300 conferred degrees at IISER convocation in Mohali

The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) here held its 14th convocation today, marking the completion of the academic year 2024–25. More than 300 students were conferred degrees at the convocation.

Prof Umesh V Waghmare, president, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bengaluru, graced the occasion as chief guest. Prof JS Yadav, chairperson, Board of Governors, presided over the ceremony.

The Director, IISER, Prof Anil K Tripathi, said the institute had published over 500 scientific papers, secured 20 extramural research projects worth Rs 17.86 crore and earned prestigious recognition across disciplines. The noteworthy breakthroughs include Prof Kamal P Singh’s development of a compact blue laser for electronics manufacturing and a silk-based torsion sensor with ultrahigh sensitivity. The other big achievements were Dr Samir Biswas’s optical algorithm to sharpen imaging through biological tissues, Prof Arvind’s advanced secure quantum communication techniques and improved forecasting of extreme winter weather in the western Himalayas by Dr Raju Attada’s group.

The Mohali institute’s thrust on translational science was evident in Dr Sunil Patil’s microbial solution to industrial CO2 emissions, Dr Sharvan Sehrawat’s camel-derived antibody showing dengue-blocking potential and Dr Sadhan Das’s revelation on persistent vascular damage in diabetic patients.

The institute’s faculty members have earned top honours such as the Sastra-Obaid Siddiqi Award, INSA and NASI fellowships and global recognitions like the EMBO Global Investigator Award.

The officials said IISER-Mohali is set to launch an Innovation fund to empower students, faculty and researchers to translate their discoveries into real-world solutions, reaffirming the institute’s commitment to research excellence with societal impact.