GITAM Faculty Receives Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellowships, Boosting India’s Scientific Leadership

New Delhi – 05th October 2024: Two faculty members from GITAM’s School of Science, Dr. Dhrubajyoti Chowdhary Chowdhury and Dr. Aparna Lajmi, have been awarded the prestigious Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellowships by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), New Delhi. This recognition, awarded after a highly competitive national selection process, carries significant research grants and support exceeding  each.

With his background in molecular neuroscience, Dr. Chowdhary Chowdhury aims to contribute to translational research following his experience at leading institutions worldwide. Dr. Lajmi, whose previous work focused on biodiversity and ecological sciences, has added depth to GITAM’s ongoing efforts in sustainability research. Their respective fields of expertise complement GITAM’s broader mission to address critical national and global challenges.

GITAM has strongly emphasised multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research as a key component of its broader efforts to contribute to India’s Viksit Bharat vision. Over the past few years, GITAM has secured multiple grants to address global challenges and advance India’s knowledge economy.

● GITAM secured in research grants through the Multidisciplinary Unit of Research on Translational Initiatives (MURTI), focusing on areas like molecular biology, food security, and environmental sustainability. These projects address global challenges such as climate change and sustainable agriculture​.

● GITAM Inclusive Technology Business Incubator (i-TBI): In 2024, GITAM received  grant from the Department of Science and Technology (DST) to establish i-TBI, an incubator focused on fostering innovation in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). The incubator aims to support 50 startups and commercialise at least 20 products by 2026​

● GITAM’s commitment to inclusive growth is demonstrated through  in DST grants to empower tribal communities in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. This includes establishing Niger seed oil processing units and honey processing technology to boost economic development​.

● GITAM students and alumni have also secured funding for technological innovations. For instance, Chintadu Sairam, a 4th-year B.Tech student, received for an underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV) project, while CtoSKY Pvt. Ltd., co-founded by a GITAM alumnus, was awarded for autonomous underwater vehicles in the shrimp industry​.

● GITAM has received funding from the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) to explore the impact of national policies like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and Digital India, furthering the institution’s commitment to addressing social issues through research​.