Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) has been sanctioned a grant of Rs 1.16 crore for one year by the Union ministry of science and technology to raise awareness among students regarding cutting-edge research studies in the field.
The grant has been sanctioned under the Synergistic Training programme Utilising the Scientific and Technological Infrastructure (STUTI) by the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
With this grant, AMU’ department of Physics will conduct a Science Awareness Week as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations for various school students of classes XI and XII (Science Stream), beginning from February 22 to culminate on the National Science Day, February 28.
The speakers for the Science Awareness Week are AMU’s Physics department chairman B P Singh; faculty members M Sajjad Athar, S M Afzal, S S Z Ashraf, Sudhir K Gupta, Jai Prakash and Faraz A Inam; and Archana Sharma from CERN, Switzerland.
“In the week-long observation, activities that showcase Science and encourage younger people to consider continuing studies in Science will be held. We aim at engaging students in scientific talks, demonstrations and other events to inspire them through awareness and by sparking enthusiasm,” said Singh.
Science students of classes XI and XII from various AMU schools and other Aligarh-based schools will participate in the week-long celebrations and, under the women empowerment initiative, participation of girl students will be preferred. The STUTI programme under the DST initiative will provide a platform for students to get familiarised with the available resources, and equipment supported by the Government of India.
“During the Science Week, students will get the opportunity to meet prominent faculty; scientific lectures will be delivered, scientific quizzes and elocutions will be held and hands-on activities will be conducted. There will also be demonstrations of scientific equipment and short films showcasing India’s scientific glory will be screened,” Singh added.
The money will also help the university undertake activities on the ‘Hub and Spoke Model’ to organise training programmes on the equipment sanctioned under the Fund for Improvement of S&T Infrastructure (FIST) grant of DST for research scholars, faculty members and scientists.