IIC’s Lecture cum Interaction series culminates at Jammu University

Jammu, June 2 :- Two day lecture cum Interaction series organized by JU-Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC) culminated in University of Jammu, Jammu on June 1, 2023. IIC is a Ministry of Education’s initiative for Higher Education Institutions to systematically foster the culture of innovations and start up ecosystem in higher educational institutions.

IIC has various proposed programs namely Innovation Ambassador Program, Impact Lecture Session, Innovation Contest, Mentor- Mentee Program, Yukti National Innovation etc. In the Lecture Session category, a series was started by JU-IIC with the first lecture cum interaction with Padmabhushan Prof. P. Balaram, Former Director IISc., Bangalore. Prof. Balaram spoke on “Reflections on Science in the age of the Coronavirus”. Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor of University of Jammu, Jammu was the Chief Guest of the occasion. Prof. Rai said that innovations can be achieved only when the basic research is in place.

He also stressed upon the transdisciplinary research by dissolving the boundaries of individual subjects like Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and Biology. Prof. Rajni Kant, Dear Research Studies and Guest of Honour of the function also spoke on the occasion. He emphasized on the varied aspects of Corona pandemic and linked it to the importance of innovations.  

Prof. P. Balaram – an eminent scientist in his lecture cum interaction stressed upon the fact that the discovery of vaccine for COVID-19 was possible only because the discovery of Coronavirus was done decades before. Although the research on the subject initiated when pandemic arrived in 2019, but the fundamental research on the virus was done much earlier and described by the lady Dorothy Hamre. According to him innovation is basically the execution of discoveries and inventions.

Basic science is the backbone of technological evolution. Quoting a simple example of use of disinfectant like alcoholic sanitizers during the COVID-19 is the other face of a statement “soap, water and common sense are the best disinfectants” suggested long back by scientists. Further, he suggested that cultural traits must be taken into consideration while working for innovations.

Earlier, Prof. Rakesh Vaid Convener JU-IIC welcomed the speaker, dignitaries and other guests including faculty and students from different departments of the University, colleges and institutions. Prof. Veenu Kaul, President JU-IIC spoke on the Institution’s Innovation Council and its activities in the campus. Prof. Jyoti Vakhlu introduced the speaker to the audience.

Afternoon session was conducted in School of Biotechnology wherein Prof. Sanjana Kaul, Director of School, apprised about the activities of the School of Biotechnology. Prof. Balaram deliberated on “Science communication and public understanding of science” wherein he emphasized on a deep understanding of the importance of effective science in today’s world and its communication to the public in the right prospective. 

He said that by harnessing various mediums and adapting to diverse audiences, one can enhance scientific literacy, foster curiosity, and drive positive change in society. His lecture served as a reminder for the critical role of science in today’s society.

On the second day of the lecture series Prof. Hemlata Balaram – a renowned Scientist and Professor at Molecular Biology and Genetics Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore delivered a lecture on “Structure-Function studies on the enzyme guanosine monophosphate (GMP) syhthetase” in the seminar hall of Department of Botany, University of Jammu.

Prof. Anju Bhasin, former Vice Chancellor, Cluster University of Jammu and Dean Faculty of Sciences, University of Jammu was the Chief Guest in the second day’s event. Dr. Sheetal Amberdar, faculty in School of Biotechnology introduced the speaker to the audience and Dr. Ripu Dhaman Parihar, coordinator Start-Up Activities (JU-IIC) conducted the proceedings of the session.

The events were attended by Prof. R. N. Gohil, Prof. Yash Pal Sharma, Prof. Geeta Sumbali, Prof. Kamal Kapoor, Pro, Sushil Pandey, Prof. Haq Nawaz, Prof. Satya Paul, Dr. Poonam Sambyal, Dr. Samantha Vaishnavi, Dr. Madulika, Dr. Sikander, Dr. Geeta, Dr. Nisha, Dr. Monika, Dr. Arti, Dr. Harish, Dr. Rajni, Dr. Sandeep Kotal, Dr. Chaman Lal, Dr Skarma, Dr. Sajan, Dr. Romica, scientists of CSIR-IIIM, and students and scholars of Jammu University as well as other Universities of the region. Vote of the thanks was extended by Dr. Skarma.

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