Prof. Swati Jha, HOD, Electronics & Computer Engineering Department attended a three-day ISTE National Workshop on “Advance Research & Development Activities” under Working Professionals Learning Project (WPLP) from 18th to 20th November 2013 conducted at Hotel ITC, Gardenia, Bangalore. The objective of this workshop was to disseminate knowledge related to inquiry-based learning, Fluid Mechanics, Nano-material characterization, MEMs etc.

The workshop started with a welcome speech by the Resource Coordinator of ISTE-WPLP, Mr. Hariharan followed by the talk of Hon’ble Chief Guest, Dr. R. Murugesan, President, ISTE, and Mr. Basil Gnappa, Ex. Secretary ISTE and the Guest of Honor.

A number of distinguished experts shared their research based observations in various fields. Prof. (Dr.) N.R. Shetty in his presidential speech shared information regarding 12th five year Plan for higher studies which should be utilized judiciously for quality research activities. Dr. Jharna Majumdar, Scientist G (Retd.), Head, AIEL Division, ADE (DRDO), Bangalore, and presently working as Dean, R & D, Prof. and Head, Department of Comp Sc. & Engg. at Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology(NIMT), Bangalore talked on “Multidisciplinary Approach of Research” and “Research Initiatives in Engineering Education”.

Dr. Sekhar Majumdar, Professor, Dept. of ME, NMIT, Bangalore, Former Head, CTFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) Division, NAL, Bangalore shared some of the challenging problems in fluid mechanics. Dr. Rudra Pratap, Professor& Chairperson, Centre for Nano Science and Engineering (CeNSE), Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore Nanotech Research.

Dr. RMVGK Rao, Rtd. Scientist G, Head, Fibre Reinforce Plastics Division, NAL (CSIR) shared his work on polymers Dr. Venkata Krishnaiah Thandaga, Emeritus Scientist G (Retd.) GTRE (DRDO), Bangalore delivered a lecture on design and development of Gas Turbines. Dr. S. Mohan, Visiting Professor, CeNSE, IISc., Bangalore disseminated his knowledge on how to establish a research centre in colleges. Dr. Navakanta Bhat, IISc, Bangalore shared the information regarding INUP workshops for faculty. Mr. Solaikutty Dhanabal, Academic Program Manager, National Instruments, India discussed the Industry-Academic Partnership.

Prof. R. Natarajan, Former Director, IIT Madras and Former Chairman, AICTE shared his views on “Nature & Scope of R & D”. Prof. G.R.C. Reddy, Director, NIT Goa, shared his views regarding “Interdisciplinary Research” programs. He stressed on the fact that B.Tech programs may be specialized but post graduate programs must be interdisciplinary in approach. He told we must address the problems existing in our own place of work so that we get solutions for the benefit of society. Dr. Nagendra Rao, Deputy Director, Laboratory for Eletro-Optics Systems (LEOS), ISRO Satellite Centre, ISRO, Peenya Bangalore shared his views regarding “Innovation and Knowledge Management”.

Prof. Sugate Mitra’s video on experiments that he had performed on self learning methods was showcased.

The workshop ended with a visit to CeNSE, IISc Bangalore where the participants were made aware of the fabrication and characterization techniques of nano materials and the various undergoing projects under the guidance of faculty members associated with CeNSE.

The workshop was a success in the sense that reputed researchers across the Nation shared a plethora of information regarding Research & Development in major sectors.