The first Space Technology Cell Confluence 2019 was held at IIT Madras, Chennai, during 16th and 17th September 2019. The objective was to share information about the research underway in various institutions, the salient findings, and to understand the utilisation of output by ISRO. Space Technology Cells established by ISRO has been active for over three decades in IIT Madras as well as IIT Bombay, IIT Kanpur, IIT Kharagpur, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, and Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, to carry out focused research in space-related technologies. More recently, Space Technology Cells were also started in IIT Guwahati and IIT Roorkee. Speaking about this programme, Dr. S. Ramakrishnan, Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, Distinguished Professor, ISRO, and Former Director, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Thiruvananathapuram, highlighted the emerging ISRO missions and the vast opportunities available in Research and Development requirements, where academia can play a major role. Delivering the Presidential Address, Prof BhaskarRamamurthi, Director, IIT Madras, said that the ISRO – Space Technology Cell at IIT Madras has carried out several projects, since 1985 to various centres of ISRO. He highlighted the importance of collaborative research and suggested mechanisms for the faculty to spend 3-4 weeks in ISRO centres to interact with the scientists and understand their need to make joint proposals. During the two-day event, presentations were made by the conveners of various STCs and the success stories were shared. The relevance and absorption of technologies at ISRO were also presented by the RESPOND coordinators of various centres. A panel of experts discussed the ‘Role of Academia in Indian Space Programme – A New Approach’ and suggested ways to move forward. Dr. P.V. Venkatakrishnan, Director, Capacity Building Programme Office, ISRO, summarised the proceedings in the events and the key takeaways of the confluence. Dr. M A Paul, Associate Director, RESPOND and AI, ISRO, proposed the vote of thanks
Source: https://www.ISRO.gov.in/
Leave Your Comment