Distinguished Lecture on Multidisciplinary Research and Networking in Engineering Education

The Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering is organising the Distinguished Lecture on the topic “Era of Multidisciplinary Research and Networking in Engineering Education” on May 01, 2025, at 10:00 AM. The session will be delivered by the distinguished Prof. Archana Sharma.

Abstract

The 21st century heralds an era where ground-breaking innovations emerge at the confluence of diverse disciplines. From the evolution of cathode ray technology into sophisticated monitoring devices to the transformative applications of nuclear energy extending beyond power generation into food preservation and healthcare, progress is increasingly driven by synergistic efforts. A glimpse of these developments and applications will be illustrated. The very development of particle accelerators, a testament to multidisciplinary science and technology, exemplifies this trend, drawing expertise from engineering, alongside fundamental sciences like physics, chemistry, biology, and materials science. Indeed, contemporary advancements, such as the smart grid, IoT and countless other inventions, are inherently interdisciplinary in nature.

To maintain a competitive edge and meet burgeoning global demands, not only is multidisciplinary research crucial, but timely collaboration through effective networking is equally paramount. As India is navigating through its ‘Amrit Kaal’ with the ambitious goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047, the synergistic partnership between academia, industry, and researchers will be the cornerstone of this transformation. This presentation will underscore the vital role of multidisciplinary approaches and robust networking in fostering innovation and driving technological advancement within an engineering college ecosystem. The commendable efforts of educational institutes, in actively cultivating this collaborative spirit and contributing to the realization of India’s developmental aspirations, is highly appreciated with the way forward for Viksit Bharat.

About the Speaker

Prof. (Dr.) Archana Sharma, FNAE, FIE, FIET (UK), FNASc, is Distinguished Professor at Dr. SPM IIIT, Naya Raipur, and Senior Professor at HBNI Mumbai. She retired as Distinguished Scientist and Director of the Beam Technology Development Group, BARC Mumbai. With vast expertise in RF/DC electron beam accelerators, laser and plasma systems, pulsed power technologies, and technology transfers, she has significantly contributed to nuclear, industrial, and environmental sectors. Her achievements include developing India’s first 1MV,30 kA ,80ns multi-gigawatt pulsed power system for Flash X-rays, intense microwave sources for IEMI studies, shock plasma generators for oil recovery, and electron beam accelerators for food, medical, and industrial applications. Prof. Sharma has collaborated with major organizations like ONGC, BNP, NTPC, and contributed to the National Mission for Clean Ganga through indigenous wastewater treatment technologies. She has received numerous awards, including EMC Engineer of the Year (Asia-Pacific, 2023), Top 75 Women Professionals Award (2022) by Principal Scientific Adviser , Government of India and British high commission, SEBTA-2024 Meritorious Award, IEI Technical Excellence Award (2024), Mural M Chugani Award by Indian Physics Association (IPA) for Applied Physics Contribution in (2024), Lifetime achievement award by Indian Society for Particle Accelerators (2025). She has guided 17 Ph.D. scholars, 20 M. Tech theses, and authored over 200 publications.