Eminent scientists to mentor engineering students

Students and faculty of colleges affiliated to the Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) will have eminent scientists interacting with them on campus.

In an effort to build “scientific temper” among students and faculty members as well as hone their research skills, VTU has decided to reach out to well-known names in science and ask them to mentor students. Earlier this week, university authorities had convened the first meeting with 60 college principals as well as members of the Indian National Academy of Engineering. These are experts who have worked in several areas such satellite technologies, rocket propulsion technologies, underwater technologies, submarine technologies, among others.

V. K. Aatre, president, Bengaluru chapter of the Indian National Academy of Engineering, said members of the academy would mentor students and help them with projects. “We want to offer our services and expertise to students and principal. We are also looking at extending help in reorganising their laboratories, working on faculty development programmes in advanced topics, and also developing a futuristic curriculum,” he said.

The academy has as many as 180 members from the Bengaluru chapter. Some of the eminent scientists include U.R. Rao - former ISRO Chairman, aerospace scientist Roddam Narasimha and Anurag Kumar - Director of the Indian Institute of Science.

Mr. Aatre said that they were also keen on conducting special lessons that are not in the curriculum and want to first start with colleges in Bengaluru.

K. Gayathri Reddy, Regional Director (Bengaluru) of VTU said they plan to approach scientists to help them draft research proposals, enhance the knowledge of faculty members. “Several students have done innovative projects and all they need is guidance on how the project can be improved and how they can showcase it on a national platform,” she said. Karisiddappa, Vice-Chancellor of the varsity, said the aim of this initiative was to improve the “research culture” in colleges affiliated to the university.