Empowering Innovation Through Collaboration
At SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, multidisciplinary research is a cornerstone of our academic and innovation ecosystem. We believe that the most impactful solutions emerge when engineering disciplines converge to address real-world challenges. Our vibrant research culture actively promotes collaboration across departments, encouraging undergraduate students and faculty to engage in projects that blend expertise, spark innovation, and foster societal impact.
Initiatives
Multidisciplinary Major Projects (MDP)
Undergraduate Research Opportunities (UROP)
Multi-Faculty Collaborative Proposals
1. Multidisciplinary Major Projects
The MDP initiative empowers UG students to form cross-disciplinary teams and work on for their Major Projects on innovative, real-world problems. A team of 5 students across the max of 4 departments can work together for the problem statements under the category of Agriculture, Energy, Health care, Environment and Disruptive technologies.
The objective of the Multidisciplinary Project initiative is to promote cross-disciplinary collaboration among students during their final year major projects in the 8th semester. It aims to provide students with opportunities to apply core engineering concepts to solve real-world problems while encouraging innovation, research aptitude, and effective teamwork. The program also emphasizes the importance of showcasing project outcomes through structured exhibitions and live demonstrations, fostering a culture of experiential and product-based learning. Top teams receive recognition through cash awards, certificates, and continued mentorship. Funding Opportunities provided student teams which work on govt funded projects, Selective excellence Research Initiatives, Directorate of Entrepreneurship and Innovation(DEI), Student technical clubs and through the centre of excellence
Highlights:
- Real-world problem solving through prototypes and demos
- Projects mapped to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Funding support from mentors , collaborated faculty members, Expertise Central Panel reviewers
- Best Project Awards and university-wide visibility
Best Projects Under MDP
S.No | Title of Projects | Project Mentors | Prize | AY |
1. | Aquabot- Autonomous underwater vehicle | Dr. J Preetha Roselyn, EEE Dr.R.Annie Uthra, CINTEL
| First, Best Project Certificate | 2022-23 |
2. | Automated Parking Space Management System Using IOT and Deep Learning | Dr.P.Aruna Priya ,ECE Dr. G.K. Sandhia, CSE, | Second, Best Project Certificate | 2022-23 |
3. | Prediction of silicon wafer deformation through image analysis | Dr.A.Vijaya, Mechanical Dr. G.Suseela, NWC Dr. Nirajana, C TECH | Third, Best Project Certificate | 2022-23 |
4. | EVA – Enhanced Visitor Assistant | Dr.R.Ganga Devi, Dr.Jayakanth J J Dr. Lavanya R, C TECH | First, 25k Cash award | 2023-24 |
5. | Artificial Intelligence based Underwater vehicle for Oceanographic research | Dr.K Sivanathan, Mechatronics, Dr.S. Dhanalakshmi , ECE, Dr. S. Ushasukhanya, CSE Dr. Annapurani K, NWC | Second, 15k Cash Award | 2023-24 |
6. | ICoach: An Intellect Personalized Yoga Procoach | Dr. A. Alice Nithya, CINTEL Dr.R.Jansi, ECE | Third, 10K Cash award | 2023-24 |
7. | EMMA (Enhanced Multitasking Medical Assistant) : Autonomous Mobile Robot for Medical Assistance | Dr.S. Dhanalakshmi , ECE, Dr.Maheswari,CINTEL
| First, 25k Cash award | 2024-25 |
8. | Development of Architectural elements using Printable Concrete with indigenous 3D Printer. | Dr. Muthukumar , Civil Dr.K Sivanathan, Mechatronics,
| Second, 15k Cash Award | 2024-25 |
9. | Autonomous Navigation of Campus Shuttle using Artificial Intelligence Algorithms | Dr.K Sivanathan, Mechatronics, Dr.C.Bharathiraja,EEE Dr.S.Manikandan, Mechanical
| Third, 10K Cash award | 2024-25 |
2. Undergraduate Research Opportunities
The UROP scheme provides a formal pathway for UG students to explore research and innovation early in their academic journey. Students are encouraged to take up guided research under faculty mentorship starting as early as the second year.
Program Features:
- Flexible research slots within curriculum
- Interdepartmental pairing of students and faculty
- Participation in national/international research forums
- Publication support and encouragement for patent filing
- Credit Transfer and Elective Exemption for the students who publish the research articles in a referred journal
At SRMIST, UROP plays a pivotal role in creating a culture of curiosity, exploration, and contribution to cutting-edge technologies.
Any further information
Dr.A.Vijaya,
MDP/UROP Coordinator/CET
Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering,
SRMIST, KTR
vijayaa@srmist.edu.in, 8939917225
3. Multi-Faculty Collaborative Proposals
Recognizing that interdisciplinary collaboration among faculty—spanning Medical Sciences, Engineering and Technology, Agricultural Sciences, Science and Humanities, and Management—drives impactful research, SRMIST actively promotes Multi-Faculty Collaborative Proposals. These initiatives are designed to harness the diverse academic strengths across disciplines to:
- Tackle complex, multidisciplinary research challenges
- Optimize the use of shared laboratories and infrastructure
- Foster joint publications and attract external research funding
- Create mentorship opportunities for both undergraduate and postgraduate multidisciplinary teams
Each proposal is centrally coordinated and strategically aligned with SRMIST’s institutional research priorities and national R&D focus areas, ensuring maximum relevance and research value.
Why Multidisciplinary Research Matters
- Encourages holistic and systems thinking
- Bridges engineering with real-world applications
- Builds hybrid skillsets for emerging career roles
- Fosters teamwork, leadership, and innovation
- Prepares students for interdisciplinary challenges in Industry 5.0
SRMIST: Leading the Way in Collaborative Education
By integrating MDPs, UROP, and faculty-led Multifaculty collaborative research, SRMIST has cultivated an academic environment where learning by doing goes hand in hand with thinking beyond boundaries. Our multidisciplinary research framework not only enhances student capabilities but also contributes meaningfully to national innovation goals and societal development.
