KATRA, Jun 12: Two students from the School of Biotechnology at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) have been selected for the prestigious IAS-INSA-NASI Summer Research Fellowship Programme (SRFP) 2026, bringing recognition to the university and reaffirming its commitment to academic and research excellence.
Anindya Mishra, a second-year B.Tech Biotechnology student (Batch 2024–2028), has been selected to pursue her fellowship training under the guidance of Dr. Anshu Bhardwaj at the Institute of Microbial Technology (IMTech), Chandigarh. During the fellowship, she will work on advanced scientific research projects and gain hands-on experience in a premier national research institution.
In another notable achievement, Ms. Mehak Kundal, a first-year M.Sc. Biotechnology student (Batch 2025–2027), has been selected to undertake her summer research training under the mentorship of Dr. Bibin G. Anand at the S.R.M. Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai.
The Summer Research Fellowship Programme is jointly administered by three of India’s premier scientific academies—the Indian Academy of Sciences (IASc), Bengaluru, the Indian National Science Academy (INSA), New Delhi, and The National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI), Prayagraj. The fellowship is regarded as one of the country’s most prestigious and competitive research opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
The programme enables selected students to work closely with leading scientists and researchers at renowned institutions across India, providing exposure to advanced research methodologies and emerging developments in their respective disciplines.
Congratulating the students on their achievement, Vice-Chancellor of SMVDU, Prof. Pragati Kumar, extended his best wishes for their successful research training and future academic endeavors. He expressed confidence that the fellowship would significantly enhance their research skills and scientific outlook.
Faculty members and students of the School of Biotechnology also congratulated the selected scholars and lauded their dedication and academic excellence.
The achievement reflects SMVDU’s growing research culture and its sustained efforts to promote scientific inquiry, innovation and experiential learning. It also highlights the university’s focus on encouraging students to engage with national centres of excellence and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of science and technology.