Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has launched 15 ‘Centres of Excellence’ (CoE) as part of the ‘Institute of Eminence’ (IoE) Scheme at an event held at the campus. These Centres will be undertaking cutting-edge research to develop next-generation technologies and create a significant impact not just in India but internationally as well.
What are ‘Institute of Eminence’
The IoE Scheme was launched by the government to empower higher educational institutions to become world-class teaching and research institutions. IIT Madras, one of the pre-eminent institutions in India, was chosen in 2019. It has established several research initiatives in diverse fields with funds from IoE grants. The financial support through IoE will enable IIT Madras faculty members to pursue ambitious research goals, undertake cutting-edge projects and attract top talent to work on ground-breaking research topics.
IIT Madras had identified 68 research initiatives across 21 technology clusters in diverse fields in Phase I. Through an extensive and rigorous review process, the institute shortlisted 15 Centres of Excellence within the IIT Madras system alongside 23 research centres and 10 research projects in Phase II.
These research initiatives encompass a broad spectrum of disciplines and involve over 400 faculty members. By fostering interdisciplinary research, they facilitate collaborations that can lead to ground-breaking discoveries, innovations, and advancements in key areas.
These CoEs are dedicated to specific areas of study and are expected to reach the top five in the world in terms of research and innovation. They are intended to serve as hubs of excellence, attracting top talent and foster interdisciplinary collaboration.
The IoE funding will facilitate stronger collaborations with industry partners, leading to technology transfer and commercialization of research outcomes. The Institute envisions successful partnerships with corporations, start-ups and industry leaders, resulting in the development of cutting-edge technologies, products, and solutions that address real-world challenges and contribute to economic growth.
The goal is not only to achieve individual research milestones but also to create an environment of cross-cultural collaboration and learning, thereby fostering overall growth and development. The IoE funding has also facilitated the establishment of state-of-the-art infrastructure, research facilities, and technology platforms, which are instrumental in driving scientific advancements.
The funds allocated through the IoE Initiatives at IIT Madras have been primarily utilized for purchasing capital equipment and supporting research-related expenses. These strategic investments have enabled the Institute researchers to access state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, empowering them to conduct cutting-edge experiments and analyses that push the boundaries of knowledge.
The 15 Centres of Excellence that have been inaugurated are:
1. Critical Transitions in Complex Systems
2. NDE 5.0 – Industrial Assets and Process Management
3. Centre of Excellence on Molecular Materials and Functions
4. Technologies for Low Carbon and Lean Construction
5. Healthcare and Assistive Technologies
6. Maritime Experiments to Maritime Experience
7. Centre for Quantum Information, Communication and Computing
8. Sports Science and Analytics
9. Centre for Soft Matter
10. Center of Excellence in RF, Analog, and Mixed Signal ICs
11. Atomistic Modelling and Materials Design
12. Geophysical Flows Lab
13. Centre for Cancer Genomics and Molecular Therapeutics
14. Quantum Center for Diamond and Emergent Materials
15. Energy Consortium