Building Bridges Across Departments: Faculty of Engineering and Technology, SRMIST-KTR Hosts ‘Meet and Greet’ to Foster Collaboration

On July 17, 2025, the Faculty of Engineering and Technology (FET) at SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur (SRMIST-KTR), organised a "Meet and Greet" event that aimed at strengthening inter-departmental collaboration and academic synergy. Aptly themed ‘Building Bridges Across Departments’, this initiative brought together faculty members from across the engineering disciplines for a day of insightful engagement.

As part of this initiative, faculty members collectively visited over 174 laboratories spread across the institution's diverse departments.

The purpose of this meet is to understand the strengths, facilities, and ongoing work within other departments, thereby identifying opportunities for meaningful collaboration, be it in teaching, research, or interdisciplinary innovation.

"The strong relationships made should pave the way for strong, responsible minds," remarked Dr. Leenus Martin , Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Technology.

Echoing this vision, Dr. Muthamizhchelvan Chellamuthu , Vice Chancellor of SRMIST, emphasised the need for faculty to step beyond their departmental silos. "This initiative is not just about visiting labs but about discovering possibilities for collaboration and innovation. I foresee many productive collaborations emerging in the coming months." He also encouraged faculty to rethink their teaching practices, moving beyond tradition, fostering critical thinking, and ensuring students develop problem-solving skills rather than simply replicating existing knowledge.

"Rigid systems must change to flexibility. Innovation should reflect across academics and extracurricular activities alike," he added.

Dr. T. R. Paarivendhar, Founder & Chancellor, SRM Groups, further motivated the gathering by highlighting SRMIST’s continual journey of excellence, be it through academic achievements, global placements, world-class infrastructure, or the institution’s proud legacy in sports, including participation in Asian Games and the Olympics.

"Every individual has untapped potential. Working at SRM is not just a job; it’s a lifetime opportunity to grow, to innovate, and to make a difference," he said.

Notably, the Chancellor also announced an exciting opportunity for faculty: Every year, two faculty members from each department who are committed to the long-term growth of SRMIST will be sponsored to visit leading laboratories worldwide for a period of one to two weeks.

The session concluded on an inspiring note, with a strong call to action for faculty to reflect on their own growth and contributions:

"Research is nothing but the confidence to ask questions. If your students don’t ask you at least three questions, then as a teacher, you have failed," the Chancellor reminded.

This Meet and Greet stands as yet another step towards realising SRMIST’s vision: a collaborative, forward-thinking academic community where teaching, research, and innovation flourish hand in hand.