Hans News Service Tirupati

Callingon young scientists to contribute to India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047, renowned defence and aerospace scientist Dr G Satheesh Reddy urged graduates of Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Tirupati, to pursue meaningful research and develop technologies that address national and societal needs.

Delivering convocation address at the institute’s Seventh Annual Convocation held on Friday, Dr Reddy said India has transformed from a technology-importing nation into a technology-exporting nation over the last two decades. He highlighted the country’s progress in technology and skill development and stressed that research institutions such as IISERs play a key role in strengthening India’s scientific and technological capabilities. Graduates were encouraged to take up challenging scientific problems and contribute to innovation through sustained research.

A total of 214 students received degrees during the convocation. The graduating batch included 131 BS-MS Dual Degree students, 12 BS graduates, 10 BSc graduates, 27 Professional Master’s graduates, 13 Integrated PhD graduates and 21 PhD scholars.

IISER Tirupati Director Prof Santanu Bhattacharya in his report said IISER Tirupati researchers published around 260 papers in reputed international peer-reviewed journals during 2025-26. By the end of 2025, the institute’s cumulative research output had reached nearly 1,500 publications with more than 25,000 citations and an h-index of around 70.

He said IISER Tirupati secured 20th position among India’s academic and research institutions in Nature Index 2026, improving from 33rd place in 2025. The institute continues to be the highest-ranked research institution in Andhra Pradesh in the Nature Index.

The Director also said extramural research funding from agencies including the Department of Science and Technology, Department of Biotechnology, Indian Council of Medical Research and Anusandhan National Research Foundation increased to about Rs 41 crore during 2025-26. The institute also filed 14 new patent applications, reflecting its growing focus on innovation and intellectual property.

Among the award winners, Sayed Sahil C received Institute Gold Medal for BS-MS Programme. Rayis TR and Siddhant Ray received Institute Silver Medals for Biology and Earth and Climate Science respectively, while Nandana Manoj received the Best Student Campus Activities Award. Five BS-MS students and one BS student graduated with distinction. Hari S Bhartia, Chairperson of Board of Governors, presided over the ceremony in which Registrar Inderpreet Singh Kohli also took part.