HPU secures Rs 10.23 crore grant to boost cutting-edge research

Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) is set to significantly strengthen its research infrastructure with the procurement of sophisticated scientific instruments worth Rs 6.78 crore.

Among the planned acquisitions are a Lakeshore Vibrating Sample Magnetometer, Radiant’s LCII Ferroelectric Test System, 1260A Impedance Analyser, Electrochemical Work Station, Density and Sound Velocity Meter, Particle Size Analyzer, BET, TG with DTA mode and DSC. These advanced tools will greatly enhance the university’s capabilities in materials research.

The initiative is being funded through a recently sanctioned Central government grant of Rs 10.23 crore under the Anusandhan National Research Foundation’s (ANRF) Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR) programme.

Vice-Chancellor Prof Mahavir Singh said the state-of-the-art facility will enable precise material characterisation, accelerate experimental research and help scholars publish in reputed international journals. “This initiative will also foster collaborations at both national and international levels,” he added.

The project will be led by Prof Mahavir Singh along with Dr Ramesh Thakur (Principal Investigator) and co-investigators Dr Sandeep Chauhan, Dr Balbir Singh Patial, Dr Ravi Kant Bhatia and Dr Manish Kumar, with mentorship from Prof Nagesh Thakur and Prof NS Negi. HPU will also collaborate with IIT Ropar and other institutions.

Prof Singh emphasised that the grant marks a paradigm shift for HPU, strengthening its research ecosystem while improving rankings and accreditation.