SRM-AP All News
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- “Original Creative Research Will Outsmart AI” – Prof. Ganguli Addresses SRM AP on the 9th Research Day April 15, 2025
SRM University-AP commemorated its signature event, Research Day Ninth edition, on April 11, 2025, celebrating the relentless spirit of enquiry, excellence and innovation. The esteemed event witnessed the gracious presence of Prof. Ashok K Ganguli, Director-IISER Berhampur, Odisha, as the chief guest along with the university leadership Vice Chancellor, Prof. Manoj K Arora, Registrar Dr R Premkumar, Dean-Research Prof. Ranjit Thapa, Research Day Convenor Dr Sunil Chinnadurai, Deans of other schools, faculty, staff and students.
In his welcome address, Prof. Manoj Arora elucidated the significance of research and innovation in the university’s academic structure and plan to achieve institutional excellence. He stated, “Research Day is fundamentally a platform to identify talented students who have the potential to work on innovative ideas that can be implemented to benefit society.” He also mentioned the future prospects of establishing a Ratan Tata Innovation Hub in Amaravati, where SRM AP will play a pivotal role in one of the five spokes.
Prof. Ganguli, an experienced researcher and scientist, appreciated Research Day as a pioneering initiative by SRM AP to promote a vibrant research culture across all academic levels. He said, “With a faculty pool with excellent pedigree, international exposure and a strong research acumen, SRM University-AP is on the right path to academic and research excellence.” He also discussed the transformation of teaching and research in the future years, emphasising that in the era of the AI revolution, novel, innovative research and creativity will triumph over robotic intelligence.
The event revealed the abstract book comprising 263 UG/PG and 131 PhD abstracts in more than 30 thematic areas. 17 students were awarded gold medals, and 5 were awarded silver medals in the UG/PG category. In the PhD category, 10 scholars won the gold medals, and 5 won the silver medals.
For their outstanding contribution to cutting-edge research, selected faculty members of SRM AP were recognised with Best Researcher Awards. Dr Pardha Saradhi M was honoured with the Best Experimental Researcher Award, Dr Murali Krishna E with the Best Theoretical Researcher Award, Dr Dinesh Reddy V with the Best Industrial Researcher Award and Dr Harish Puppala with the Best Young Researcher Award. The faculty were felicitated with a memento and a cash prize of Rs 50,000/- for their high-quality research.
The 9th Research Day has successfully concluded, celebrating talent, perseverance, and innovation. With an unwavering commitment to interdisciplinary research and international collaborations, SRM University-AP advances to the frontiers of academic and research excellence.
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- CSE Professors Research on Automated Agricultural Spraying April 10, 2025
This research, titled “A System for Automated Agricultural Spraying and a Method Thereof,” focuses on developing a coordinated multi-UAV framework for precision agricultural spraying. Led by Dr Awadhesh Dixit and his faculty team, Dr Ramesh Kumar, and Dr Bhaskara Santosh Egala, Assistant Professors at the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, this innovative research enhances efficiency in crop management by utilising advanced technologies for real-time data integration and optimisation.Abstract
This invention presents a novel system and process for precision agricultural spraying using a coordinated multi-UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) framework. The system integrates multiple UAVs equipped with sensors (e.g., LiDAR, ultrasonic) and spraying mechanisms, managed by a central control unit employing hybrid approach combining PSO, Fuzzy Logic, and Reinforcement Learning (RL) for efficient real-time multi-UAV coordination. The hybrid system dynamically adapts to environmental conditions, ensuring optimal path planning, collision avoidance, and spray adjustments. The process involves real-time data collection on crop density, environmental conditions, and obstacles, enabling dynamic flight path planning and adaptive spray rate adjustments. Key innovations include the use of advanced control software for UAV coordination, obstacle avoidance, and uniform pesticide application, combined with hardware featuring adjustable spraying devices. This approach enhances efficiency, reduces collision risks, and ensures precise coverage in complex agricultural environments, distinguishing it from prior UAV-based spraying systems through its sophisticated integration of real-time optimization and multi-UAV collaboration.
Explanation in layperson’s terms
Imagine a team of small flying robots (drones) working together to spray crops on a farm. First, they use their cameras and sensors to check the fields, figure out where the bugs or weeds are, and spot anything in the way, like trees or fences. Then, they plan the best paths to fly so they don’t crash and can cover everything evenly. Each drone has a sprayer that can change how much it sprays depending on what the crops need—like giving extra spray where there are more bugs. A smart computer program helps them talk to each other and decide what to do as they go. This makes farming easier, faster, and wastes less spray compared to older ways.
We have created a way to use drones to spray crops with bug-killing chemicals more smartly. One drone checks the fields first to spot where the bugs are worst. Then, other drones with special sprayers fly over and target those spots, spraying two rows at once to save time. If they find a really buggy area, they hover there longer to make sure it’s fully covered. The drones communicate and coordinate to each other and dodge trees or other obstacles, so farmers don’t have to do it all by hand.The hybrid system operates by continuously integrating PSO, Fuzzy Logic, and RL during UAV operations to achieve optimal coordination and performance. First, one part of the system—think of it like a master planner—figures out the best paths for the drones to fly based on what the farm looks like, like where the crops are and what’s in their way. Then, another part acts like a quick fixer—it tweaks those paths on the fly if something unexpected pops up, like thicker crops or a tree the drones didn’t see at first. It also adjusts how much spray the drones use so they don’t overdo it. Finally, there’s a learning part that helps the drones get better over time—like they remember what worked before and adapt to changes, such as growing plants or windy days. Together, this makes the drones super-efficient: they don’t bump into each other, they spray just the right amount, and they keep figuring out the best way to handle whatever the farm throws at them—all on their own.
Practical Implementation of the Research
A. Test Environment and UAVs
Field Setup:
Location: A 100-acre test field with varying crop densities (rice, wheat, and maize) and obstacles such as trees, irrigation systems, and terrain elevations.
Environmental Conditions: Tested under different weather conditions (sunny, windy, and overcast).
UAV Model:
Five multi-rotor UAVs equipped with spraying equipment, GPS, LIDAR sensors for obstacle detection, and onboard processing units to run the hybrid optimization algorithms.
Battery Life: 30-minute flight time with a 5kg payload capacity.
Communication: UAVs communicate via a wireless mesh network with a ground control system for real-time adjustments.
Each drone would also have a dual-spray setup—two adjustable nozzles attached to a tank holding pesticide or fertilizer, capable of spraying two rows of crops at once.
B. Hybrid Optimisation Algorithm
PSO for Path Planning:
Determines the optimal flight path based on crop density, UAV location, and environmental data.
Fuzzy Logic for Spray Adjustment:
Dynamically adjusts the spray level based on crop health data, wind speed, and UAV altitude.
Reinforcement Learning for Collision Avoidance:
UAVs learn from previous flight paths and environmental feedback to avoid collisions with other UAVs and obstacles.
Future Research Plans
Their future research focuses on developing swarm-based D2X communication and coordination, task rescheduling, localization, and optimized path planning to enhance UAV network performance, prevent collisions, and advance AI-related applications.
Figure 1: Block diagram of Multi-UAV Coordination path planning and coordination among multiple UAVs in an agricultural field.
Figure 2: Diagram illustrating drone spraying in agriculture field with obstacle avoidance
Continue reading → - Predicting Network Traffic in Next-Generation Cellular Networks April 10, 2025
Dr Rajiv Senapati, Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, along with Dharani Sabari, Ph.D. scholar has published a patent titled “A System And Method For Predicting Network Traffic in Next-Generation Cellular Networks” in the Patent Office Journal. Through their research, they introduced a new model that can predict traffic in networks more accurately while using fewer resources.
Abstract
This study shows a more advanced way to predict traffic in 5G networks. It does this by using a temporal attention mechanism along with a lightweight convolutional layer and hybrid attention layers. The model enhances prediction accuracy by focusing on the most relevant historical data to effectively capture complex traffic patterns. By assigning different weights to key data points, the attention mechanism ensures more precise forecasting. Experimental results indicate that the model outperforms baseline methods, achieving lower Mean Absolute Error (MAE) and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) across three data services. With fewer parameters and reduced computational demands, the model is highly efficient and suitable for real-time applications. This approach offers a scalable and accurate solution to meet the evolving needs of next-generation cellular networks.
Explanation in Layperson’s Terms
In 5G networks, accurately predicting traffic is crucial to managing resources efficiently and ensuring smooth performance. This is especially important for advanced applications like video calls, virtual reality, and self-driving cars, which require fast response times and reliable connections. By estimating how much data will be used in advance, networks can prevent congestion and maintain consistent service, even during busy times. There are many ways to predict network traffic, but each method has strengths and weaknesses.
Through their research, they introduce a new traffic prediction model that combines two advanced techniques: lightweight convolution and a temporal attention mechanism. Lightweight convolution is a simplified machine-learning method that quickly identifies important patterns in data with minimal processing power. Meanwhile, the temporal attention mechanism captures how network traffic changes over time, identifying key trends and fluctuations. By combining these techniques, the model predicts traffic more accurately while using fewer resources. Tests indicate it outperforms traditional methods by providing more precise predictions with lower errors across three different types of network data. Its low computing power requirements and fewer parameters, make it faster and well-suited for real-time use in 5G networks. Their innovative approach offers a scalable and accurate solution to meet the growing demands of modern, data-heavy applications.
Fig (1) Proposed framework
Fig (2) Architecture of the proposed framework
Practical Implementation/Social Implications of the Research
The invention has important applications in smart cities, self-driving vehicles, network resource management, and real-time traffic monitoring. It optimizes traffic flow, improves autonomous car navigation, efficiently manages network capacity, and provides navigation systems with up-to-date traffic data. The advantages include increased quality of service with low latency, energy savings through intelligent resource allocation, scalability to accommodate more connected devices, and better overall user experience with less congestion. These characteristics make the invention an appropriate solution for the rapidly growing 5G network environment, addressing significant challenges in modern traffic and network management.
Future Research Plan
The team will focus on enhancing the model for both 5G and emerging 6G networks by improving traffic prediction accuracy and efficiency. This includes optimising resource allocation and capacity estimation to better manage network demands. Future work will also integrate diverse data sources, such as IoT devices and satellite networks, to improve predictions across different environments. Additionally, efforts will be made to reduce computational costs, enable dynamic traffic adaptation during peak times, and explore advanced AI techniques like federated learning for secure, real-time forecasting. These advancements aim to ensure more reliable and efficient network performance as technology evolves.
Continue reading → - An Introspection into the Science of Art and Archaeology April 9, 2025
The Department of History, Easwari School of Liberal Arts, hosted Prof. Satish C. Pandey, Dean of Academic Affairs, Professor & Head—Department of Art Conservation, Indian Institute of Heritage, Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and Vice Chair—Directory Board, International Council of Museums—Conservation Committee (ICOM-CC), ICOM, Paris, France, for an insightful lecture on tracing technologies in art and archaeology on April 03, 2025.
In his session, Prof. Pandey shared his expertise in art conservation and archaeological science, offering valuable insights into the study of provenance and technology. He discussed the Site of Kunal from the Harappan Period and the intricate analysis of ancient pottery. His research highlighted the natural techniques used in pottery-making, where shape, colour, and firing methods were influenced by organic materials. Elements such as manganese (black), iron (red), and lime (pure white) were used to create distinct hues, while the lightweight nature of the pots was a result of their composition.
In addition to pottery, Prof. Pandey delved into the conservation of historical paintings. His research has uncovered instances of forgery and modification in artworks intended for public display. By utilising infrared analysis, he demonstrated how changes in oil paints, cracking patterns, and colour modifications over time help researchers restore and authenticate original paintings.
His visit provided an enriching experience, deepening our understanding of conservation science and its role in preserving cultural heritage.
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- Natyaswara 2025: A Magnificent Display of Cultural Performance April 9, 2025
SRM University-AP witnessed a spectacular display of dance, talent, and creativity at Natyaswara on April 04, 2025. The event celebrated classical and contemporary dance forms and featured three dynamic categories: Classical solo, Contemporary Solo, and Contemporary Group Dance. Students from various universities participated, showcasing their unique style and skill and bringing energy and enthusiasm to the stage.
The competition was an incredible blend of tradition and modernity. The Classical Solo category saw dancers performing traditional Indian dance forms, while the Contemporary Solo and Contemporary Group Dance categories added a modern flair to the event with bold choreography and innovative storytelling. Impressing both the judges and the audience with their grace, precision, and poise, the category brought forward performances that were rich in culture and technique.
In the Classical Solo category, Krishna Poojita from SRM AP claimed first place, with Gayatri from VR Siddhartha University as the runner-up. In Contemporary Solo, Bhuvan from VIT-AP took the top spot, followed by Radhik from VR Siddhartha University in second place. In the Contemporary Group Dance category, Dance Community 1, led by Puneeth from SRM AP, won first place, while Dance Community 2, led by Vaishnavi, also from SRM AP, secured second place.
The event concluded on a high note with a spectacular display of creativity, versatility and immense talent.
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- Dr Anil K Suresh’s Work in Sustainable Nanoscience Lead his Scholar to Achieve Success April 9, 2025
Dr Anil K Suresh, Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences and Principal Investigator of the Bionanotechnology and Sustainable Lab, has achieved yet another feat with his ground-breaking work in sustainable nanoscience. His lab, committed to eco-conscious research, focuses on the sustainable synthesis of nanoparticles for applications in drug delivery, environmental remediation, and catalysis.
An outstanding accolade of his mentorship is the recent achievement of Dr Chandra Shekhar Bhatt, his former PhD student and Postdoctoral Scholar, who has secured the prestigious Fondecyt Postdoctoral Fellowship 2025 in Chile—ranking 4th globally and receiving over ₹85 lakhs in funding.
Under Dr Suresh’s guidance, their collaboration led to 12+ high-impact publications and global recognition, including features in C&EN, USA. Dr Suresh’s contributions span 64 Scopus-indexed papers, 27 book chapters, 4 books, 7 patents, and numerous fellowships and awards. Through his start-up, GreenGen Science Solutions, he champions scalable green innovations like the revolutionary “Jumbocatalyst” for hydrogenation reactions, “specfilm” for UV-spectroscopy, and “ultra-stable gold nanoparticles” transforming waste into eco-saving technologies.
Dr Anil K Suresh’s remarkable journey and the ripple effect of his visionary leadership inspire all researchers at the SRM AP community. Dr Chandra S Bhatt’s success in securing the prestigious fellowship is a testament to the high-quality research conducted at SRM AP.
Continue reading → - “Major Breakthroughs Are Realised When Your Approach Is Multidisciplinary”: Insights from Prof. Pramod K Varshney at UDL #21 April 8, 2025
SRM University-AP hosted the 21st edition of its University Distinguished Lecture (UDL #21). The coveted event saw the presence of the distinguished speaker Prof. Pramod K Varshney from the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Syracuse University, New York. The title of UDL 21, “Six Blind Men of Indostan: Theory and Application of Distributed Inference” elaborated on the use of sensors to collect data and its application in the areas of Security, Surveillance, Disease Detection, Military services and so on.UDL #21 saw the presence of university leadership including Vice Chancellor, Prof. Manoj K Arora; Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof. Ch Satish Kumar; Registrar Dr R Premkumar; Dean-Research Prof. Ranjith Thapa, Deans of the three schools; faculty members; staff and students.
In his address, Prof. Arora lauded Prof. Varshney for his exceptional scholarship that goes beyond academia. He identified him as a great scholar and poetry enthusiast. Prof. Manoj K Arora underscored the importance of applying one’s research to real-world applications. He urged the attendees to integrate governance, industry, and academia to create wonders.
Prof. Pramod Varshney’s expertise in Signal Processing and Wireless Communications has helped in making remarkable contributions. During the lecture Prof. Varshney used the analogy of the blind men that described the elephant as various things. He stated that sensors are like blind men, their field of view is limited; the collective data inferred is then used to make decisions where the doctor tries to figure out the disease, the military commander on the action to take and so on.
Prof. Varshney also elaborated on how humans are also like sensors, sensors that work on biases. He stated that his research got him to experiment in diverse areas. He encouraged students to look for novel and innovative ideas to work on because “Major breakthroughs are realised when your approach is multidisciplinary.”
The session was followed by a ‘Q and A’ from students and faculty and culminated with the members of the leadership felicitating Prof. Varshney.
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- Proteome and Phosphoproteome Turnover Atlas in Mice – Paper Published In Cell Journal with 45.5 IF April 1, 2025
Dr Abhijit Dasgupta, Assistant Professor from the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, has published his breakthrough research article titled “Turnover Atlas of Proteome and Phosphoproteome Across Mouse Tissues and Brain Regions” in the nature index journal Cell having an impact factor of 45.5.
Abstract
This study presents a comprehensive in vivo atlas of protein and phosphoprotein turnover across 16 mouse tissues and brain regions, integrating advanced mass spectrometry with stable isotope labeling. By mapping over 11,000 proteins and 40,000 phosphosites, the study reveals tissue-specific patterns of protein lifetimes, correlating them with abundance, function, and protein-protein interactions (PPI). It highlights how phosphorylation regulates protein stability and how turnover is linked to peroxisome function, ubiquitination, and neurodegeneration-associated proteins such as Tau and α-synuclein. This high-resolution resource enhances our understanding of proteostasis and dynamic protein regulation, providing new insights into tissue-specific physiology and disease mechanisms.
Explanation of the Research in Layperson’s Terms
All cells in the body continuously make and break down proteins. The balance of these processes—called protein turnover—is vital for keeping tissues healthy. But until now, scientists didn’t have a clear, detailed map of how protein turnover works across different tissues and brain regions.
In this study, researchers used advanced techniques to measure how long thousands of proteins and their phosphorylated (chemically modified) versions last in 16 parts of the mouse body. They discovered that some proteins, especially in the brain and heart, live much longer than others. They also found that proteins interacting with each other often have similar lifespans, and that specific chemical modifications like phosphorylation can either stabilize or destabilize key proteins—such as those involved in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
The team created an online tool that lets other scientists explore this rich dataset. The findings can help understand tissue function better and may lead to new ways to treat diseases by targeting protein stability.
Practical Implementation/ Social Implications of the Research
Practical Implementation:
This turnover atlas provides a foundational resource for drug development and tissue-specific disease research. It supports AI-driven approaches to predict protein dynamics, aids in identifying long-lived disease-related proteins, like Tau and α-synuclein, and enhances biomarker discovery for neurodegenerative and metabolic diseases. The integrated tool Tissue-PPT allows researchers to explore and analyze protein lifespan and phosphorylation patterns across tissues.
Social Implications:
Understanding how proteins behave differently across tissues could help create more precise therapies for complex diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and cardiomyopathies. The dataset empowers researchers globally to explore protein turnover without relying heavily on animal experiments, advancing ethical and efficient biomedical research.
Collaborations
- Yale University School of Medicine, CT, USA
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, TN, USA
- University Medical Center Göttingen, Germany
- University of Trieste, Italy
- West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China
Future Research Plans
The next phase will focus on AI-driven modeling of site-specific phosphorylation turnover in relation to disease phenotypes, using the Tissue-PPT dataset as a foundation. This includes integrating proteomics, phosphoproteomics, and transcriptomic data to refine our understanding of proteome regulation. Special attention will be given to how phosphorylation modulates the stability of neurodegenerative disease proteins and the development of targeted dephosphorylation therapeutics (e.g., PhosTACs).
This research aims to inform personalised interventions and identify novel therapeutic targets by understanding how tissue-specific protein lifespans are regulated under physiological and pathological conditions.
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- Myco-remediation Strategies: Green Solution to Soil Pollution March 31, 2025
Dr Debajyoti Kundu, Assistant Professor at the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering in his research paper, Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products in Soil: Sources, Impacts and Myco-remediation Strategies, speaks of the innovative solutions to tackle contamination of soil. Dr Kundu’s research focuses on leveraging natural processes of fungi to promote sustainable environmental management.Abstract:
Bioremediation is a sustainable approach for mitigating pharmaceutical and personal care product (PPCP) contamination in soil. This review highlights mycoremediation as an advanced fungal-based strategy for PPCP degradation. Fungi possess unique enzymatic pathways and metabolic diversity, allowing them to break down persistent pollutants in challenging environmental conditions. The paper discusses key fungal species, enzymatic mechanisms, environmental factors influencing degradation efficiency, and innovative biotechnological approaches such as myco-nanotechnology and enzyme engineering. By integrating these advancements with circular economy principles, this research underscores fungi’s role in sustainable environmental management.
Explanation in layperson’s terms:
Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), such as medicines, soaps, and cosmetics, often end up in the soil through wastewater and agricultural runoff. These chemicals persist in the environment, harming ecosystems and potentially entering our food supply. Our research explores how fungi, nature’s recyclers, can help clean up these pollutants. Certain fungi produce special enzymes that break down harmful substances into harmless compounds. By harnessing this natural process, we propose eco-friendly solutions to reduce pollution and protect soil and water quality for future generations.
Practical and Social Implications:
Mycoremediation offers a sustainable, cost-effective solution for removing PPCPs from soil, protecting water quality, and reducing human exposure to contaminants. By preventing pollutant uptake in crops, it enhances food safety and supports sustainable agriculture. This research also informs policies on wastewater treatment and pollution control, promoting eco-friendly remediation technologies for environmental and public health protection.
Collaborations:
This research is a collaborative effort involving experts from:
- Voice of Environment (VoE), Guwahati, Assam
- University of North Bengal, Darjeeling, West Bengal
- RCC Institute of Information Technology, Kolkata
- Sukanta Mahavidyalaya, University of North Bengal, Dhupguri, West Bengal
- SPMR College of Commerce, Jammu
- SRM University-AP, Andhra Pradesh
- CSIR – National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nagpur, India
Future Research Plans:
Future research will focus on scaling up my coremediation for field applications, optimizing fungal enzyme efficiency through enzyme engineering, and exploring microbial consortia for enhanced pollutant degradation. Myco-nanotechnology will be further developed to improve fungal stability and reusability. Additionally, studies will assess long-term soil health impacts and support policy frameworks for integrating fungal bioremediation into wastewater treatment and agricultural practices.
Continue reading → - Ghumat Stories: Exploring the Folk Legacy of the Percussion Instrument March 31, 2025
The Department of Sociology and Anthropology at the varsity organised a round table talk, Ghumat Stories, as part of the SEED Grant proceedings awarded to Dr Sebanti Chatterjee, Assistant Professor at the department. The session explored the cultural and social significance of the ghumat, a traditional percussion instrument made of clay and crafted using the hide of the monitor lizard.The event featured a diverse panel, including musician Mr Omar, documentary filmmaker Ms Nalini, musician Ms Sonia, researcher Ms Divya, ghumat player Mr Felipe, and dancer Ms Placania, alongside Dr Bikku, Head of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Dr Nishanth K S, other faculty members and students.
Ms Nalini’s documentary delved into the ghumat’s historical and cultural relevance. Musicians Mr Omar and Ms Sonia elaborated on the social and lyrical aspects of ghumat and folk dances such as Mannddô, that shed light on its connection to folk traditions.
Artists Felipe and Placania captivated the audience with live demonstrations. Felipe showcased how ghumat is played, while Placania performed the traditional folk dance associated with the instrument, while adorning the saree worn in a style particular to the dance.
Researcher Ms Divya provided insights into various folk song traditions linked to ghumat, including Mannddô. She classified these traditions within both the Mangalorean and Goan contexts, discussing how the ghumat functions as a “talking drum” in these folk traditions. Ms Divya further elaborated on the diverse tempos and occasions where ghumat-accompanied folk songs are performed.
Ms Divya also shed light on the craftsmanship of ghumat, explaining how Goan tribes such as the Kunbis, Karbis, and Siddhis procure, cure, and treat the hide of monitor lizard for the instrument’s making. She explained the transition of using goat skin in present times due to the prohibition of hunting the monitor lizards. Her discourse further highlighted the cultural and social significance of ghumat in folk communities today.
The session offered the attendees an understanding of the ghumat’s enduring legacy, and the tradition that will keep it alive in the contemporary cultural landscape.
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