Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM) in partnership with Defence Research ands Development Organisation (DRDO) operates a research centre for defence technologies for national defence and security of the nation.
The research centre, ‘DRDO industry academia- Ramanujan centre of excellence’ (DIA-RCoE), was originally established by DRDO and has now been taken over by IIT Madras to become an interdisciplinary research group that brings in faculty and researchers from multiple departments to undertake research.
DIA-RCoE has been established to conduct research in advanced technologies for defence and security and will make major contributions towards ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ in the defence sector. The research centre was established based on the ‘long term directed research policy’ by the defence ministry and will take part in the research of the domains such as electronics and computational systems, naval systems and technologies, advanced combat vehicle technologies, high power CW laser sources and next-generation communication and networking technologies.
The researches and professors at IITM will ultilise their knowledge base to facilitate basic and applied research in the field mention while engaging with academic institutions and technology centres in the country. On the other hand, the DRDO scientists will requisite research and technology expertise with the academic faculties and researchers to achieve goals in intended development of advanced technologies.
O R Nandagopan was recently appointed the director of the DRDO industry academia- Ramanujan centre of excellence’. While elaborating on the outcomes envisaged from the research centre he said: “DRDO is attaching high priority for the development of futuristic technologies and systems for defence through academia and industry. This centre will identify the strength of faculty members and industry partners and develop cutting edge technologies and systems for our armed forces”.
Highlighting the broad objectives of the centre, IIT Madras, dean, industrial consultancy and sponsored research, Manu Santhanam, said: “IIT Madras will develop core competencies in research areas identified with DRDO to support future DRDO programs. This will help in skill development and generating scientific and technological trained manpower including DRDO in the crucial technological areas.”
He further added, “The centre will also collaborate with academic researchers and faculty at IIT Madras and other institutes in the country to facilitate and achieve progress in advanced technology research in areas identified with DRDO. The DIA-RCoE will emerge as a centre of excellence by conducting directed research in advanced technologies for defence and security, and will endeavour to become a world leader in areas of R&D.”
