Hyderabad

The University of Hyderabad (UoH), an Institution of Eminence (IoE), has strengthened its global research profile with Dr. Pratap Kollu, Assistant Professor at the Centre for Advanced Studies in Electronics Science and Technology (CASEST), School of Physics, receiving the prestigious Visiting Fellowship from the Royal Society, UK.

The fellowship recognises promising researchers and promotes international scientific collaboration by enabling scholars to work with leading global institutions. As part of the programme, Dr. Kollu, accompanied by his PhD research scholar Prajakta Dange, completed a 10-day academic exchange visit to the University of Glasgow, where he also served as an Honorary Faculty Member.

During the visit, the University of Hyderabad team collaborated with Prof. Duncan H. Gregory, Chair in Inorganic Materials at the School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow. The researchers engaged in discussions and explored collaborative opportunities in several emerging areas of science and technology, including advanced functional materials, smart instrumentation systems, and next-generation energy storage technologies.

These research areas are considered critical for addressing future challenges in sustainable energy, advanced manufacturing and high-performance materials. The exchange provided both institutions with an opportunity to share expertise, discuss ongoing research and identify areas for future collaboration.

The fellowship is supported by the Yusuf and Farida Hamied Foundation, established by noted scientist and philanthropist Dr. Yusuf Hamied, Chairman of Cipla. The foundation supports international research partnerships aimed at advancing scientific solutions in areas such as clean energy, healthcare and advanced materials by fostering collaboration between researchers in India and the United Kingdom.

According to the university, the visit has laid the groundwork for long-term academic cooperation between UoH and the University of Glasgow. Both institutions are expected to explore joint research proposals, collaborative publications, faculty interactions and bilateral exchange programmes for students and researchers.

University officials said such collaborations provide valuable exposure to cutting-edge scientific research and help strengthen interdisciplinary learning while creating opportunities for young researchers to engage with global experts.

The fellowship also reflects the increasing participation of Indian universities in international research initiatives. By building partnerships with globally recognised institutions, UoH continues to expand its research network and contribute to scientific advancements with potential applications in energy, materials science and othertechnology-driven sectors.