The Annual Research Summit 2025, themed “Convergence of Science, Society & Sustainability,” was successfully held at KIIT-DU on March 7-8, 2025. This two-day event featured multiple plenary talks delivered by eminent speakers from various fields across the country, along with poster presentations by Ph.D. scholars from different disciplines within KIIT, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation.
Welcoming the guests, delegates, and dignitaries, Prof. Achyuta Samanta, Founder, KIIT, KISS, & KIMS, expressed his happiness at having about 1,000 Ph.D. scholars from KIIT gathered in the auditorium during his address at the inaugural session. Prof. Indranil Manna, Vice-Chancellor of BIT Mesra, emphasized the significance of research in human progress and how aspirations have driven advancements.
Prof. Saranjit Singh, Vice-Chancellor of KIIT-DU, emphasized the vision of the KIIT’s Founder in creating a platform for Ph.D. scholars to interact and collaborate, encouraging undergraduate students to engage in research. He also highlighted the role of corporate collaboration in research initiatives. Prof. Debashish Bandyopadhyay, Vice-Chancellor of KISS-DU, discussed government research initiatives, particularly those under the Science and Engineering Research Board, and elaborated on KIIT’s focus areas, including Project Vajra.
Prof. Gopal C. Kundu, Director of Research and Development, presented an overview of KIIT’s research initiatives across its constituent schools, focusing on sustainable development goals, international collaborations, and significant projects, including the partnership with the University of Cincinnati and advancements in patent filings. Prof. Suresh Chandra Satapathy, Director of Doctoral Research and Publication at KIIT-DU, delivered the welcome address, outlining the event’s objectives and emphasizing its importance in uniting Ph.D. scholars globally.
A key highlight of the day was the launch of three Centres of Innovation and Research (COIR) such as Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning; Quantum Technology; and Applied Behavioural Sciences.
Prof. Achuta Samanta inaugurated the poster presentation, which was followed by plenary talks from eminent speakers. Prof. Indranil Manna spoke on “Materials Engineering for a Green Future and Viksit Bharat @ 2047”. Prof. G.D. Yadav, Former Vice-Chancellor of ICT Mumbai, spoke on “Patents, Sustainability, and Opportunities in Research and Innovation”. Prof. N.K.Ganguly, Former Director-General of ICMR, spoke on “Major Scientific Discoveries, AI, and ChatGPT’s Impact on Microbiology.” The session concluded with remarks by Prof. Ashok Kumar Sahoo, Director of R&D (Technical), followed by a poster presentation by Ph.D. scholars.
The post-lunch session featured presentations by faculty members from various schools before the Research Advisory Committee (RAC). The schools were categorized into three clusters: Engineering Schools and Computer Applications; Schools of Medical Sciences, Dental Sciences, Nursing Sciences, Public Health, Biotechnology, and Applied Sciences; and Schools of Management, Law, and Liberal Studies.
During these sessions, each school presented its research and development activities from the past three years and discussed future research plans, incorporating recommendations and suggestions from external experts on the Research Advisory Committee. The day concluded with a meeting of the Research Advisory Committee, comprising RAC Members of the University, Vice-Chancellors of KIIT and KISS, Director R&D, Director R&D (Tech) and Director (Doc. Res & Pub.).
The Annual Research Summit 2025 at KIIT-DU successfully fostered interdisciplinary collaboration among Ph.D. scholars and highlighted the institution’s commitment to research excellence and sustainable development. The second day of the Annual Research Summit 2025 commenced with a series of insightful plenary talks delivered by esteemed members of KIIT’s Research & Development Core Committee and distinguished RAC Members.
Prof. P.C. Mishra, Dean (R&D, SME) & Head (IPR), provided an in-depth analysis of intellectual property rights (IPR), elucidating the patent filing processes and emphasizing the significance of interdisciplinary research projects at KIIT-DU. Prof. Suresh Satapathy, Director (Doc. Res & Pub.), offered essential guidelines for Ph.D. scholars, addressing topics such as registration validity, thesis submission timelines, research progress evaluations, and requirements of publications related to award of Ph.D. degree.
Prof. Rojalin Sahu, Head (KCRF), discussed the advanced research instruments available at the Central Research Facility (CRF). Prof. M. Suar, Director General of R&D and Innovation at KIIT-DU, emphasized the importance of fostering an innovation-driven ecosystem. He outlined a comprehensive approach encompassing research conceptualization to market implementation, discussing Technology Readiness Levels (TRL), Technology Readiness Assessment (TRA), and Market Readiness Levels (MRL), along with success stories from KIIT’s Technology Business Incubator (TBI).
Prof. Manpreet Singh Manna, Vice-Chancellor of Chandigarh University, underscored the importance of interdisciplinary research, sustainability, and AI governance. Dr. Shankar M. Venugopal, Head of R&D Innovation at Mahindra & Mahindra, Mahindra Research Valley, Chennai discussed the vision of Mobility 2030 and the role of technological advancements in shaping a sustainable future. The core committee felicitated Prof. Dr. N.L. Mitra, Ex- Chancellor of KIIT during a special felicitation ceremony.
The summit culminated with the Valedictory Ceremony, graced by Prof. P.P. Mathur, Former Vice-Chancellor of KIIT, as the Chief Guest. Prof. Ashok Kumar Sahoo initiated the ceremony by summarizing the key takeaways from the summit, emphasizing collaborative and interdisciplinary research. In his address, Prof. P.P. Mathur lauded KIIT’s research initiatives and global collaborations.
The ceremony proceeded with the announcement of the “30 Best Poster Awards,” selected from over 600 posters presented across various schools of the university. Concluding the summit, Prof. Gopal C. Kundu, Director of R&D at KIIT, highlighted the summit’s achievements, followed by concluding remarks and a vote of thanks by Prof. Suresh Chandra Satapathy, Director of Doctoral Research & Publications at KIIT.