Dr. A. Subhananda Rao, Dean of Research at VNR Vignana Jyothi Institute of Engineering and Technology stands as a distinguished figure in aerospace engineering, renowned for his exceptional contributions to research and development. A gold medallist in Mechanical Engineering from the National Institute of Technology, Warangal, he continued his academic journey at the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, earning a Roll of Honour for his M.E. in Aeronautics.

Dr. Rao's career at the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) spanned various roles, including Director of Propulsion at DRDL and ASL in Hyderabad and leadership positions at prestigious labs, showcasing his expertise in rocket technology. Post-retirement, he transitioned to academia, leaving an indelible mark as Director of Advancement and Dean of Research and Consultancy at VNR Vignanajyoti Institute of Engineering and Technology.

In his current role at VNR Vignana Jyothi Institute of Science & Technology and as Chief Consultant and Advisor at SKYROOT AEROSPACE, Dr. Rao continues to shape India's aerospace landscape. His achievements range from ensuring self-reliance in Solid Rocket Motor Technology to facilitating the development of indigenous missile systems and enhancing research ecosystems in private engineering colleges. Recognized with awards such as the Gold Shield Award and Scientist of the Year Award, Dr. A. Subhananda Rao remains a stalwart in aerospace research and a fellow of esteemed engineering societies, contributing to the nation's technological advancement.

VNR Vignana Jyothi Institute of Engineering and Technology

How has your experience and journey with VNRVJIET been?

After 37 years of experience in DRDO in research and development, I got two offers, and I subsequently opted to work as Director (R&D) at VNRVJIET. VNRVJIET was, at that time, headed by a visionary leader, Dr. DN Rao, president of VJ Society, who inspired me to join the institute. After joining, I had one-to-one interactions with faculty members to motivate them and encourage them to participate in research activities by doing academic research and publishing in peer-reviewed international journals. As of now, 75 research projects have been completed worth INR 6.5 crore, and 13 projects are in progress worth INR 2.8 crore. Out of 450 faculty members in VNRVJIET, about 200 have PhDs, and 190 are pursuing them. About 500 research projects were published this year in high-quality SCI/Scopus/WOS indexed journals. We have also started the VJ hub, the innovation and incubation centre, where 12 companies are being incubated at present. Our faculty and students have applied for about 120 patents. Some of which have been granted, and some are published. We also started admitting PhD students and offering scholarships to them. So far, ten students have been admitted, and three have submitted their theses. This is how the research ecosystem was established in our institute with the help of management, the principal, the director, HODs, faculty, and students.

How do you foster the culture of research and scholarly activities among faculty and students in research endeavours within the college?

The faculty generally thinks that their responsibility is only teaching, but in academics, teaching and research go hand in hand. The faculty has to focus on research and publish in high-quality international journals, apply for patents, commercialise, etc. They have to carry out advanced research in disruptive technologies, develop technologies, solve industry and societal problems, and be a part of national development. We have to motivate faculty in this direction, create passion in them and encourage them by monetary incentives, awards, promotions, etc. Students are also to be allowed to participate in research, and we have to facilitate their involvement in research activities. All M. Tech students have to mandatorily publish papers in a good journal for their degree. Undergraduate students are given the opportunity to work on projects that lead to a high-quality paper or patent at the end. Their ideas are to be awarded, and worthy ideas are to be translated into prototypes. Students with entrepreneurial skills are to be encouraged, and necessary technological and financial assistance is to be provided by management. That is how we should foster a research culture among faculty and students.

Can you explain how VNRVJIET funds and infrastructural facilities to encourage research activities?

VNRVJIET provides budget allocation for research in the annual budget for numerous activities. The institute provides monetary incentives for publications in indexed journals, publication books, and chapters. There is assistance for registration in international and national conferences, along with travel and DA expenses to an extent of 50% for international travel to attend conferences. The college provides seed money for faculty for academic research, up to INR 5 lakh per faculty member. We offer patent application fees, attorney fees for the application of patents, and awards for innovative ideas. Out of the consultancy amount earned by faculty, 80% (if institute facilities are not used) and 70% (if institute facilities are used) are given to faculty. From grants received for research projects, 10% of the sanctioned amount will be given to the principal investigator after the completion of the project. We also have scholarships for PhD students and have established the infrastructure required to conduct research in advanced technologies.

What are the steps that VNRVJIET is taking in order to provide experiential learning to students?

Major and minor projects are part of the curriculum. Students are offered projects by faculty related to grant-in-aid projects sanctioned by the faculty. Other projects are formulated that lead to the development of a product or the publication of papers. Students also apply for patents based on project work output. Innovative ideas from students are awarded. Every year, an open house is conducted where the students are given the opportunity to exhibit their prototypes and develop ideas. Awards are given to deserving projects to encourage students. The students who have entrepreneurship skills and are interested in starting a startup company will be encouraged to incubate their ideas in the VJ Hub, and necessary technological and financial help will be provided. One such company started by students is ‘Jash,’ the first company to manufacture AC helmets in the world.

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Can you describe what is the challenging part of being in Dean of Research role and how you successfully manage it?

The challenging part of my role is motivating the faculty towards research. They feel that it is optional and try to keep away from research activities, thinking that they are busy with teaching and non-teaching activities. It needs continuous persuasion and counselling to motivate them to participate in research. Slowly, they develop an interest in and later a passion for research after seeing the results and experiencing the pride and joy of it. They start publishing papers in indexed journals and apply for patents and grants for aid projects. Giving financial incentives and considering research contributions in performance appraisals for promotion and increments will motivate and compel them to get into research.

What are the initiatives and programs you implement related to research to continuously improve research activities among students?

One of the important features of a research ecosystem in an institute is to involve students in research activities and inculcate a passion for research during the undergrad program itself. Major projects they do as part of the curriculum are related to advanced technology, leading to the production or publication of papers in reputed journals. This will inspire them and help them develop an interest in research. Some students are given projects from grants in aid projects sanctioned to the faculty. Faculty also take an interest in guiding students to publish or apply for patents. Publishing a paper is mandatory for postgraduate students to earn their degree. The institute provides financial assistance to build prototypes as part of their project work. When the students exhibit their products in an open house, deserving people are awarded to motivate and encourage them.

How important is focusing on Research activities in the present education curriculum and how will that help students and faculty in their career growth? 

The technological and economic development of any country is driven by research and innovation. India is trying to increase its spending on research and is committed to increasing the research expenditure to more than 1% of its GDP. The National Research Foundation bill was approved by the cabinet, according to which INR 50000 crore will be spent during 2023-2028. Academic institutes will play a key role in this process. Faculty and students play an important role in research to generate new knowledge and provide innovative solutions to industry and societal problems. They will also help develop new technologies and products by which the quality of human life on the globe will improve and inclusive growth will happen in the country. Research needs to be a part of the academic curriculum, and it has to be fostered among students when they are in the institute doing their undergrad. Faculty need to feel that it is their responsibility as academic institutions to contribute to new knowledge by doing research and development and also to inculcate the spirit of research among students. Research and innovation alone will help our country in its pursuit to become a developed country, and academic institutions play a key role in preparing students for this in their future careers.

What is your vision as a Dean of Research for bringing changes and development in terms of Research activities in the institution?

As Dean of Research at VNRVJIET, I would like to see each faculty member have their PhD degrees. I aspire to see that about 100 PhD students will be there at any time in the institute and to have a blooming environment of research in the institute. For that to happen, we also need to have the necessary infrastructure in place. I wish to see my institute at the top in Telangana and get an NIRF ranking below 100, which will be possible only when it excels in research. I wish that a very highly innovative, globally competent product will come out of VNRVJIET and gain repute globally.