As a part of its conscientious effort to foster an effective integration of science and technology by collaborating with leading R&D organizations, Delhi Technological University (DTU), formerly Delhi College of Engineering, entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with leading CSIR laboratory and a major R&D arm of the nation, National Physical Laboratory (NPL), India, today in the Capital.
The MoU was signed by Prof. P.B. Sharma, Vice Chancellor, DTU and Prof. R.C. Budhani, Director, NPL on the occasion of ‘National Science Day’ being celebrated by NPL. Other eminent dignitaries present at the function included Prof. K. L. Chopra, former Director, IIT Kharagpur, Prof. R.S. Nigam, former Director, Delhi School of Economics and Dr. R.K. Kotnala, Scientist F, NPL, besides scientists of NPL and Deans, HoDs & students of DTU, present in great number. Speaking at the occasion, Prof. Bhudani said, “NPL is the cradle of physics and physics based technologies, in the country. It is a vibrant place for research in variety of areas of science and technology and we look forward to new paradigm of partnership between DTU and NPL.”
Prof. Sharma, who was also chief guest for the occasion delivered the inaugural address on “Creating synergy between Science and Engineering”. Prof. Sharma said, “The new knowledge age which is ushered by talent and driven by innovation, requires the practice of science and engineering in the environment of scientism such that the thin line of divide between science and engineering disappears when a scientist is working in his lab or a technologist is exploring new ways of innovations.”
Under the MoU, a Joint Academic Committee with five members of matching expertise from both side, will be constituted to implement the various initiatives proposed under the collaboration including – Advanced Professional Courses (M.Tech.): to be offered in the areas of Advanced Electronic Materials, Thin film Technology, Advanced Engineering Materials, Materials characterization, Instrumentation, and Biomedical methods & instrumentation; Joint M.Tech. Thesis Supervision: Students will have the choice to take courses offered by NPL, which would be given appropriate wieghtage for calculation of GPA by DTU; PhD programs; Joint Research & Consultancy projects: by NPL scientists and DTU faculty members; Joint Refresher Courses for Industry and academic institutions; and Research driven innovations: where interdisciplinary teams of scientists/ faculty will mentor the student innovations.
According to Prof. Sharma, “The MoU between DTU and NPL shall usher a new era of scientism and create new synergy between science and technology. The time has come when academic institutions, R&D organizations and industries should come together to foster the ‘Troika’ of quality education, industry relevant research and product innovation, to accelerate the growth of knowledge economy in India.” An exhibition of DTU innovations such as Extreme, all-terrain vehicle, Super mileage car, production of Biodiesel, Unmanned Aircraft Vehicle, Underwater vehicle etc and of NPL projects was also held to mark the Science Day.
