Young researchers showcase innovations at Panjab varsity

researchers selected under the Empowering Youth for Undertaking Value Added Innovative Translational Research (E-YUVA) Scheme, showcased their researches and findings during the onboarding and orientation programme organised at the Panjab University today. E-YUVA and Innovation Fellows from various cities, including Visakhapatnam, Rishikesh, New Delhi, Fatehgarh Sahib and Chandigarh, along with their mentors were accorded a warm welcome at the PU. Additionally, three Innovation Fellows (one post-masters and two post-doctoral) from Mumbai and Chandigarh were also invited.

All E-YUVA Fellows and Innovation Fellows have been selected through a national call for projects following a rigorous evaluation process during the second call for proposals. Dr Poorvi Kulshreshtha from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, highlighted her innovative work on developing a non-invasive, effective, and affordable method to manage tremors in patients, which aims to significantly improve the quality of life for those suffering from neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease.

Another project led by Dr Jagdish Singh from Mata Gujri College, Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab, on converting conventional plastic into sustainable bioplastic was also showcased. He explained how his work aimed to tackle the global plastic waste problem by creating biodegradable and eco-friendly alternatives, offering a sustainable solution for industries that rely on plastic.

One of the projects addressing critical social and environmental issue was showcased by Prof Anupama Sharma from Dr SSB UICET, Panjab University. Her research team is working on the conversion of waste citrus fruit peels to create a natural and effective cleaner. This approach can help reduce the harmful effects of chemical cleaners.

In line with the focus on sustainability, Dr Sumit Sharma from the Delhi Pharmaceutical Science and Research University, New Delhi, introduced his energy-efficient lighting solution, Jivot Biobulb MK-1. His project demonstrates how bioengineering can help address the growing need for sustainable energy solutions.

Dr Santhi Latha Pandrangi from GITAM, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, showcased her work on a prototype that could quickly and accurately differentiate between living and dead cells from 2D images and videos.

Vaishnavi Harshad Parmar from Mumbai introduced her high-sensitivity nanoparticle-based kit for detecting immune biomarkers in blood cancers, enhancing early diagnosis. Another project led by Dr Meenakshi Sharma from Chandigarh focussed on bryogreens collagen, a sustainable, natural product aimed at improving skin health, offering an eco-friendly alternative in wellness.

Building on these advancements in health, another project led by Dr Jaspreet Garg from Chandigarh explored a market-ready, novel nano-herbal osteo-protective product designed to manage osteoporosis and promote bone health.