Chandigarh: Vice-President and ex-officio Chancellor of Panjab University C. P. Radhakrishnan inaugurated an Advanced Instrumentation Facility and the Panjab University Tech Innovation Forum (PU-TIF) on Friday, strengthening the university’s research, innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.
The new facilities are aimed at giving researchers access to advanced scientific infrastructure while creating stronger links between academia, industry, incubators and investors. Radhakrishnan called for collective efforts to transform the 143-year-old university into a world-class institution of higher education and research.
Five Advanced Instruments to Expand Research Capabilities
The Advanced Instrumentation Facility at the Sophisticated Analytical Instrument Facility/Central Instrumentation Laboratories (SAIF/CIL) now includes five advanced scientific instruments:
- Atomic Force Microscope
- Raman Spectrometer
- DNA Sequencer
- Flow Cytometer
- FTIR Spectrometer
These instruments are expected to strengthen research in areas such as nanotechnology, materials science, environmental science and genomics, while supporting academic, applied and industry-oriented research.
PU-TIF to Link Research With Entrepreneurship
Radhakrishnan also inaugurated the Panjab University Tech Innovation Forum (PU-TIF), which has evolved from the university’s Bio-NEST initiative into a Section 8 not-for-profit company.
The forum is designed to provide support across the innovation pipeline, including:
- Pre-incubation and incubation support
- Technology development
- Entrepreneurship
- Industry engagement
- Investor connections
- Translation of research into practical applications
The Vice-President stressed that innovation becomes stronger when academia, industry, incubators and investors work together.
Can Panjab University Become a World-Class Institution?
Radhakrishnan called for collective efforts from students, faculty and the wider university community to take Panjab University to the global stage.
He expressed confidence that the newly inaugurated facilities and PU-TIF would strengthen the university’s contribution to research, innovation and entrepreneurship.
“Whatever research we do, unless the research makes an impact on society, the success of the result will be within the four compounds of our university only.”
He urged researchers to focus on work that addresses real societal needs and produces solutions that are inclusive, scalable and affordable.
The Vice-President also called on the university community to share suggestions on measures that could help transform Panjab University into a world-class institution.
Research Must Move From Labs to Society
Radhakrishnan urged young researchers to remain resilient in the face of failure and pursue science with a clear purpose.
He said research should not merely generate data but should help identify relevant questions and solve real-world problems. He also linked research and innovation with the broader objectives of Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
The Vice-President said ideas emerging from classrooms and laboratories should eventually create opportunities for young people and contribute to national development.
Campus Safety Made a Priority
During his address, Radhakrishnan also highlighted campus safety following the death of a Ph.D. student at the university.
He said he had directed the university authorities to conduct a comprehensive safety audit of the campus. An internal committee has been constituted to examine existing infrastructure and submit a detailed report.
He stressed that the safety and well-being of students and staff must remain the university’s highest priority. Independent reports also confirmed that campus safety was a significant part of his address.
Students Urged to Support ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat’
Radhakrishnan also appealed to students to stay away from substance abuse and encourage their friends and families to do the same.
He urged young people to contribute to the goal of building a “Nasha Mukt Bharat”, linking healthy and responsible youth with the country’s broader development goals.
Panjab University’s Legacy and Future
Recalling the university’s long history since its establishment in 1882, Radhakrishnan highlighted its contribution to nation-building and the number of leaders, scientists, jurists, sportspersons and public servants associated with the institution.
He said preserving this legacy while building stronger research and innovation capabilities would be essential to taking Panjab University towards global recognition.
Governor of Punjab and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria, Haryana Governor Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh, Lok Sabha MP Manish Tiwari, Panjab University Vice-Chancellor Professor Meenakshi Goyal and other dignitaries were present at the event.
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