March News and events

Farewell & Felicitation Ceremony of Dr. I. Hubert Joe

Date: 28 April 2025

Time: 10:00 AM

Venue: CLIF, University of Kerala

It was a morning filled with warmth, memories, and heartfelt tributes as colleagues, students, and well-wishers bid farewell to Dr. I. Hubert Joe, Head of the Department of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, University of Kerala. I had the privilege of coordinating this memorable event.

A Morning to Remember

The program commenced after tea and snacks around 10:00 AM, setting a relaxed and welcoming tone for the gathering. The official proceedings began with a welcome speech by Dr. Jayakrishnan R, Professor, Department of Physics, University of Kerala. This was followed by a special address by Dr. Ratheesh, Director, CMET Hyderabad, who reflected on Dr. Joe's contributions to spectroscopy and nanoscience and their longstanding academic association.

Honoring a Scholar and a Mentor

The presidential address was delivered by Dr. V. Biju, Head of the Department of Physics, University of Kerala, underlining Dr. Joe's pivotal role in shaping nanoscience research and mentoring future scientists.

Dr. Sam Solomon, Professor and Head, Department of Optoelectronics, delivered the keynote address, where he narrated lesser-known stories of Dr. Joe’s academic journey, drawing attention to his humility, passion, and persistent pursuit of excellence.

A Touching Tribute

What followed was a series of felicitations—each one heartfelt, each one unique. Many speakers shared personal anecdotes, highlighting different dimensions of Dr. Joe’s life—his scholarly excellence, mentorship, calm demeanor, and sense of humor. It was during these moments that we truly grasped the depth of his impact—not just as a scientist with 336 international publications, 21 PhDs guided, and an h-index of 47, but as a remarkable human being.

Musical tributes added a soothing and emotional touch to the event, bringing smiles and misty eyes in equal measure.

A Moment of Reflection

In his reply speech, Dr. Hubert Joe expressed deep gratitude to his colleagues, students, and the university for the enriching journey he experienced over the years. His words resonated with everyone in the hall—echoing humility, wisdom, and warmth.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks, delivered by Sibi K S, Assistant Professor, University of Kerala, marking the end of a beautiful chapter and the beginning of a new journey for Dr. Joe.

Memories to Cherish

The program was not just a farewell—it was an acknowledgment of a life dedicated to science, teaching, and academic service. Many expressed that the felicitation speeches were touching, informative, and illuminating—unveiling lesser-known stories of Dr. Joe’s academic vision and personal kindness.

We are happy to share a few glimpses from the event below:

Link to Photos

Spotlight on Physics: Two Seminars that Lit Up March 2025
The month of March 2025 was a vibrant time for the physics community at the University of Kerala, with two high-impact seminars showcasing recent advancements and interdisciplinary collaborations. These events brought together experts, researchers, and students under one roof, sparking ideas and fostering academic engagement.
🌟 NS-PMD 2025: Exploring the Glow of Photoluminescent Materials

Date: 25th March 2025
Venue: Department of Physics, University of Kerala
The National Seminar on Recent Trends in Photoluminescent Materials and Devices (NS-PMD 2025), organized by the Department of Physics and sponsored by the ANRF, DST, Government of India, focused on the fast-evolving field of photoluminescent materials. Experts delved into topics like phosphor materials, pc-LEDs, and their real-world applications in temperature sensing, bio-imaging, and optical data storage. A live demonstration using a spectroradiometer for NIR LED characterization added a hands-on element to the seminar, enhancing the learning experience for participants.
🌿 Advanced Materials for Environmental Applications

Date: 17-21 March 2025
Event: International Conference on Rethinking Research
Venue: Physics Seminar Hall, Kariavattom Campus
As part of the Rethinking Research 2025 conference, the Department of Physics hosted an invited lecture on advanced materials for environmental applications. Dr. K. Anoop Krishnan (NCESS, Trivandrum) and Dr. Christie Thomas Cherian (Digital University Kerala) shared their research on cutting-edge materials tackling environmental challenges. The session highlighted how physics research is moving beyond laboratories into critical areas like sustainability and green technology.

As part of the International Conference on Rethinking Research 2025, K.V. Luthfa Shaheer, a first-year PG student from the Department of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, University of Kerala, presented her paper titled "Advancing Energy Solutions with Materials and Nanotechnology" on the concluding day at CV Raman Hall, CLIF. Co-authored with T. Jumna and Dr. K.S. Sibi, the paper explored cutting-edge approaches in sustainable energy, highlighting innovations like perovskite solar cells, lithium-sulfur batteries, hydrogen production through nanocatalysts, quantum dot-enhanced photovoltaics, and graphene-based supercapacitors. Luthfa's presentation emphasized the role of nanotechnology in addressing global energy challenges and was well-received for its interdisciplinary scope and futuristic outlook. Sharing here the full paper and snapshots from her presentation moment.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_Q7ADNmBp3dmwbdsa85x2tiwxUq1oUFXaPOuFA6kJFo/edit?usp=sharing

These events served as excellent platforms for academic dialogue, hands-on learning, and networking—reaffirming the University of Kerala’s commitment to fostering research-led education in physics and beyond.

Unlocking Innovations via Patent Strategies: A One-Day Workshop at TRIC-KU

Date: 18.03.2025

Venue: CLIF, University of Kerala

Organized by: Translational Research and Innovation Centre (TRIC-KU) in collaboration with the Research Student Union

Introduction

The University of Kerala recently hosted a one-day national-level workshop titled "Unlocking Innovations via Patent Strategies", aimed at equipping researchers, scholars, and faculty with insights into the strategic use of intellectual property rights (IPR). The workshop was a confluence of academic minds, legal experts, and institutional leaders exploring the journey from idea to impact.

As the Coordinator of the IPR Cell, I had the privilege of opening the seminar, welcoming participants, and reflecting on how innovation and IPR are inseparable in today's research ecosystem. What once appeared to me as a contradiction—restricting knowledge through patents—now reveals itself as a necessary step toward protecting, preserving, and amplifying scientific contributions.

Setting the Stage

The workshop began with a Keynote Address by Prof. K G Gopchandran followed by remarks of Research Director Prof Binoj sir. Prof. S.M.A. Shibli, a distinguished figure in electrochemistry and materials science delivered talk on "Glimpses of Patenting – Experience and Why We Patent," offered an engaging and relatable entry point into the world of patents, blending real-life examples with philosophical reflections on scientific ownership.

Dr. Viji Vijayan, Joint Director of TRIC-KU, followed with a thoughtful presentation on the role of a Translational Research Centre in promoting innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration. Her leadership and commitment to making TRIC-KU a dynamic bridge between research and real-world applications were instrumental in organizing this workshop.

Session Highlights
Understanding Patent Challenges and Strategies

Dr. Sakshi Gupta provided clarity on inventiveness criteria and addressed the common hurdles researchers face during patent application. Her presentation encouraged participants to proactively plan their IPR strategy during the early stages of research.

Dr. Nimisha K, a seasoned patent agent, took us through the nuances of patent prosecution in India, simplifying complex legal procedures and sharing actionable tips for smoother filings.

Dr. Parveen Abraham expanded on pre- and post-patent strategies, emphasizing that filing a patent is just the beginning. Her insights into managing IP portfolios and commercialization pathways were particularly valuable.

Learning from the Masters

One of the most compelling sessions was delivered by Dr. K.T. Varughese, a mentor to several experts in the field including Dr. Nimisha and Dr. Parveen. His lecture reminded us why a good attorney is indispensable in the patent journey. Precise, articulate, and deeply insightful, Dr. Varughese’s ability to decode the spirit of patent laws was nothing short of inspiring. As one participant said, “He’s like Dronacharya—teaching us to focus on the ‘eye of the parrot’ in the vast landscape of patenting.”

Institutional Vision for Innovation

In the concluding technical session, Prof. Shaji E, Director of IQAC, brought a powerful message about institutional responsibility and risk-taking in research. He reiterated the university’s stance: “If you have an idea, we are willing to take the risk for you.” His words bridged policy with practice, underscoring the essential role of leadership in nurturing a culture of innovation.

Personal reflection

Years ago, I attended a seminar where I debated the very concept of patenting. As someone who admired the open exchange of knowledge—be it via Telegram, LibGen, or torrents—I found the idea of restricting information with patents unsettling. I even argued that had Einstein patented relativity, he might have been the richest man alive—but he didn’t.

But time and experience have taught me otherwise. Today, as the Director of the Patent Cell, I realize that protecting ideas isn’t about ownership—it’s about ensuring that the right people get credit, support, and an opportunity to make a real-world difference. Innovation without protection can often end in obscurity; protection gives it wings.

This seminar wasn’t just an academic exercise—it was a celebration. Like the vibrant spirit of Kanimangalam Ulsavam (Referring to movie aaram Thampuran), it brought together passionate individuals, dedicated organizers, and curious minds to a common space of learning and growth.

Thanks to Dr. Viji Vijayan, TRIC-KU, and the Research Student Union for making this possible. Let us carry forward the spirit of this seminar—not just in our labs, but in the way we think, collaborate, and transform ideas into impact.

– Dr. Sibi K.S.
Coordinator, IPR Cell
Translational Research and In
novation Centre (TRIC-KU)
University of Kerala

IISER Thiruvananthapuram Visit with Students – March 5, 2025

A heartfelt thanks to Professor Ramesh Sir and to the IISER team for their hospitality and for making this visit a memorable experience

I, along with Hubert Joe Sir, had the wonderful opportunity to lead a batch of 32 students from the Department of Physics & Nano Science, University of Kerala, for an outreach visit to IISER Thiruvananthapuram on March 5, 2025. The visit was an enriching experience, offering students a firsthand look at advanced Physics Research Labs and the Central Instrumentation Facility (CIF). The day included an introductory lecture, lab visits, and interactions with researchers, providing valuable exposure to the world of scientific research and higher education opportunities.