NIT Rourkela Faculty Represent India at 9th BRICS Young Scientist Forum

Rourkela: 30/11/24:Two NIT Rourkela faculty members have represented India at the 9th BRICS Young Scientist Forum, held in Russia.

Prof. Madhuresh Dwivedi, Associate Professor in the Department of Food Process Engineering, and Prof. Medha Nayak, Assistant Professor in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences proudly represented India at the prestigious BRICS Young Scientist Forum 2024.

The event was held from November 25 to 29, 2024, in Sochi, Russia, and brought together over 150 young scientists and innovators from BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa along with new members Iran, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Ethiopia.

Prof. Dwivedi contributed to the thematic area of ‘Nature-like and Convergent Technologies as Drivers for a Sustainable Future,’ while Dr Nayak shared her research on ‘Human-Elephant Interactions within the framework of Digital Humanities’.

Their participation highlighted the vital role of Indian researchers/young scientists in addressing global challenges through innovative approaches. Prof. K. Umamaheshwar Rao (Director, NIT Rourkela) congratulated both for this achievement, stating that their participation in this prestigious event reflects their expertise and commitment to advancing knowledge in their respective fields.

Expressing the joy, Prof. Dwivedi shared, “The moment of pride when the nameplate at your seat doesn’t bear your name but proudly displays INDIA is unparalleled. No other experience can match the joy and honour it brings. It was a great opportunity for me to talk on the topic of the theme of Nature like convergent technology and its applications in Food Process Engineering to achieve sustainability and the goal of Zero hunger. I want to thank the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India for giving me this opportunity, and NIT Rourkela and its administration for their constant support and encouragement.”

To this achievement, Prof. Medha Nayak said, “This was the first time Humanities and Social Sciences was included in the scientist forum so it was a moment of pride to represent India as a social scientist. I would like to thank the expert committee from DST, GoI for selecting me to be a part of the forum. It was not only a great exposure to the world of Science technology and innovation but also a platform for cultural exchange. Meeting fellow representatives from other countries opened doors for collaboration and co-learning.”

An expert committee from the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, selected a delegation of 12 young scientists from India. The BRICS Young Scientist Forum served as a vital platform for international collaboration and innovation among young researchers, driving efforts toward a sustainable and inclusive future.