Vice President inaugurates research and innovation facilities at Panjab University

Spread the news

Chandigarh, September 4

Vice-President C P Radhakrishnan on Friday inaugurated new research and innovation facilities at Panjab University, saying it would strengthen the institution’s scientific research, entrepreneurship and technology development. Radhakrishnan, who is also the ex-officio Chancellor of Panjab University, inaugurated the Advanced Instrumentation Facility at the Sophisticated Analytical Instrument Facility/Central Instrumentation Laboratories (SAIF/CIL) and the Panjab University Tech Innovation Forum (PU-TIF).

The new instrumentation facility includes five advanced scientific instruments — an Atomic Force Microscope, Raman Spectrometer, DNA Sequencer, Flow Cytometer and FTIR Spectrometer — which are expected to support research in areas including nanotechnology, materials science, environmental science and genomics.

Addressing the gathering, the Vice-President recalled the university’s history since its establishment in 1882 and highlighted its contribution to public life, science, education and nation-building.

He said India’s higher education and scientific research ecosystem had undergone significant changes and that the country was increasingly emerging as a destination for education, research and innovation.

Radhakrishnan also highlighted the transformation of Bio-NEST into the Panjab University Tech Innovation Forum, a Section 8 not-for-profit company aimed at strengthening links between research, entrepreneurship and technology development.

He said innovation required closer cooperation between academic institutions, industry, incubators and investors, and urged young researchers to develop ideas capable of addressing real social challenges.

The Vice-President also addressed concerns over campus safety following the death of a PhD student. He said he had directed university authorities to conduct a comprehensive safety audit of the campus.

An internal committee has been formed to review existing infrastructure and submit a detailed report, he said, adding that the safety and well-being of students and staff must remain a priority.

He also urged students to support the vision of a drug-free India and stay away from substance abuse.

Radhakrishnan said the new facilities could help translate ideas developed in classrooms and laboratories into opportunities for young people and contribute to research, innovation and entrepreneurship.

Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria, Haryana Governor Prof Ashim Kumar Ghosh, Lok Sabha MP Manish Tiwari and Panjab University Vice-Chancellor Prof Meenakshi Goyal were among those present.