HPU establishes cutting-edge centres for a sustainable future

In a significant academic leap, Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) is establishing three cutting-edge interdisciplinary research centres focusing on critical areas: Green Energy, Disaster Management and Cyber-Physical Systems. These new hubs — the Centre for Green Energy and Nanotechnology, the Centre for Disaster Management and Climate Resilience and the Centre for Cyber-Physical Systems — are set to bolster the university’s research capabilities and societal impact.

The Centre for Green Energy and Nanotechnology will primarily delve into materials for electric vehicles, solar materials, hydrogen storage and nano-technology. Esteemed physicist and Himachal Pradesh University Vice-Chancellor Prof Mahavir Singh will contribute to this vital area. The centre will be jointly spearheaded by Prof Nainjeet Singh Negi from the Department of Physics and Dr Ramesh Thakur from the Department of Chemistry.

Addressing the increasing frequency of landslides, floods and cloudbursts plaguing the state, HPU will also establish the Centre for Disaster Management and Climate Resilience. This centre will concentrate on geotechnical and hydrological hazard modelling, climate change impact assessment and community-based disaster preparedness and policy support. Dr Mahesh Sharma from the University Institute of Technology (UIT), Civil Engineering, has been tasked with leading this crucial centre and conceptualising its technical and strategic design.

Furthermore, the university is creating the Centre for Cyber-Physical Systems. This centre is envisioned to lead research in IoT and smart sensing systems, Networking, AI-integrated disaster prediction and embedded systems and automation technologies. Dr Tarun Sharma from UIT, Electronics and Communication Engineering, has been entrusted with the responsibility of conceptualising and coordinating this innovative initiative.

The Vice-Chancellor stated that these new centres underscore the university’s unwavering commitment to serving society through impactful research, innovation and institutional relevance. “We are entering a new phase of academic excellence, directly aligned with state and national priorities,” he affirmed. “With this forward-looking decision, HPU sets a clear course anchored in sustainability, resilience and research-driven transformation.”