The Department of Physics organised a Department Research Seminar on February 05, 2025, that offered a theoretical expression on Big Bang Nucleosynthesis. The seminar, which unravelled as a theory-experiment dialogue, also delved into interesting topics like Quantum Field Theory and General Relativity. Dr Martin Schaefer, nuclear physicist from the Department of Theoretical Physics Nuclear Physics Institute, Czech Academy of Sciences was the keynote speaker of the session.

The key idea of this session was to understand the means of the Big Bang and the Standard Model Lagrangian Method. Dr Schaefer discussed the nuclear reactions that formed the early universe and had an interaction session with the participating students and scholars.

The workshop was based on ‘Big Bang to Now: Exploring the Origins of the Universe’ with Nuclear Processes during Big Bang Nucleosynthesis. It focused on understanding the universe’s origins and the nuclear processes responsible for its birth during Big Bang nucleosynthesis.

Big Bang Nucleosynthesis (BBN) refers to the process that occurred roughly 10 seconds after the Big Bang when the temperature of the universe dropped enough for atomic nuclei to form. This has led to the creation of stable elements such as helium and lithium isotopes, which played a crucial role in the evolution of the universe. The specific abundance of these elements provides observable imprints in the universe today, helping scientists validate theories like the Hot Big Bang Model and the Standard Model of particle physics.

The study of BBN allows scientists to understand the fundamental forces and nuclear interactions that governed the early universe. Dr Martine Schaefer provided insightful and educative information by helping scientists test the hot Big Bang theory. The session proved to be an incredible platform for scholars, students, and faculty to collaborate and discuss theoretical and experimental physics.

In an effort towards enhancing academic and research capabilities, SRM University-AP and Samishta Hospital and Research Institute (SHRI) formalised an understanding on scientific cooperation in biological sciences and other areas of mutual interest. The MoU signing ceremony that took place at SRM University-AP and was signed by Dr R Premkumar, Registrar- SRM University-AP and Dr Kalyan Chakravarthy, Managing Director-Samistha Hospital and Research Institute, Guntur in the presence of Dr Sandeep and Dr Ravi Teja, Dr Varun, Dr Ramakrishna, Dr Gnana Prakash Doctors from SHRI and Prof. C V Tomy, Dean-School of Engineering and Sciences; Prof. Ranjit Thapa, Dean-Research; Prof. Jayaseelan Murugaiyan, Associate Dean-Sciences (Admission Outreach and Research Collaborations); Assistant Professors at the Department of Biological Sciences-Dr Sutharsan Govindarajan, Dr Anil K Suresh, Dr Prateek Gupta among others.

The MoU will open pathways for collaborative opportunities in research and academics, fostering joint research projects and funding possibilities while also emphasising the importance of skill development through seminars organised by both the institutions.

Registrar Dr R Premkumar highlighted the significance of this partnership and the potential outcomes of the joint venture. Dr Sutharsan Govindarajan thanked the team from Samistha Hospitals and Research Centre for joining hands and taking the phase therapy from bench to bedside. This MoU between the two institutes of eminence aims to create a dynamic environment for innovative research that will benefit not just our institutions but also the society in general.

The 5th Semester B.A. History students went on a field trip to Hyderabad as part of their courses ‘Medieval India’ and the ‘Eighteenth Century in Indian History’. Dr Aqsa Agha, Course Coordinator, and Dr Manaswini Sen led the study group to explore the city’s historical and cultural significance, enhancing their learning outside the classroom for the two courses.

The group visited Charminar, exploring the iconic monument and its surrounding bazaars, Golconda Fort, discussing its history and architecture with a Heritage Walk Practitioner from Hyderabad, and finally the Qutb Shahi Tombs and gardens, a standing testament of Indo-Persian architectural excellence.

The field trip provided students with a refined exposure to the diverse culture and history of Hyderabad and the historical context of the evolution of the culture of the city. The students had a wonderful chance to visit the important historical monuments and urban morphology that mark the period of study in the courses on Medieval and Eighteenth-century Indian History.

The field trip fostered a deep understanding of the respective courses, inspiring students to explore beyond books and classrooms.