A momentous celebration of academic excellence unfolded as the Amrita Innovation & Research Awards (AIRA) were bestowed upon 570 distinguished faculty members of Amrita University. Recognizing their exceptional contributions, the awards, including the Chancellor’s Research Excellence Award, Innovation Award, and Publication Excellence Award, Award for Extramural Grant, Publication Merit Award, Certificate of Appreciation Award were presented with due acknowledgment and honor.
The award ceremony was held as a part of the Amrita Research & Innovation Symposium for Excellence (ARISE) 2024. With the participation of over 500 faculty members from eight campuses, ARISE 2024 aimed to provide a dynamic platform for top researchers to collaborate, initiating interdisciplinary research initiatives that transcend conventional boundaries and collectively address societal challenges.
Amrita’s Chancellor, Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, Amma graced the occasion, presenting the top research awards to 24 Scientists who were bestowed the title of Top 2% scientists in the world by Stanford University. The chief guests for the event were Dr. Akhilesh Gupta, Secretary of the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), Government of India, and Venu Govinda Raju, Director of the Center for Unified Biometrics and Sensors at the University at Buffalo.
Dr. Akhilesh Gupta, Department of Science & Technology, Government of India said, “The depth of knowledge in science and technology, coupled with compassion, is essential. India has made significant progress, ranking globally in communication, start-ups, and publication excellence. The National Research Foundation will boost research funding tenfold, supporting innovation and translational research. Multidisciplinary collaboration aligns with the evolving national education policy. This initiative aims to bring industry into the research system, fostering international collaboration for societal gains. The vision is clear: work together to make India a global leader, and I commit to providing full support.”
In her keynote address, Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, Chancellor, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham underscored the intrinsic potential within every individual. Education should spread light within and without and equally develop discernment and contemplation. It should develop the curiosity to know the internal world just as much as it does to know the external world. Education should teach us to keep our inner eye open just as much as our external eyes,” she passionately expressed, emphasising the role of education in unlocking this potential and fostering a deep connection with nature. Her inspiring words set the tone for the symposium, urging attendees to explore and utilise their unique capabilities for the betterment of society.
The award ceremony was spread over 2 days with over 570 awards in various categories and seed grants exceeding 200 Million INR being awarded, to acknowledge the contribution and unwavering dedication of Amrita faculty members.
The AIRA awards and ARISE 2024 collectively stand as a testament to Amrita University’s commitment to fostering a culture of compassion-driven research, innovation, and collaboration.
