Lecture-cum-interaction series commences at JU

JU Vice-Chancellor presenting a memento to Prof Balaram during lecture series on Wednesday.
JU Vice-Chancellor presenting a memento to Prof Balaram during lecture series on Wednesday.

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 31: JU Institution’s Innovation Council has organised a Lecture cum Interaction series, which began with session with Padmabhushan Prof P Balaram, former Director IISc, Banglore. He spoke on “Reflections on Science in the age of the Coronavirus”.
Prof Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor of University of Jammu, was the chief guest on the occasion. He said that Prof Balaram has great contributions in science of bio-membrane research. According to him, the innovations can be achieved only when the basic research is in place. He also stressed upon the transdisciplinary research by dissolving the boundaries of individual subjects like Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and Biology.
In his lecture, Prof Balaram stressed upon the fact that the discovery of vaccine for COVID-19 was possible only because the discovery of Coronavirus was done decades before. Although the research on the subject initiated when pandemic arrived in 2019, but the fundamental research on the virus was done much earlier and described by lady Dorothy Hamre, he said. According to him innovation is basically the execution of discoveries and inventions. He suggested that cultural traits must be taken into consideration while working for innovations.
Prof Rajni Kant, Dean Research Studies, University of Jammu, said that COVID-19 has changed the lifestyle of human beings. According to him the multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research is the key for putting new ideas and bringing them to fruition.
Second lecture of the interaction series was held in the School of Biotechnology where Prof. Balaram deliberated on “Science communication and public understanding of science”. He emphasised on a deep understanding of the importance of effective science in today’s world and its communication to the public in the right prospective.
Earlier, Prof Rakesh Vaid and Prof Sanjan Kaul formally welcomed the speaker while Prof Veenu Kaul spoke on the Institution’s Innovation Council and its activities. Prof Jyoti Vakhlu introduced the speaker to the audience.
Dignitaries and faculty members who were present during the occasion include Prof Beechan Lal, Vice Chancellor, Cluster University of Jammu; Prof H Balaram, Professor, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore; Prof R N Gohil, Prof Geeta Sumbali, Prof Anju Bhasin Dean Sciences, Prof Prakash Anthal Dean Student Welfare, Prof Yash Pal Sharma, Rector Udhampur Campus, Prof Kamal Kapoor and others.