Panjab University celebrates innovation by honoring top 5 patents at IP Awards

Panjab University (PU) recently held its Intellectual Property (IP) award ceremony to honour the top five patents secured during the financial year 2023-24. The event marked a significant milestone for the university, highlighting its growing emphasis on innovation and intellectual property. Vice-chancellor Professor Renu Vig presided over the ceremony, commending the efforts of the university's scientists and researchers.

A year of achievement

During the ceremony, Professor Renu Vig revealed that PU had secured 45 patents in the 2023-24 academic year despite intense competition. She described this achievement as a testament to the university's commitment to fostering a creative environment for research and innovation. Traditionally, the university focused on publishing in renowned journals. However, the establishment of specialised centres has successfully shifted this focus towards patent filing, opening new avenues for entrepreneurship and intellectual property rights.

The vice-chancellor encouraged the university community to continue exploring groundbreaking ideas and emphasised the importance of fostering a research-driven culture. She identified intellectual property as a key driver of progress and urged faculty and students to embrace entrepreneurship as a means of achieving sustainable growth.

ALSO READ: Old Mehfil Hotel building collapses in Chandigarh's Sector 17

ALSO READ: Dense Fog disrupts flight operations at Chandigarh Airport

Recognising innovators

Several distinguished faculty members were acknowledged for their outstanding contributions to research and innovation:

1. Professor Indu Pal Kaur from the University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS) was recognised for her patent on a probiotic formulation with low water activity for topical application. This innovative solution has potential applications in healthcare and skincare.

2. Professor Rohit Sharma, from the department of microbial biotechnology, was honoured for designing an apparatus that facilitates the efficient growth of microbial cultures at high temperatures, a development with implications for industrial microbiology.

3. Professors Maninder Karan and Karan Vasisht from UIPS received accolades for their joint patent on a nano-formulation for delivering berbamine. This invention has potential applications in drug delivery systems, offering improved efficiency and precision.

4. Professor Parveen Rishi from the microbiology department and Professor Rupinder Tewari from the department of microbial biotechnology were recognised for their synthetic peptide antigen, which can be used to detect salmonellosis, a significant advancement in diagnostic technology.

5. Gurpreet Kaur and Ganga Ram Chaudhary, from the department of chemistry, were honoured for developing nano-functionalised natural fibres with enhanced photocatalytic and antimicrobial properties. This innovation has potential applications in environmental sustainability and healthcare.

Professor Vig reiterated the importance of fostering an environment that encourages groundbreaking research and intellectual achievements. She highlighted the need to balance publishing in high-impact journals with patent filing, ensuring that the university remains at the forefront of academic and industrial innovation.

Looking ahead

The IP award ceremony underscores PU’s commitment to nurturing a culture of innovation and creativity. By recognising the contributions of its faculty members, the university aims to inspire future researchers to pursue excellence in their respective fields. PU’s achievements in securing patents reflect its dedication to advancing knowledge and translating research into practical applications, ultimately benefiting society at large.