Indian National Science Academy awards Visiting Scientist Fellowship 2023 to two GITAM professors

Dr. Krishna Kummari focusses on advancing swarm robotics optimization techniques, while Dr. Kumar Raju Mukhi aims to enhance understanding of nuclear structures and refine theoretical frameworks in nuclear physics

Visakhapatnam, July, 2023: In what’s a big boost to scientific exploration in India, the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) has awarded its Visiting Scientist Program 2023 fellowships to two accomplished faculty members from GITAM (Deemed to be University), Dr. Krishna Kummari and Dr. Kumar Raju Mukhi. The coveted INSA fellowship is awarded to conduct advanced research for undergoing specialised training in Indian research institutes/laboratories other than one’s own institution.

The fellowship is awarded for a period of two months.

As part of the fellowship, Dr. Kummari, from the Department of Mathematics at the varsity’s Hyderabad campus, will conduct research on “AI-Inspired Optimization for Swarm Robotics” at the Advanced Computing and Microelectronics Unit of the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) in Kolkata. The research aims to investigate the effectiveness of AI-inspired optimization approaches in swarm robotics applications, which involve collaborative work among large groups of robots to achieve shared objectives.

Dr. Mukhi, from the Department of Physics at GITAM (Deemed to be University), will conduct research at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in Mumbai. The focus of the research is to study nuclear shapes through low-energy Coulomb-excitation using advanced facilities like the Indian National Gamma Array (INGA) and the heavy-ion pelletron accelerator. The experiment aims to improve understanding of nuclear shapes and their implications for future research with stable ion beams.

The fellowship provides him with the opportunity to collaborate with TIFR and IUAC, India, and utilize state-of-the-art equipment, thereby expanding his research skills and contributing to the field of nuclear physics.

The scientists said, “We are grateful to our parent institution for its support in obtaining the INSA VSP fellowships. The fellowships will have a positive impact on our career trajectories and research directions, as it offers resources, networking opportunities, and access to advanced research facilities, allowing us to make significant contributions to our respective fields. The recipients of this fellowship generally go on to form a thriving academic or professional network.”

Both scientists have long-term goals for their research. Dr. Kummari aims to contribute to optimization theory and applications, as well as apply AI to real-world problem-solving. Dr. Mukhi plans to establish collaborations, conduct additional nuclear physics experiments, and publish research findings to advance the understanding of nuclear physics. The INSA Visiting Scientist Program offers them a platform to expand their knowledge, foster collaborations, and drive progress in their fields of study.

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