Charting new frontiers: UPES, a hub for research and innovation

UPES Dehradun is not just an educational institution; it is a powerhouse of research and innovation. UPES has rapidly grown into a premier university known for its multi-disciplinary, industry-aligned educational approach. Over the years, UPES has made significant strides in research, contributing to solving critical local and global problems, and has become a hub for innovation and scholarly pursuits.
Research achievements and milestones
UPES fosters research and innovation through initiatives like internal SEED funding and state-of-the-art synthesis, characterization, and high-computation facilities.The ‘Anusandhan’ initiative keeps faculty and students updated globally, while a dedicated IPR cell focuses on technology transfer through patents and copyrights. UPES's commitment to cutting-edge research is evident through collaborations with prestigious organisations such as CERN and KEK KEK in Switzerland and Japan, respectively, enabling its partnership in the Future Circular Collider (FCC) and Belle II projects.
UPES is rapidly growing in research output, with about 4 papers per faculty per year and citation averages comparable to top global institutions like MIT, NUS, Oxford, and Cambridge and better than top research institutions such as IISc Bangalore, IITs, etc. As of May 2024, 54% of UPES's publications have international co-authors, making it one of the best globally. Additionally, since 2018, scholarly output has increased by over 370%. The Field-Weighted Citation Impact was 1.76 in 2023 and 1.59 in 2024, with 30% of publications in the top 10% journal by CiteScore percentiles.
UPES boasts leading scholars, including a Nobel Prize Nominee and several Rhodes, Fulbright, and other prestigious scholars. Forty-two UPES faculty members are among the world's top 2% researchers in their fields, according to a Stanford University study. The university’s research output is further highlighted by faculty members like Dr. Khyati Tripathi, who received a Harvard fellowship, and Dr. Manish Kumar, ranked as one of the top environmental experts globally.
“Each milestone in our research is a testament to UPES's thriving ecosystem, designed to encourage critical thinking and innovation,” says Dr. Ram Sharma, Vice Chancellor, UPES.

Academic team
UPES attracts some of the finest academic leaders from around the world. In the recent past, the university has onboarded esteemed faculty members such as Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Awardee Prof. Karmeshu, who specialises in mathematical modelling and Computer Simulation and Prof. Madan Gopal, who specializes in AI/ML, to craft exceptional learning experiences for students. Several international faculty co-teach modules at different schools, providing students with a global perspective on their subjects.
Cutting-edge research by faculty
“At UPES, our faculty’s expertise and recognition on global platforms not only underline our commitment to excellence, but also enrich our students' educational journey,” adds Dr. Ram Sharma.
UPES leads in health and environmental sciences research. Dr. Aashish Mathur at the Center for Inter-disciplinary Research and Innovation (CIDRI) heads a team developing nanotechnology-based sensors for disease detection and environmental protection. Their innovations include sensors for heavy metals in water, milk adulterants, and drugs in drinks, aiming for affordable healthcare and safety solutions.
Dr. Bhawna Lamba oversees a pioneering wastewater reclamation plant in India, inspired by the Swachh Bharat Mission. This project uses microalgae to purify sewage water, producing bio-oil, biogas, and bio-manure, making it a zero-waste solution. Additionally, Dr. Lamba, alongside Abhirup Khanna and Dr. Sapna Jain, has developed an AI and ML approach to predict biodiesel properties. UPES and institutions like Don State Technical University and the Federal Scientific Agro-Engineering Center VIM in Russia have earned significant recognition for their sustainable energy research.
Industry collaborations and global partnerships
Collaboration is a cornerstone of research at UPES. The university partners with industry giants and international universities to enhance its research output and address real-world problems. For instance, UPES researchers have joined forces with Russian bioenergy experts to revolutionise biodiesel production using AI and ML algorithms, exemplifying UPES's dedication to sustainable energy solutions.
Additionally, UPES has been selected as one of 15 institutions across India, and the only one from Uttarakhand, to host the BEST (Bajaj Engineering Skills Training) initiative by Bajaj CSR. This includes approximately Rs 20 crore for setting up labs in Robotics, Mechatronics, IoT, and Smart Manufacturing, and about ₹5 crore for three years of operating expenses, announced by Mr. Rajeev Bajaj at Bajaj's annual event in Pune. This is the largest grant UPES has received from an industry partner.
By blending academic pursuits with real-world applications, UPES not only prepares its students to lead tomorrow’s innovations, but also contributes significantly to the advancement of knowledge and technology. Click here to apply now.
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