VIJAYAWADA, September 21, 2026 (Journalist File): SRM University-AP in Amaravati will host a three-day national-level Science and Technology Summit from December 27 to 29, bringing together scientists, academics, researchers and students from across the country.
The summit is being organised in association with the Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education (APSCHE) as part of efforts to promote scientific research, technological innovation and collaboration among institutions.
Announcing the programme at a press conference in Vijayawada on Saturday, SRM University-AP Vice-Chancellor Prof. C.H. Satish Kumar said the university had been organising national-level conferences on science and technology every year.
This year's event would be conducted on a larger scale in collaboration with APSCHE, he said.
Prof. Umesh Waghmare, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, will attend the summit as the chief guest. Professors, leading scientists and research experts from prominent universities and institutions across the country are expected to participate and share their research, ideas and experiences.
Research to get a dedicated platform
APSCHE In-charge Chairman Prof. S. Vijayabhaskar Rao said the summit would provide a dedicated platform for expanding scientific research across disciplines.
He said national-level conferences of this nature could facilitate knowledge exchange among researchers, encourage new ideas and contribute to strengthening India's research ecosystem.
Prof. Achanta Venugopal, Director of CSIR-National Physical Laboratory, welcomed SRM University-AP's initiative to organise national-level science and technology conferences and said such platforms could encourage greater collaboration in research and innovation.
Global innovation society formed
Alongside the summit, the organisers announced the formation of the “Unites Global Innovation Society” to promote continuous collaboration, research and innovation in science and technology.
Prof. Achanta Venugopal has been appointed president of the society, while Dr. Ranjit Thapa, Dean of Research at SRM University-AP, will serve as vice-president.
Dr. Mangalampalli Kiran has been appointed general secretary, Dr. R. Mahesh joint secretary and Dr. Sabyasachi Mukhopadhyay treasurer. Ten other members from various universities will serve on the executive committee.
Guests unveiled a poster announcing the formation of the society.
‘Vigyan Sethu’ exhibition for 10,000 students
A large-scale science exhibition titled “Vigyan Sethu” will also be organised alongside the summit to encourage scientific thinking and interest in research among school students.
The organisers are making arrangements for around 10,000 students from government and private schools across Andhra Pradesh to visit the exhibition.
Research equipment, technological models and other innovations associated with national institutions such as ISRO and DRDO will be displayed, providing students with an opportunity to gain exposure to emerging technologies and scientific developments.
Dr. K.A. Sunitha, Head of the Health Engineering Department at SRM University-AP, will coordinate the Vigyan Sethu exhibition.
Posters for both the national Science and Technology Summit and Vigyan Sethu exhibition were unveiled during the event.
The programme was attended by Dr. Vijayamohan Pillai, Director of IISER Thiruvananthapuram; Dr. Ranjit Thapa, SRM University-AP Research Dean; Prof. Chilla Mallareddy of IIT Hyderabad; Prof. Soma Venugopala Rao; Prof. Shobha Shukla of IIT Bombay; SRM Dean Dr. Tami, and other academics and researchers.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. C.H. Satish Kumar felicitated the guests and presented them with mementoes.
