Somaiya Vidyavihar University Chosen as Nodal Centre for ISRO START Programme, Empowering Students in Space Technology Education
Mumbai : Somaiya Vidyavihar University proudly announces its selection as a Nodal Centre for the esteemed ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) Space Science and Technology Awareness Training (START) Programme. This significant collaboration underscores the university’s commitment to promoting space education and equipping students with the necessary skills in the field of Space Technology.
The START Programme, designed for postgraduate and final-year undergraduate students of Physical Sciences and Technology, aims to provide comprehensive training in various domains of Space Science. Somaiya Vidyavihar University, as a Nodal Centre, will play a key role in delivering this training to both school and college students, preparing them for successful careers in the exciting field of Space Technology.
Covering areas such as Astronomy and Astrophysics, Heliophysics and Sun-Earth interaction, Instrumentation, and Aeronomy, the programme will be conducted by distinguished scientists from Indian academia and ISRO centres. Through their expertise and guidance, students will gain valuable insights into the intricacies of Space Science and Technology.
“The START programme is a crucial initiative by ISRO to nurture the talent of Indian students and enable them to become professionals in Space Science and Technology,” stated the ISRO spokesperson. “As ISRO’s Space Science exploration programme expands into new domains, this programme will provide students with foundational training, an overview of the field, research opportunities, and career pathways.”
Prof. VN Rajasekharan Pillai, Vice Chancellor of Somaiya Vidyavihar University, said, “Being selected as a Nodal Centre for the ISRO START Programme is a testament to our dedication to fostering excellence in education. We are thrilled to provide students with a unique opportunity to delve into the captivating world of Space Technology and explore their potential in this exciting field.”
Dr. Mayur Yergeri, Director of Research at SIRAC (Somaiya Institute of Research and Consultancy), also shared his thoughts on the partnership, saying, “This collaboration between Somaiya Vidyavihar University and ISRO opens doors for students to gain practical knowledge and hands-on experience in Space Technology. We are excited to contribute to the development of a skilled talent pool that will shape the future of Space Science and research.”
The training will emphasize the interdisciplinary nature of Space Science, showcasing how various aptitudes can be applied to the field. By fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration, the programme will enable students to understand the broader scope and potential of Space Science.
Moreover, the ISRO START Programme will contribute to building a robust human capacity to lead Space Science research in the future. As the lectures delve into the Indian Space Science exploration programme and highlight research opportunities in Space Science and technologies, students will be inspired to pursue advanced studies and make significant contributions to the field.
Somaiya Vidyavihar University is honored to be entrusted with the responsibility of serving as a Nodal Centre for the ISRO START Programme. The university, with its strong academic foundation and commitment to excellence, is dedicated to providing a conducive learning environment for students to excel in the field of Space Technology.