The IISc stamp on science research

Updated on: Monday, January 30, 2012

The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, is in its second century of commendable service in the area of science research. It was conceived by the great visionary J.N. Tata in 1886 as a research institute; it started functioning on May 27, 1909. Its evolution, over a century, has been a unique boon to all those who aspire to scale great heights in science or engineering, a testimony to the robustness of its foundations. The institute has a great tradition of fine academic research and scholarly activities.

There is a galaxy of brilliant scientists who had associated themselves with the IISc. The first Indian Director was a person no less than C.V. Raman, the first Indian Nobel laureate in a science discipline. Homi Bhabha, Vikram Sarabhai, Satish Dhawan, and Harish Chandra are some of the other prominent names. J.C. Ghosh, the first Director of the first IIT in India, had carried the attitudinal aroma of the IISc to Kharagpur.

Several new domains of research in India were established for the first time in the IISc. Many public and private institutions in the country have drawn nutrition for research from this institute. It is a hallowed temple for systematic scientific research.

This great centre of learning is endowed with ample infrastructure, in terms of equipment, library, and faculty, to fulfil the demands of serious research in a variety of areas. It offers Master's degree programmes in engineering, integrated M.Sc.-Ph.D. programmes, regular Ph.D. programmes, and post-doctoral research in a wide spectrum of disciplines in science and engineering. Recently, the institute launched a four-year BS programme that admits students after higher secondary education. The first batch of students was admitted in August 2011. This programme offers specialisation in a science stream, but the knowledge imparted carries a strong flavour of engineering and an exposure to social science subjects. It is embedded in an ambience of a mature and highly sophisticated research culture. It has the admirable objective of grooming the youth right from the degree level to take up research as a career. The “Catch them young” philosophy is expected to pay fine dividends.

The institute is in the forefront in the matter of innovative approach in learning and research in science. Initiatives such as those for the introduction of interdisciplinary Ph.D. programmes in mathematical sciences, chemical biology, earth system science, nanoscience, nanotechnology, and nano-engineering for integrated systems illustrate this healthy trend. We have to appreciate the vanishing boundaries between the different disciplines of human knowledge, especially those between the different domains of science. A new centre has been started exclusively for earth sciences. Apart from basic research, the institute promotes post-doctoral research.

There are collaborative efforts involving industries. The Centre for Scientific and Industrial Consultancy and the Society for Innovation and Development in the institute promote such collaborative interactions. There is a centre for continuing education that helps working scientists and engineers in their academic development. All these are arms of research that distinguishes the IISc in the firmament of R&D centres in the country.

A programme that bears the institute's signature is the KVPY (Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana), under the aegis of the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. This initiative is a fountain of encouragement to bright young students, enabling them to enter several attractive academic programmes.

Faculty structure

An overview of the faculty structure offers an indication of the layout of the organisation. The structure in science comprises three divisions covering various departments and centres, which include those of biochemistry, microbiology and cell biology, molecular biophysics, inorganic and physical chemistry, organic chemistry, solid state and structural chemistry, mathematics, physics, including astronomy and astrophysics, ecological sciences, and high-energy physics.

Academic programmes leading to a Ph.D. and M.Sc. (engineering) by research are offered in all these departments. B.Sc. degree holders interested in advanced research can register for integrated Ph.D. programmes in frontier areas of biological, chemical, and physical sciences. This relieves them from the burden of two levels of admission — postgraduate and Ph.D. The academic atmosphere on the campus is most congenial for research: the research students constitute nearly half the campus strength. Admission to research programmes is based on career analysis and personal interview. Candidates who qualify in the entrance test of the institute or other recognised tests will be called up for the interview for final selection.

The faculty structure in engineering comprises the departments of aerospace, civil, chemical, mechanical and materials engineering, management studies, the Centre for Atmospheric and Ocean Sciences, electrical engineering, electrical communication, computer science and automation, the Centre for Electronic Design Technology, and the Supercomputer Education and Research Centre.

Academic programmes leading to ME or M.Tech. by course work and M.Sc. (engineering) and Ph.D. by research are available in almost all the departments. They offer opportunities for further studies and research for candidates sponsored by R&D laboratories and industries, under quality improvement programmes. However, the main thrust in most departments lies in the conduct of research leading to M.Sc. (engineering) and Ph.D. Further, external registration facility for M.Sc. (engineering) and Ph.D. extended to candidates from industry and R&D organisations is a boon to them. The presence of experienced sponsored candidates who have been exposed to specialised areas provides inspiration to those who have only academic exposure.

The IISc can be contacted on ph: (080) 236 00757; Website: www.iisc.ernet.in

The IISc stamp on science research

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