Call to foster culture of research

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Considering the fact that it is engineering research that helps convert new ideas in science and technology to products useful for mankind, it is vital that there emerges a culture of research in engineering colleges in Kerala, Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan has said.

He was speaking after inaugurating the Centre for Engineering Research and Development (CERD) at the College of Engineering here on Tuesday.

Various studies have predicted that there will be a ten-fold increase in investment in the engineering research sector. If Kerala is to be able to fully utilise this investment boom, its engineering colleges should give due importance to research. It is with this in mind that the government has set up CERD.

The State has witnessed fast-paced developments in science education and research during the last four years. Thanks to strong pressure exerted by the State (on the Centre), an IISER was able to begin operations in Kerala. The State was also able to get a Central university. However, the Central government is yet to accede to Keralas request for an IIT. There is no justification for the State not having an IIT, he said.