There is a need for educationists, government and industries to invest on research rather than on new educational institutions, said Sivathanu Pillai, scientist and chief controller, DRDO, at the inauguration of a new research wing and the Jeppiaar Nano Umbrella at Sathyabama University on Monday.
He said that research helps open new avenues in various branches of science. “We are the focal point of an era where nano-bio and information technology converge. Inter-research and sharing of knowledge will help in the progress of various areas of research, from the university level onwards,” he added.
Pillai was happy to see that private universities like Sathyabama University were helping promote world class research and education at the same time.
He inaugurated the state-of-the-art Molecular and Nano-medicine Research Unit at the Centre for Nano Sciences, and also unveiled the upgraded website of the University.
While speaking about the need for the advancement in scientific growth and research environment in universities and industries, he said that universities should make an effort to identify technologies and research areas and connect with the industry.
Universities should work on core-competency areas that will help them forge ahead in the industry, he said.
There is also a need to upgrade universities to world class institutions, identify the research areas and produce products for the industry, he added.
The event also saw the launch of the Nano Umbrella, an umbrella that is coated with nanoparticles. Superhydrophobic UV-resistant Jeppiaar Nano Umbrella was developed by the Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology of Sathyabama University.
J Brijitta from the Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology said that the idea for the nano particle umbrella came from the ‘Lotus’ principle. She said that it is this principle that causes water, dirt and other impurities to run down from its surface, and not get attached to it. The same principle has been used in designing the umbrella, she added.
The umbrella has been treated with two types of nanoparticles — one of them is hydrophobic in nature and the other is a UV ray filter, she said.