In a pioneering step to bring advanced research facilities to the Himalayan region, the Indian Science, Technology, and Engineering Facilities Map (I-STEM) conducted its flagship event, ‘Samavesha,’ at the University of Ladakh on November 5.
This initiative, overseen by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, marks the first time I-STEM has hosted such an event in Ladakh. It aims to boost research and collaboration in this remote part of the country.
The Samavesha event was organized to raise awareness about the I-STEM National Portal, a visionary platform that connects industries, researchers, and start-ups with academic institutions housing advanced scientific equipment. By offering access to state-of-the-art research resources without the need for significant capital investment, I-STEM aims to reduce duplication of high-end scientific tools across the country and foster a culture of shared research infrastructure.
The event witnessed active participation from various institutions, including the School of Agricultural Science and Technology, Government Polytechnic College, and the Science Departments at Leh and Kargil campuses.
Under the guidance of Prof S.K. Mehta, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ladakh, the sixth Samavesha event highlighted the platform’s tagline: ‘Linking Researchers and Resources.’ Dr Harilal Bhaskar, Chief Operating Officer and National Coordinator for I-STEM noted the significance of holding the event in Ladakh, saying: “The vision of I-STEM is to create a future where one million New-Age researchers, brimming with ideas, are seamlessly connected to a network of 10,000 cutting-edge labs across India. By 2024, I-STEM aims not only to connect individuals to equipment but also to ignite a collaborative ecosystem where start-ups, industries, and academia co-create the next wave of innovation.”
He further encouraged feedback from participants and emphasized that such events help shape future decisions about the I-STEM program. “I-STEM looks forward to new institutions and researchers registering and participating in the event,” he added, positioning the platform as an essential government-funded aggregator transforming India’s R&D landscape. The event facilitated knowledge-sharing, research opportunities, and access to resources that would propel innovation in Ladakh.
The gathering saw participation from prominent figures in academia, including Dr Subrat Sharma, Dean of Research, University of Ladakh, who stressed the importance of connecting advanced instruments at the Centralized Interdisciplinary Science Instrumentation Center (CISIC) lab at UoL to the I-STEM portal. He noted: “This integration would open new avenues for researchers across the Himalayan region, providing access to state-of-the-art facilities and fostering collaboration.”
Dr Mohd. Hussain, Dean of Sciences, echoed this sentiment, applauding the SAMAVESHA program’s role in enhancing academic and scientific dialogues. He acknowledged the collective efforts of contributors, remarking on the program’s success in expanding research networks and fostering an environment for innovation.
Narmdeshwar Pandey, Functional Manager at I-STEM, provided an overview of the portal, discussing registration processes, equipment listings, and booking options for public users. He introduced free software platforms like COMSOL and MATLAB to academic users and led a Q&A session addressing participants’ questions on maximizing the portal’s benefits.
Dr Nilza Othzes, Project Associate with DST-PURSE, highlighted the collaborative spirit behind the SAMAVESHA event, thanking the University of Ladakh’s faculty, speakers, participants, and support teams for their commitment. She noted: “This collaboration with the University of Ladakh is particularly symbolic, as it represents a commitment to expanding academic and research opportunities in the Ladakh region, helping to bridge gaps and elevate the region’s scientific community.”
