Eminent scientists and academicians, along with SRM University-AP leadership, unveiling the UNITES Global Innovation Society launch poster at a programme in Vijayawada on Friday.
| Photo Credit: G.N. Rao
SRM University-AP has launched the UNITES Global Innovation Society (United Network for Sustainable Development Solutions) in association with the Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education (APSCHE), seeking to create a global platform for collaboration among scientists, academics, industry, government and young researchers.
The Centre for Interdisciplinary Research (CIDR) at SRM University-AP will serve as the founding and host institution of the society, which aims to promote collaborative research, innovation, scientific exchange and public engagement. The initiative follows a challenge-oriented approach, bringing together relevant disciplines and expertise to address specific problems and develop solutions.
Speaking at the formal launch in Vijayawada on Saturday, APSCHE Chairman (in-charge) S. Vijaya Bhaskara Rao stressed the need to strengthen the link between scientific research, higher education and society through multidisciplinary collaboration.
Director of CSIR-National Physical Laboratory and UNITES president Achanta Venu Gopal called for greater collaboration among researchers to translate India’s scientific capabilities into practical and indigenous technologies to address local and global challenges.
SRM University-AP Vice-Chancellor Ch. Satish Kumar said complex societal problems could not be addressed through isolated academic disciplines and emphasised the need to bring together diverse expertise to develop meaningful solutions.
Vijayamohanan K. Pillai of IISER Thiruvananthapuram highlighted the need to prepare young scientists to address emerging challenges in areas such as clean energy, water, sustainability and environmental protection.
Associate Professor, CIDR, and UNITES general secretary Kiran Mangalampalli said the society would promote a challenge-oriented scientific ecosystem in which researchers could find collaborators, technologies could move towards practical applications and innovations could reach society.
The first major event under the initiative, UNITES 2026 – Uniting Interdisciplinary Trends in Emerging Science, will be held from December 27 to 29 at SRM University-AP on the theme “Physics at the Interfaces of Matter, Light and Life”.
The event will also feature VIGYAN SETU – National Science & Technology Expo, aimed at connecting students, teachers and the public with scientific research, emerging technologies and hands-on demonstrations.
SRM University-AP said UNITES would strengthen interdisciplinary research networks and contribute to Amaravati’s development as a hub for education, research, technology and innovation.
Eminent scientists and academicians, including Chilla Malla Reddy of IIT Hyderabad, S. Venugopal Rao of the University of Hyderabad, B. Ramakrishna of DMRL, Hyderabad, Shobha Shukla of IIT Bombay, Abha Misra and Praveen Kumar of IISc Bengaluru, Professor and Dean, SEAS, SRM University-AP C. V. Tomy, UNITES vice-president Ranjit Thapa, joint secretary R. Mahesh Kumar and treasurer Sabyasachi Mukhopadhyay, among others, were present.
Published – September 19, 2026 08:39 pm IST
