52
/
3
Min Read
SRM University-AP, Amaravati has launched UNITES Global Innovation Society - United Network for Sustainable Development Solutions in association with the Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education (APSCHE). The initiative aims to bring global scientists, academia, industry, government and young researchers onto a common platform to address complex challenges through collaborative research and innovation.
The Centre for Interdisciplinary Research (CIDR) at SRM University-AP will serve as the Founding and Host Institution of the new society. UNITES is envisioned as a long-term platform for collaborative research, scientific exchange, innovation and public engagement. Its central philosophy is “problems first, disciplines second,” encouraging experts from different fields to collaborate based on the challenge being addressed rather than traditional academic boundaries.
Prof. Sarangam Vijaya Bhaskara Rao, Chairman In-charge, APSCHE and Chief Guest at the launch, highlighted the importance of strengthening the connection between scientific research, higher education and society. He emphasised multidisciplinary collaboration as a key approach to addressing complex societal challenges.
UNITES to Bridge Science, Research and Societal Needs
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Achanta Venu Gopal, Director, CSIR-National Physical Laboratory and President, UNITES Global Innovation Society, stressed the need to convert India’s scientific capabilities into practical solutions. He called for greater collaboration among experts across disciplines to develop indigenous technologies and solutions for both local and global challenges.
Prof. Ch Satish Kumar, Vice-Chancellor, SRM University-AP, said, “Societal problems do not exist in silos and neither should our solutions. UNITES seeks to break academic boundaries and bring diverse minds together to create meaningful solutions for society.”
Prof. Vijayamohanan Kunjukrishna Pillai, IISER Thiruvananthapuram, emphasised the need to equip India’s young scientific talent to address emerging global challenges, particularly in areas such as clean energy, water, sustainability and environmental protection, through interdisciplinary approaches.
UNITES 2026 to Focus on Emerging Science and Interdisciplinary Research
Dr Kiran Mangalampalli, Associate Professor, CIDR and General Secretary, UNITES Global Innovation Society, said, “UNITES aims to create a challenge-oriented scientific ecosystem where researchers can find collaborators, emerging technologies can progress towards application and scientific innovations can ultimately reach society.”
The first major gathering under the initiative, UNITES 2026 - Uniting Interdisciplinary Trends in Emerging Science, was announced during the society’s launch. The event will be held from December 27-29, 2026, at SRM University-AP, Amaravati, on the theme “Physics at the Interfaces of Matter, Light and Life.”
The event will also feature VIGYAN SETU - National Science & Technology Expo, which will connect students, teachers and the wider public with scientific research, emerging technologies and hands-on demonstrations. The launch marked the beginning of both UNITES Global Innovation Society and UNITES 2026.
SRM University-AP to Support Global Scientific Networks
For SRM University-AP, the establishment of UNITES reflects its commitment to strengthening interdisciplinary global research and supporting Amaravati’s emergence as a hub for education, research, technology and innovation.
As the Founding and Host Institution, the university will support UNITES in building long-term scientific networks and fostering global scientific collaborations and public engagement. These efforts will include joint research, researcher exchanges, scientific lectures, exhibitions, student programmes and hands-on outreach initiatives.
