STORY CREDITS
Writer: Vanajakshi B. H.
Photo: Mayur Bhatiya
The Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN) hosted the 12th Academic Advisory Council (AAC) on January 10, 2025. The prestigious gatherings brought together distinguished academicians, industry leaders, and experts from various domains globally, who engaged in strategic discussions shaping the future initiatives of the Institute.
The 12th AAC commenced with an introduction by Prof Pallavi Bharadwaj, Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering at IIT Gandhinagar. The first agenda of the event featured a presentation on Women Leadership in Higher Education by Prof Sivapriya Kirubakaran from the Department of Chemistry, IITGN. Participants, including academicians and industry experts, shared their views on the challenges faced by women in academia. The discussions were candid, highlighting real issues and brainstorming actionable solutions to promote women leadership in academic spaces.
Next, the council delved into the topic of Advancing Translational Research in Academia. Members emphasised the importance of turning research into impactful, real-world applications. Suggestions flowed freely on how institutions can bridge the gap between academic research and practical solutions in translation of research works.
The third agenda, The Role of AI in Teaching and Research, sparked a lively and thought-provoking debate. The council deliberated on how academia can embrace AI as a valuable tool rather than imposing restrictions on its use. It was emphasised that if students are leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT or similar models, professors must be equipped to identify challenges that go beyond the capabilities of AI council members expressed their thoughts here.
Finally, the council explored Faculty Recruitment – Balancing Excellence and Diversity. The discussions revolved around strategies to attract exceptional faculty members and ensure a diverse, inclusive environment while retaining talent for the long term.
Speaking about the event, Prof Rajat Moona, Director of IIT Gandhinagar, said, “The 12th Academic Advisory Council of the IIT Gandhinagar is a testament of our commitment to fostering academic excellence across disciplines. By integrating inputs from global experts and adopting best practices, we continuously refine our approach to higher education. This year, we are especially proud to introduce women leadership in higher education as a core agenda. This first-of-its-kind focus aims to explore how we can truly benefit from diverse leadership perspectives and drive meaningful change in academia.”
The 12th AAC concluded with all council members sharing their experiences and key takeaways from the meeting. This exchange of insights and reflections marked a fitting end to a productive and engaging council meet.