Research Innovation, Data Analytics & Emerging Technologies in Academia

 Day 1: 

Session on Intellectual Property Rights and Patent Agent Examination

The guest speaker began by introducing himself and sharing his professional achievements, setting the stage for an engaging and informative session. He provided an overview of the Indian Patent Agent Examination, explaining that it is conducted by the Indian Patent Office (IPO) to evaluate candidates’ understanding of the Indian Patents Act, 1970, its associated rules, and their ability to draft and prosecute patents.

He then gave participants a comprehensive understanding of various forms of intellectual property, such as patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, industrial designs that protect the visual design of objects, geographical indications which safeguard products linked to specific regions, integrated circuit layout designs that protect the three-dimensional configuration of integrated circuits, and plant varieties. The discussion further explored the distinctions between innovation, invention, and discovery, with special attention to Section 3(k) of the Patents Act, which excludes mathematical methods, business methods, computer programs per se, and algorithms from patentability. 

The session also covered the different forms required for filing a patent, supported by a case study and examples from patent journals, giving the audience valuable practical insights. The talk concluded with actionable guidance on approaching patent applications with clarity and precision.

Day 2 :

Session on Publishing in High Impact Journals by Dr. Asif Tariq

Dr. Asif Tariq delivered a focused session on strategies for publishing in reputed academic journals. He highlighted the key traits of quality journals such as high citation impact, strong editorial boards, rigorous peer review, and indexing in databases like Scopus and ABDC.

The discussion covered essential components of a research paper, from crafting a concise title and structured abstract to presenting a well-defined research gap, robust methodology, and insightful results. He stressed the importance of targeting the right journal, using tools such as Elsevier Journal Finder and Springer matchmakers, and ensuring alignment with the journal’s scope.

He outlined what editors expect, including originality, relevance, methodological rigor, and adherence to ethical standards, while cautioning against common reasons for rejection such as lack of novelty or poor formatting. The peer review process, ethical considerations, and post-publication promotion were also addressed, with a closing reminder to prioritize quality over quantity in research output.

Effective Use of Google Tools by Naived Eapen George

The session introduced participants to a range of Google tools and their practical applications in academic and professional workflows. Key platforms such as Google Drive and Google Docs were demonstrated for efficient document creation, collaboration, and storage. Documentation strategies and the use of Google Mail Merge were explained, enabling participants to streamline processes by combining documents and automating communication.

The discussion also emphasized the importance of staying current with evolving technologies by following credible tech news sources, subscribing to official Google updates, joining professional learning communities, and engaging with online tutorials. In addition, the session explored the use of AI tools for creating presentations, highlighting how these tools can assist in designing, formatting, and enhancing slides with minimal time and effort, ultimately boosting productivity and presentation quality.

Financial Market and Data Analytics by Mr. Puratan Bharti

The session focused on smart investment strategies and financial literacy, covering risk assessment in mutual funds, differences between small-cap, mid-cap, and large-cap companies, and the benefits of direct investments over using agents. Participants explored stock market basics, practical investment tips, and long-term savings strategies.

The resource screener.in was introduced for stock evaluation, alongside guidance on diversifying investments across asset classes like gold, real estate, and equity. Emphasis was placed on continuous learning, monitoring market trends, and maintaining disciplined financial planning.

Day 3 & 4: (Parallel Session)

Quantitative Techniques Using Stata by Aashi Gupta

The session familiarized participants with the basics of Stata, focusing on its interface, key functions, and essential commands for quantitative data analysis. Ms. Aashi Gupta demonstrated how to import datasets, manage and clean data, and execute commands for descriptive and inferential statistics. 

The session also covered generating summary statistics, conducting analytical tests, and creating visual representations of data. By the end, participants had a clear understanding of how to apply Stata for effective quantitative analysis in research and academic projects.

Blockchain Technology: Transforming Trust in Digital Systems

As part of the Faculty Development Programme, two days of engaging sessions were conducted by Prof. Ramaguru Radhakrishnan on the theme Blockchain Technology: Transforming Trust in Digital Systems.

On the first day, Prof. Ramaguru introduced the fundamentals of blockchain technology, explaining its architecture, key components, and underlying principles such as distributed ledgers, consensus mechanisms, and cryptographic hashing. He emphasized how blockchain enables trust in digital transactions without relying on intermediaries, thereby ensuring transparency, immutability, and security. The evolution of blockchain from its origin in Bitcoin to advanced platforms like Ethereum was discussed, along with the role of smart contracts in automating agreements and enabling decentralized applications. Relevant examples from sectors such as finance, supply chain management, and digital identity verification provided participants with practical insights into its transformative potential.

The second day he shifted the focus to real-world applications, challenges, and future trends in blockchain adoption. Prof. Ramaguru highlighted critical issues such as scalability, interoperability between blockchain networks, and regulatory considerations. He shared case studies from diverse fields including healthcare, e-governance, and education, showcasing how blockchain can improve efficiency, enhance data security, and foster greater transparency. Participants were encouraged to critically assess both the opportunities and limitations of blockchain technology. The session concluded with an interactive discussion, enabling faculty members to explore innovative blockchain-based solutions relevant to their own disciplines and research interests.

Overall, the sessions provided a comprehensive understanding of blockchain’s capabilities and inspired participants to consider its application in building trustworthy digital ecosystems.

Day 5:

The School of Sciences, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Pune Lavasa campus, visited the Central Water and Power Research Centre (CWPRC), Pune, on 8th August 2025 as part of the Faculty Development Programme’s industry visit. The visit comprised several insightful sessions conducted by CWPRC scientists. The first session presented a case study on the diversion of the Nala River passing through the proposed integrated steel plant at Jharkhand. The scientist explained their role in analysing pre- and post-diversion scenarios of the river using collected data. The study aimed to ensure that the upstream and downstream conditions before the diversion matched those after the diversion. The use of GIS software in these studies was also highlighted. Following this, the faculty members toured the sensor testing chamber, where they learned about sensor calibration techniques. The next stop was the Mumbai Port model, where officers explained the formation of the port and demonstrated how numerical models are developed to calculate dredging requirements. Subsequent sessions covered the Kalpasar Project and the Ratle Hydroelectric Project in Jammu & Kashmir. After a short break, the faculty members explored facilities such as the current meter rating trolley and the remote-control cabin. Dr. Mohammed Faizal led a session on ingress protection testing laboratories, followed by demonstrations of other testing facilities. Throughout the visit, participants witnessed live demonstrations of various technologies and machines, gaining valuable insights into CWPRC’s work in water and power research.

Day 6: Valedictory 

The Faculty Development Programme concluded on Day 6 with the Valedictory Session, marking the successful completion of the event. The session began with a warm welcome address, followed by a brief recap of the week’s sessions and key learning outcomes. Participants expressed their appreciation for the FDP’s rich content, interactive delivery, and practical insights, highlighting how the sessions would contribute to their professional growth and academic work.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, acknowledging the contributions of the organising committee, technical team, and support staff. The Valedictory Session ended on a positive note, with participants motivated to implement the knowledge and skills gained during the FDP in their respective domains.