Research Heights

DAY - 1 : Inaugural Ceremony

The seminar was inaugurated by prominent dignitaries who emphasized the national imperative to build a resilient, self-reliant, and globally competitive research ecosystem. Each dignitary delivered an impactful message reflecting the importance of scientific self-reliance, academic innovation, and equitable research capacity building.

Inaugural Session

Respected M. Venkaiah Naidu Garu - Former Vice President of India

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Keynote Sessions

Dr. G. Satheesh Reddy - Former DRDO Chairman, Advisor to the Union Ministry of Defence

Strategic Research and Indigenous Innovation: Building India’s Self-Reliant R&D Ecosystem
Dr. Reddy spoke about India's need for mission-driven research, building indigenous technologies, and strengthening public-private collaboration in strategic sectors.

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Dr. S. Somanath – Former Chairman, ISRO

Vision Beyond the Horizon: Space, Science, and Strengthening India’s Research Ecosystem from the Ground Up
Dr. Somanath inspired the audience by outlining India’s scientific journey in space and emphasized the need to build a multidisciplinary R&D environment.

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Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao – Vice Chancellor, BITS Pilani

Transforming Institutions into Innovation Powerhouses: A Blueprint for Research-Led Growth
Prof. Rao provided insights on building research-intensive institutions, technology transfer mechanisms, and industry-academia innovation networks.

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Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Varshney – Former Adviser & Head, International Cooperation, DST

Science Diplomacy and Global Gateways: Empowering Indian Institutions through DST & ANRF Collaborations
Dr. Varshney highlighted international collaboration avenues, capacity-building support through DST, and upcoming ANRF missions.

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Shri Guntha Laxman – Joint Organising Secretary, ABRSM

Institutional Equity in Research: Unlocking Hidden Potential Across India’s Academic Landscape
He emphasized democratizing research infrastructure and mentoring support for institutions in rural and semi-urban regions.

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Dr. B. S. Murthy – Director, IIT Hyderabad

Building Next-Gen Research Ecosystems: Future-Ready Institutions, Innovation Hubs, and Industry-Academia Convergence

Dr. Murthy addressed future institutional frameworks with a focus on translational research, startup incubation, and policy engagement.

Panel Discussion: Reimagining India’s Research Ecosystem

The panel discussion provided a well-rounded perspective on challenges, institutional autonomy, talent retention, and collaborative R&D frameworks between academia and industry.

Theme: Institutional Reforms, Industry Synergy and Policy Pathways for a Future-Ready Nation

Moderator: Dr. Sudhakar Gandhe – Former Scientist, CSIR

Panelists


  • Shri Guntha Laxman – Joint Organising Secretary, ABRSM
  • Prof. T. Kishen Kumar Reddy – Vice Chancellor, JNTU Hyderabad
  • Mr. Mohit Garg – Vice President – Technical Delivery, InfoVision Inc.
  • Mr. Prithvi Chaithanya – Head of Innovation Programs, HCCI

DAY - 2 : Opening Address

Dr. K. Nagendra, Founder and Director of Research Heights Foundation, commenced Day 2 with a reflective address summarizing Day 1 takeaways and highlighting the objectives for future strategic engagement, research capacity building, and policy alignment.

Distinguished Sessions
  • Dr. K. R. Murali Mohan – Scientist-G (Retd), DST
  • Prof. Ts. Dr. Pasupuleti Visweswara Rao - Director - International Relations & Research Collaborations, REVA University
  • Prof. Anil D. Sahasrabudhe – Chairman, NAAC, NBA, NEFT
  • Dr. M. Krishnamurthy – Centre Director, TIFRH

Dr. K. R. Murali Mohan – Scientist-G (Retd), DST

Unlocking DST Missions: How Institutions/Researchers Can Lead India’s Frontier Tech Future

He elaborated on various DST schemes, mission-mode programs, and how institutions can align their proposals with national priorities.

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Prof. Ts. Dr. Pasupuleti Visweswara Rao

Pursuing Research Excellence: Pathways for Global Recognition and Local Relevance in Indian Academia

Ranked among the top 2% scientists globally, Prof. Rao inspired researchers to strive for global standards while addressing local challenges.

Prof. Anil D. Sahasrabudhe – Chairman, NAAC, NBA, NEFT

Enabling Research-Ready Institutions: Vision, Policy, and Pathways for a New India
Prof. Sahasrabudhe outlined institutional frameworks to integrate research into accreditation, curriculum design, and national education goals.

Dr. M. Krishnamurthy – Centre Director, TIFRH

Strengthening Institutional R&D Capacities for National and Global Impact
He focused on the role of premier research institutions in fostering foundational science, collaborative funding, and translational technologies.

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Valedictory Session

The concluding session acknowledged the intellectual richness and collaborative energy witnessed over two days. The valedictory messages emphasized sustained collaboration, resource sharing, and long-term engagement between institutions, policymakers, and innovation platforms. Key speakers for the valedictory ceremony included:

  • Shri Malka Komaraiah – Hon’ble MLC (Medak-Nizamabad-Adilabad-Karimnagar Teacher's Constituency)
  • Shri Guntha Laxman – Joint Organizing Secretary, ABRSM
  • Dr. M. Krishnamurthy – Centre Director, TIFRH
  • Dr. K. Nagendra – Founder & Director, Research Heights Foundation

Word of Thanks

The formal vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Nagendra K, Founder & Director, Research Heights Foundation, expressing gratitude to all keynote speakers, advisors, delegates, organizing committee members, institutional partners, and volunteers for making the seminar a landmark success.

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