to some extent to reduce the polluting CO2 and NOX emissions. However, we need distributed base load reliable power that can also serve as backup to intermittent renewable energy sources. Nuclear is the obvious choice.
In this presentation, let us explore the Photonuclear eMMR (Advanced Subcritical Molten Salt Reactor), which is being developed by BSCE (Brahma Sakti Clean Energy) as a collaboration with many international Institutions. The eMMR represents a paradigm shift due to its unique U-233 breeder and burner disruptive technology. The eMMR utilises a molten salt (FLiBe) with the addition of ThF fuel. The photo neutrons that will allow breeding of U-233 from fertile Thorium are internally produced with commercially available electron accelerators that are highly reliable. These low-cost eMMRs of 1 MWth are uniquely positioned to be built at several Institutions for training the much-needed nuclear workforce for fulfilling the SHANTI Act of 2025.
The Photonuclear eMMR provides a scalable, non-proliferative solution to the industrial sector’s thermal energy demands as well, offering a path to full decarbonization without compromising high-temperature performance.

University Distinguished Lecture #24
2026-04-13 10:00 - 11:00 | ALC 1, Homi J Bhabha Block
The Office of the Dean – Research at SRM University-AP is organising the University Distinguished Lecture #24.
The lecture will be delivered by Prof. Pawan K Dhar, Executive Director, CVJ Centre for Synthetic Biology and Biomanufacturing. The talk is titled “Synthetic Biology: From Design Principles to the Dark Matter of the Genome.”
The lecture will explore the evolution of synthetic biology, from its foundational principles of designing and engineering biological systems to its emerging focus on the unexplored regions of the genome, often referred to as “genomic dark matter.” It will shed light on how these underexplored genetic elements can unlock new possibilities in enzyme discovery, therapeutics, antimicrobial development, and industrial biotechnology.
The session aims to provide deep scientific insights into next-generation biological engineering and inspire researchers to explore novel frontiers in genomic science.

Inauguration of Quantum Reference Facility on Campus by Hon’ble Chief Minister of AP
2026-04-14 14:00 - 16:00 | APJ Abdul Kalam Auditorium
In partnership with the Government of Andhra Pradesh, the University is taking a significant step towards strengthening India’s quantum ecosystem by establishing India’s 1st Quantum Reference Facility on our campus.
The facility, the first of its kind at an Indian university is being established under the Amaravati Quantum Valley Project—a visionary mission positioning Andhra Pradesh at the forefront of deep-technology innovation.
The inauguration will take place on World Quantum Day, April 14, 2026, by Chief Guest Hon’ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shri Nara Chandrababu Naidu.
This initiative reflects SRM AP’s progressive vision and commitment to building a robust, future-ready quantum ecosystem through strong collaboration between government, academia, and industry.
Through the Quantum Reference Facility we will nurture the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators, while contributing to the development of ‘Made in India’ quantum technologies.
The Amaravati Quantum Valley is not merely an initiative, but a national promise—to establish Andhra Pradesh as a global hub for quantum innovation – and SRM University-AP, serves as the first Academic Partner in this transformative endeavour.

10th Research Day at SRM-AP
2026-04-24
The Office of the Dean – Research at SRM University-AP is set to host the 10th Research Day on April 24, 2026, celebrating a decade of academic excellence and research innovation. This flagship event aims to provide a dynamic platform for research scholars to present their work, exchange ideas, and foster interdisciplinary collaboration.
The event invites abstract submissions under the Research Scholars category, with key milestones including abstract submission (March 5, 2026), acceptance notification (March 15, 2026), and full paper submission (April 13, 2026). Paper presentations are scheduled for April 22, 2026, leading up to the main event.
Participants will compete for Gold and Silver Medals for outstanding research presentations. Additionally, the Research Contingency Awards will recognise excellence, with the top two PhD papers receiving a cash prize of ₹25,000 each.
Thematic areas span a wide spectrum including Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Data Science, Renewable Energy, Smart Mobility, Humanities and Social Sciences, Robotics, Nanotechnology, and more, reflecting the university’s commitment to multidisciplinary research.
The event is convened by Dr Ayesha Parveen Haroon, with support from co-convenors across departments, ensuring a comprehensive and engaging academic experience.
To know more about the conference visit the website.

Foreign Lecture on Creativity and Innovation in Engineering
2026-05-04 11:00 - 12:30 | Tiered Classroom, 5th Floor, Admin Block
The Office of the Dean–Research at SRM University–AP is set to host an insightful foreign lecture on “Creativity and Innovation in Engineering”, aimed at inspiring students, researchers, and faculty to explore the evolving landscape of engineering innovation. This session will provide a global perspective on how creative thinking drives technological advancement and problem-solving in modern engineering practices.
The lecture will be delivered by Prof. Pratapa Reddy, a distinguished academic and Professor (Retd.) of Computer Engineering from Rochester Institute of Technology, USA. With extensive experience in academia and research, Prof. Reddy is expected to share valuable insights into fostering innovation, interdisciplinary approaches, and real-world applications of creative engineering solutions.
The session promises to be an engaging platform for intellectual exchange. Participants will gain exposure to international perspectives and practical strategies to cultivate creativity in engineering domains.
This lecture reflects the university’s continued commitment to promoting research excellence and global academic engagement, encouraging students and scholars to think beyond conventional boundaries and contribute meaningfully to the future of engineering.

One-Day Workshop on BET Surface Area Analysis using Anton Paar, Autosorb 6300
2026-06-03 09:30 - 17:30 | JC-318 and JC-411
The Central Research Facility (CRF), SRM University-AP, is organising a one-day hands-on workshop on BET Surface Area Analysis using Autosorb 6300. The workshop is designed to provide participants with comprehensive theoretical knowledge and practical exposure to surface area and pore size analysis techniques widely used in material characterization research.
The program will cover the principles of adsorption science, BET theory, sample preparation, instrument handling, data acquisition, and interpretation of adsorption-desorption isotherms.
Participants will gain hands-on experience with the Autosorb 6300 system and learn its applications in advanced research and industrial analysis.
Objectives of the Workshop

To introduce the fundamentals of BET surface area analysis
To explain adsorption-desorption principles and pore characterization
To provide practical training on the operation of Autosorb 6300
To demonstrate sample preparation and degassing procedures
To train participants in interpreting BET analysis reports
To highlight applications in nanomaterials, catalysts, polymers, pharmaceuticals, and energy materials

Topics Covered

Introduction to BET Theory
Principles of Gas Adsorption
Surface Area Measurement Techniques
Pore Size and Pore Volume Analysis
Adsorption-Desorption Isotherms
Sample Preparation and Degassing
Instrument Overview – Autosorb 6300
Software Operation and Data Analysis
Interpretation of BET Reports
Applications in Research and Industry

Hands-on Training Sessions

Sample Loading Procedure
Degassing Process
BET Surface Area Measurement
Instrument Operation
Software-based Data Interpretation
Troubleshooting and Best Practices

Target Participants

Faculty Members
Scientists
Research Scholars
Postgraduate and Undergraduate Students
Industry Professionals
Researchers working in Material Science, Nanotechnology, Chemistry, Physics, and related areas

About the Instrument
Autosorb 6300
The Autosorb 6300 by Anton Paar is an advanced high-vacuum gas sorption analyzer designed for accurate surface area and pore characterization of porous and nanostructured materials.
The system is widely used for:

BET Surface Area Analysis
Pore Size Distribution
Total Pore Volume Determination
Adsorption–Desorption Studies
Advanced Material Characterization

Applications

Nanomaterials
Catalysts
Activated Carbon
MOFs and Zeolites
Energy Storage Materials
Ceramics and Polymers

10th Eminent Guest Lecture by Prof. Adisak Boonchun
2026-06-16 11:00 - 12:30 | JC-304, J C Block
The Office of Dean-Research and Department of Physics, SRM University-AP are jointly organising the 10th edition of the Eminent Guest Lecture Series on June 16, 2026. The university welcomes Prof. Adisak Boonchun, Associate Professor, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand, to deliver a lecture on “Machine Learning Methods in Materials Simulation”.
Abstract
In computational materials science, we always face a big problem: choosing between accuracy and speed. Density Functional Theory (DFT) is very accurate for studying atoms, but it requires too much computer power. Because of this, standard DFT can only simulate small systems with a few hundred atoms for a very short time. This makes it very difficult to study real-world properties like heat transport, defects, or phase changes.
This lecture introduces how machine learning (ML) is breaking this limit. Today, we demonstrate the use of Machine Learning Force Fields (MLFF). Instead of solving complex systems, an on-the-fly MLFF model can learn the relationship between atomic structures and energy from a small set of DFT data. This allows us to run simulations with DFT-level accuracy but at the speed of simple classical models.
As a real example, this talk will show how we use ML methods to calculate the lattice thermal conductivity of semiconductors. We will discuss how to train the model efficiently to simulate heat transport in large systems, which is impossible with standard DFT alone. Finally, we will talk about the current challenges of AI in physics and look at the future of automated materials simulation.

11th Eminent Guest Lecture by Prof. Yeoh Keat Hoe
2026-06-18 11:30 - 13:00 | JC-304, J C Block
The Office of Dean-Research and the Department of Physics are jointly organising the 11th Eminent Guest Lecture on the topic “Transition Metal-Doped 2D GaN with improved catalytic performance for lithium–sulfur batteries: Insights from a first-principles study” on June 18, 2026. Prof. Yeoh Keat Hoe, Associate Professor, Jeffrey Sachs Center on Sustainable Development, Sunway University, Malaysia, will deliver the session.
Abstract
Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries are regarded as one of the most promising next-generation energy storage technologies due to their exceptionally high theoretical energy density. However, their commercial deployment remains hindered by the polysulfide shuttle effect and the sluggish kinetics of the sulfur reduction reaction (SRR), which involves a complex 16-electron conversion pathway. Recent experimental studies have demonstrated that coating sulfur cathodes with GaN nanosheets effectively suppresses polysulfide shuttling and improves cycling stability compared with conventional Li–S batteries. The polar nature of GaN promotes strong interactions with lithium polysulfides (LiPSs), while the relatively low atomic masses of Ga and N help preserve the high energy density of the system. Motivated by these findings, we employed first-principles density functional theory calculations to systematically screen transition-metal (TM) single-atom dopants on two-dimensional (2D) GaN for enhanced SRR electrocatalysis. Our results reveal that the key liquid-to-solid conversion step, Li₂S₄ → Li₂S, exhibits a linear correlation with the SRR overpotential, described by Based on the resulting volcano relationship, Pd@GaN and Cu@GaN emerge as the most promising catalysts, each exhibiting an overpotential of 0.43 V. Both single-atom catalysts remain thermally stable on the 2D GaN substrate and display strong adsorption toward high-order lithium polysulfides (Li₂Sₙ, n = 4, 6, and 8), with binding energies ranging from −1.81 to −2.99 eV, indicating excellent capability for suppressing the shuttle effect. These findings provide fundamental insights into the SRR mechanism on TM-doped 2D GaN and offer valuable design principles for developing high-performance single-atom catalysts for advanced Li–S batteries.

Air Taxi Demonstration
2026-07-17
SRM University-AP, in collaboration with the Centre for Drone Technology and Sky_Works is set to host an advanced technological showcase. An exclusive “Air Taxi Demonstration” is scheduled to take place on July 17, 2026, commencing promptly at 10:00 AM. The demonstration will prominently feature Sri. CV Sridhar, the Mission Director of the AP State Quantum Mission, as a distinguished guest. Furthermore, this significant showcase of innovative drone technology will be conducted in the esteemed presence of the Honorable Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ch. Satish Kumar
This upcoming event aims to exhibit the latest developments and practical applications in modern aerial mobility directly on the university grounds.

HPCC Workshop
2026-07-24 10:00 - 13:00 | JC-304, J C Block
The Office of Dean-Research is organising a one-day HPCC (High Performance Computing Cluster) Workshop on July 24, 2026. The workshop will cover HPCC systems, connecting to HPCC via PuTTY, Linux commands, transferring files to HPCC using WinSCP, and PBS scripts for job submission.
Date: July 24, 2026
Venue: Conference Hall-304, J C Bose Block
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Register Now!

ACCMS Webinar-41 by Prof. Stefan Blügel
2026-07-28 11:00 - 13:00 | Online event
The Office of Dean-Research is organising the 41st webinar under the Asian Consortium on Computational Materials Science (ACCMS) Global Centre on July 28, 2026. Prof. Stefan Blügel, Quantum Theory of Materials (PGI-1), Peter Grünberg Institute, Institute for Theoretical Physics, RWTH Aachen University, will deliver the webinar on the topic “Chiral Magnons and Anisotropic Damping in Metallic Altermagnets”.
Abstract
Altermagnetism, a novel class of magnetic order, has recently attracted the scientific interest. Combining the favourable properties of ferromagnets, such as spin polarised conduction electrons, with the advantages of antiferromagnets, such as zero net magnetisation and high-frequency switching, it is a promising area of research [1]. While the ground state properties of altermagnets have been studied, their dynamic properties, such as magnon dispersions, remain elusive. Understanding these properties includes the investigation of magnon excitations, which is essential for the development of spintronic and magnonic devices based on altermagnets. In altermagnets, the chiral magnon degeneracy of antiferromagnets is lifted along certain wave-vector directions and chiral magnons emerge as a consequence of exchange interactions and crystal symmetry, rather than from spin-orbit coupling. Unlike chiral magnets, where chirality originates from the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction in noncentrosymmetric systems, altermagnetic chiral magnons arise from the momentum-dependent spin splitting enforced by symmetry, even in centrosymmetric materials. In this presentation, results are presented of our recent investigation [2] on the interplay between electronic band spin splitting and chiral magnon excitations in a series of metallic g-wave altermagnets of 3d-transition-metal pnictides, TmPn, in the NiAs structure with a 3d element (Tm=V, Cr), and a pnicogen (Pn= As, Sb, Bi) using density functional theory and many-body perturbation theory [3]. The latter theory allows a coherent investigation of Stoner and magnon excitations in metallic magnets. For example, we find that the magnon damping due to Stoner excitations is highly wavevector-dependent, reaching substantial values in specific Brillouin zone regions. I relate to recent RIXS experiments [4-6] on CrSb that confirmed the presence of polarization-dependent magnon modes.

Eminent Lecture on Climate change, coastal disasters: A global view
2026-08-04 11:00 - 17:00 | JC-411
The Centre for Interdisciplinary Research and the Office of Dean Research at SRM University-AP is organising a CIDR Eminent Lecture titled “Climate change, coastal disasters: A global view.” The session will feature Dr. Komali Kantamaneni, Senior Coastal Scientist and Environmentalist, Co-Director of the UN-SPIDER UK Regional Support Office, and Global Research Co-Lead at GRACE Institute, University of Lancashire, UK, as the guest speaker.
Key Details

Date: August 4, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM
Venue: JC-411, JC Block
Topic: Climate change, coastal disasters: A global view

One-Day Workshop on Research Commercialisation
2026-08-13 10:00 - 16:00 | Tiered Classroom, 5th Floor, Admin Block
The Technology Transfer Cell, Office of Dean-Research, is organising a one-day workshop on “Idea to Impact: A Workshop on Research Commercialisation” for faculty, research scholars, and graduate students aspiring to translate their research innovations into market-ready solutions.
Mr Vijay Rathan Linga, Techno-Legal Advisor, SRMDEI, SRMIST, Chennai and Dr Yuvarani MS, Associate, Technology Transfer, SRMDEI, SRMIST, Chennai, will be the resource persons for the workshop.
The workshop will feature two sessions:-
Session 1 – “Exploring the Journey of Idea to Commercialisation”
Session 2 – “Creating/identifying value in your Research” (Hands on)
Register now – https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd6_Pt863ly_dFUNwbExJGVCOe29B1bR5BAViTasD109Wl6VA/viewform?usp=dialog

Asian Consortium on Computational Materials Science (ACCMS) Webinar-42
2026-08-24 11:00 - 12:30 | Online event
The Asian Consortium on Computational Materials Science (ACCMS) Global Centre at SRM University-AP, Amaravati, is organising a Webinar titled “AI-Driven Computational Materials Science: Integrating First-Principles Simulations, HPC, and Materials Informatics”. The talk will be delivered by Prof. Kenta Hongo, Professor at the Center for Advanced Scientific Computing (CASC), JAIST.
The presentation reviews the evolution of computational materials research from conventional density functional theory (DFT) calculations to AI-assisted materials discovery. Topics include Bayesian optimisation, computational discovery of superconducting hydrides, mixed-anion compounds, high-entropy alloys, polymer informatics, machine-learning-assisted design of functional materials, the ChemAutoVision AutoML framework, and JAIST’s newly deployed HAKUSAN supercomputer.
Abstract
Artificial intelligence (Al) is rapidly transforming computational materials science by enabling the seamless integration of first-principles simulations, high-performance computing (HPC), and data-driven materials informatics. This talk reviews the evolution of computational materials research from conventional density functional theory (DFT) calculations toward modern Al-assisted materials discovery and discusses future perspectives for Al-driven scientific research. Recent advances at JAIST include Bayesian optimization for efficient materials exploration, computational discovery of superconducting hydrides, mixed-anion compounds, and high-entropy alloys, polymer informatics for high-thermal-conductivity materials, and machine-learning-assisted design of functional materials. I will also introduce our recent development of ChemAutoVision, an AutoML framework for molecular property prediction from two-dimensional chemical structure images, demonstrating how Al can lower the barrier to applying machine learning in chemistry and materials science. The talk will also introduce the newly deployed HAKUSAN supercomputer at JAIST and discuss its role in supporting large-scale first-principles simulations, Al-assisted scientific computing, and education of the next generation of computational materials scientists.
Key Details

Date: August 24, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM (IST)
Topic: AI-Driven Computational Materials Science: Integrating First-Principles Simulations, HPC, and Materials Informatics
Speaker: Prof. Kenta Hongo (Professor at the Center for Advanced Scientific Computing – CASC, JAIST)
Organiser: Asian Consortium on Computational Materials Science (ACCMS) Global Centre, SRM University-AP, Amaravati

University Distinguished Lecture - From Curiosity to Discovery — The Power of Scientific Inquiry
2026-09-22 10:00 - 11:00 | ALC 1, Homi J Bhabha Block
SRM University-AP is hosting University Distinguished Lecture #26, titled “From Curiosity to Discovery — The Power of Scientific Inquiry”. The session will feature Prof. Anantanarayanan Raman, Senior Scientist (Health & Biosecurity) at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Floreat Park Campus, Perth, Australia, as the distinguished speaker.
The lecture is designed to benefit students, researchers, and faculty members interested in scientific methodologies, research innovation, and the evolution of systematic inquiry.
Abstract
Scientific inquiry’s strength and power lie in it being systematic and in the intellectual capacity to transform curiosity into a sound corpus of knowledge through observation, testing, and continuous iteration. This process energises efforts to distinguish fact from assumption, solve intricate problems and convoluted challenges, and shift towards ‘truth’ — the ‘scientific truth’. Greater clarity emerges because of newly accrued evidence. Scientific inquiry replaces conjectures with substantiations, empowering us with a brilliant rational power to explain how the biophysical world operates and to arrive at reasoned conclusions.
In this presentation, Prof. Raman will touch on the two key drivers of science — curiosity (the spark) and discovery (the fire). He will refer to two pivotal points of scientific inquiry: ‘logic’ and ‘epistemic openness’, concluding with an analysis of how scientific inquiry has evolved and adapted under the post-modern era of globalisation.
Key Details

Date: Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Venue: ALC-1, 3rd Floor, Homi J Bhabha Block
Topic: From Curiosity to Discovery — The Power of Scientific Inquiry
Speaker: Prof. Anantanarayanan Raman (Senior Scientist, Health & Biosecurity, CSIRO, Perth, Australia

Uniting Interdisciplinary Trends in Emerging Science (UNITES) 2026
2026-12-27 - 2026-12-29
SRM University-AP is gearing up to host UNITES 2026, a Conference on Converging Frontiers in Science and Technology, from December 27 to 29, 2026. Organised by the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research (CIDR), the gathering will take place at the APJ Abdul Kalam Auditorium in Amaravati. Centered around the theme “Physics at the Interfaces of Matter, Light and Life,” the event aims to unite interdisciplinary trends in emerging science. The academic discourse will delve into focus areas such as Advanced Materials and Light-Matter Systems alongside Complex and Living Physical Systems.
There will be popular and invited talks, contributed talks, poster sessions, panel discussions, and ample networking opportunities, to foster academic engagement and participation.
Convened by Dr Kiran Mangalampalli and Dr Sabyasachi Mukhopadhyay, UNITES 2026 offers comprehensive registration tiers that include full hospitality, a registration kit, and access to all technical sessions.

A merit-based transport allowance will be provided to 300 selected students
Participants will have the opportunity to win prizes and awards worth ₹5,00,000.
Furthermore, selected papers presented at the conference will be considered for peer-reviewed publication in prestigious international journals

For detailed registration, abstract submission, and further updates, prospective participants are encouraged to visit https://www.srmap.edu.in/unites-2026/.
