CHANDIGARH,March 22, 2025PGIMER’s 11th Annual Research Day, which concluded today, reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to translating research discoveries into real-world healthcare solutions. The event featured nearly 400 best research publications from the past year, with 48 researchers recognized for ‘Top-rated Research Publications’ in surgical, medical, and basic sciences. Additionally, 40 researchers were honored in the ‘Innovations’ category for their ground-breaking contributions.

A landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between PGIMER, Chandigarh, and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, to foster collaborative research with societal impact.

Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India and Chairperson of the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC), was the esteemed Chief Guest. Prof. Sundar Swaminathan, Inaugural Chair, Department of Nephrology at IISc Bengaluru, was the Guest of Honour.

Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, renowned for his pioneering research in quantum materials and nanotechnology, emphasized the pivotal role of interdisciplinary research in his address themed as “Our Way Forward for the Techade : Opportunities & Challenges”.

Speaking online from New Delhi, Prof. Sood emphasized that India is at the top of the technology pyramid. For example, out of 69 critical technologies, India is in the top 5 ranking, in 45 of them. He explained that the convergence of technologies will enable techno-strategic autonomy for India in its journey towards Viksit Bharat. Prof. Sood outlined the extensive work being led by his office towards the Healthcare sector including One Health, pandemic preparedness, mission mode approach for cell & gene therapy, and the role of artificial intelligence in healthcare."

Addressing the gathering, Prof. Swaminathan, a distinguished nephrologist and bio-engineering expert, emphasized the importance of translational research in bridging the gap between laboratory breakthroughs and clinical applications. An alumnus of PGIMER, he lauded the institute’s research excellence, stating, “Every doctor is inherently a researcher, but impactful discoveries require thinking beyond and above.”

Welcoming the dignitaries, Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER, commended the overwhelming response to the event. Highlighting PGIMER’s robust research ecosystem, he stated, “Despite our rigorous work schedules, research thrives at PGIMER because it is ‘for the patient, with the patient, and by the patient’.”

Prof. R.K. Ratho, Dean (Academic), set the tone for the event, underpinning PGIMER’s relentless pursuit of excellence in medical education, patient care, and cutting-edge research.