SRINAGAR: To educate earth scientists about the principles and practical applications of a range of sophisticated instruments through hands-on training, the Department of Earth Sciences (DES), University of Kashmir (KU) inaugurated a seven-day national training programme on Monday in collaboration with Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi here.
The programme titled ‘Principles, Tools and Techniques used in Earth Sciences’, under STUTI (Synergetic Training Programme Utilising Scientific and Technological Infrastructure) and sponsored by DST (Department of Science and Technology), Government of India, focusses on the capacity building of students, scholars and young faculty involved in research and development across India.
Vice-Chancellor, University of Kashmir, Prof Nilofer Khan joined the session online and highlighted the pivotal role of training in fortifying researchers’ skills.
Prof Nilofer Khan said, “The training will showcase contemporary technologies, innovative training setups, and novel skilling formats,” adding the live demonstrations and sector-specific discussions would offer valuable guidance to researchers on optimising their methodologies.
“I do look forward to such workshops at the university and the recommendations that come up during the training programme for further enhancing the capacity of our young scientists,” she said.
Prof Nilofer Khan said the programme will go a long way in training the students, scholars, faculty and other researchers in their respective areas of specialisation.
She said,” The varsity encourages the spirit of knowledge- and resource-sharing for further academic and research development.”
Director, National Centre for Seismology, Dr O P Mishra emphasised the need to master cutting-edge tools and technologies in Earth Sciences especially, Seismology.
He said, “As Mother Earth has been subjected to severe misuse, precise geoscientific tools and techniques will help us understand how wrongly done anthropogenic activities can lead to disasters.”
Registrar, University of Kashmir, Dr Nisar Ahmad Mir said the varsity has undertaken substantial efforts to bring together experts and researchers for such an enlightening and collaborative platform that will go a long way in exploring areas for the betterment of humankind.
He said, “Our university has an academic and social responsibility to guide and mentor other universities and institutions and for that we need to share human resource and lab resources with the sister departments”.
Dean, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Prof. Ghluam Geelani said Earth Sciences has an immediate social relevance in understanding problems and mitigating disasters affecting people at large.
“The purpose is to impart hands-on training to the participants about the existing instrumentation available and to share experiences and expertise with the budding scientists,” he said.
While thanking the vice-chancellor, he said the varsity is working on high-end national and international research projects with DST, STUITI funding and publishing in reputed journals the world over through international collaborations.”
Head Department of Earth Sciences, Prof Bikram Singh Bali said, “We have experienced trainers and professionals who will guide and train the new generation about the possible uses and importance of utilising the tools and techniques.”
He said the training received during the programme will enable the young researchers and scientists to improve their skill sets for their future research.
Prof Mohammad Akram assured his support and help to Kashmiri students at Jamia Hamdard and Prof Suhel Parvez (Coordinator, STUTI) from Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi also said that JH is ready to collaborate and support all such endeavours.