Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ) marked a landmark day in its academic journey with the inauguration of the Laboratory for Energy and Advanced Functional (LEAF) Materials and the commencement of the International Conference on Empowering Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Management (ICEWSTEAM 2025), held in collaboration with the World Forum for Women in Science (WFWS) and Indira Gandhi Delhi Technical University for Women (IGDTUW).
The LEAF Lab was inaugurated by Prof. Ashutosh Sharma, President, Indian National Science Academy (INSA), and former Secretary, Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. The ceremony was graced by Prof. N. N. Sharma, President, MUJ, and Prof. Kuldip Singh Sangwan, Dean, Faculty of Science, Technology, and Architecture.
In his address, Prof. Ashutosh Sharma emphasized the importance of fostering interdisciplinary ecosystems to tackle global challenges in sustainability and energy. Prof. N. N. Sharma, President, MUJ commended the research team for their contribution to strengthening MUJ’s scientific and innovation ecosystem.
The newly established laboratory signifies a major leap forward in research on green energy, sustainable materials, and catalysis. It aims to bridge fundamental science with application-driven innovations, focusing on next-generation materials for fuel cells, CO₂ conversion, and semiconductor technologies. The initiative is led by Dr. Dinesh Bhalothia, Dr. Amisha Beniwal, and Dr. Ashima Bagaria, combining expertise in materials synthesis, characterization, and device engineering.
The same day also saw the inauguration of ICEWSTEAM 2025, a two-day international conference focused on promoting leadership, innovation, and inclusion of women in STEAM disciplines. The event had a plenary talk by Prof. Ashutosh Sharma on “What Makes S&T Work?” Eminent speakers such as Prof. Angela Liberatore (European University Institute), Prof. Mary B. Chan-Park (NTU Singapore), and Prof. Devika Sangwan (BITS Pilani) shared insights on science diplomacy, leadership, and gender equity.
The conference, convened by Dr. Veena Dhayal, Dr. Neha Chaudhary, and Dr. Monika Saini, underscores MUJ’s commitment to advancing research excellence while empowering women in science and innovation.
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