SRINAGAR: The week-long Faculty Development Programme (FDP) titled ‘Emerging Research Trends in Science' organized by Government College for Women (GCW), M.A. Road, Srinagar commenced here today.

Director Colleges, Prof. Sheikh Ajaz Bashir was the Chief Guest at the inaugural function held at the college's auditorium. Nodal Principal (Kashmir) who also serves as Dean Academic Affairs, Cluster University Srinagar (CUS), Prof. Seema Naz; Registrar CUS, Prof. Wilayat Hussain Rizvi; Principal Amar Singh College, Prof. Aijaz Ahmed Hakak and Principal AAAM College, Bemina, Prof. Mudasir Afshan were also present on the occasion.

In his keynote address, Director Colleges appreciated the initiative of the college to organize the FDP on a relevant theme. Addressing the young faculty members, Prof. Ajaz said, "You should think how you want to spend your years of active service. Emoluments will come to you. But what is important is what is going to be your contribution to higher education. Take ownership of the college. Don't be in a college on the basis of biometric attendance. Be there on the basis of your engagement with the students. It should be a mentor-mentee kind of mechanism. It should not be a monologue."

Referring to the overwhelming response of students for the ongoing admission process in colleges, Prof. Ajaz said, "We have been able to register 54,000 students for admissions this year and we should understand how big a change they can bring if we stand by their side."

He referred to the ensuing academic session and the challenge of rolling out the fourth year of the UG programme under NEP-2020 with two clear-research and honors- verticals.

Director Colleges also assured the faculty that the placement cases are being resolved on fast track cases. "This month we are going to launch an online portal for these placements. Now nobody has to come to directorate of colleges. You have to apply online for the placement and your cases will be moved to technical committee twice in a year and thereby to DPC," he added.

In her address, Nodal Principal (Kashmir), Prof. Seema Naz also referred to the crucial fourth year of the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme under NEP-2020 from the ensuing session.

"For the first time in the colleges, we have to go for the research vertical and we are all deliberating on how we will execute it in our institutions though no doubt it is a big challenge. When we talk about implementing anything, we not only have to make our students aware, but more importantly the faculty members should be aware about the nuances and then only they can mentor the students in the right manner," Prof. Seema said.

Referring to the theme of the FDP in this backdrop, she said, "I think this is a very good platform and a time to talk about the research trends in science. This college is a premier college and has always been known for conducting programs on pertinent themes. I think this program is an effort in the same direction. I congratulate the principal and staff and I hope meaningful deliberations happen throughout this one week FDP."

Earlier, in her welcome address, Principal, Prof. Yasmeen Farooq spoke on the relevance of the FDP theme. "Applications of technology and innovation in interdisciplinary research is witnessing a boom and it has become imperative for our faculty members to keep pace with new research and techniques that are expanding at an exponential rate. Programmes like this serve as an excellent opportunity of learning, upskilling and meaningful networking so that ideas can evolve, skills can be sharpened and professional connections can fructify into bigger futures," said Prof. Yasmeen.

Presenting the concept note of the FDP, Course Coordinator and HoD Chemistry, Prof. Majida Maqbool listed the various themes to be covered during the week-long deliberations including Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning in Transforming the Society, Biotechnology & Life Sciences Advancements, Advanced Materials & Nanotechnology and Sustainable Science & Environmental Research. She said the FDP comprises of two daily sessions, each lasting two hours followed by a panel discussion for 30 minutes.

On the occasion, the electronic version of the Coffee Table Book of the college was launched by Director Colleges. The book is an attempt to record the past, present and future potential of this glorious institution.

A book on ‘Machine Learning & Cyber-security (AI for Threat Detection & Prevention)' authored by senior faculty members of Department of Computer Sciences, Prof. Rashid Ashraf Malik and Dr. Asif Iqbal Kawoosa was also released on the occasion.

Dr. Momina Nazir from Department of Chemistry was felicitated in recognition of successfully obtaining a patent titled ‘Nano Fungicidal Composition and Method Thereof'. Similarly, Dr. Parsa Sarosh from Department of Electronics was felicitated for her patent titled ‘Adaptive Headlight Control with lamp Deflection for Vehicles'.