Amity University, Mumbai (AUM) has been identified by ISRO as a Nodal center for organizing ISRO’s Space science and Technology Awareness Training (START) programme during 20th July to 07th August 2023. The programme has provided students with introductory-level training in space science and technology and Indian Space Exploration Programme. Lectures were held in the fields of space science and technology, giving them glimpses of different fields like Astrobiology, Solar System, Comparative Planetology, Space Weather Astronomy & Astrophysics. The program also focused on research opportunities and career options. ISRO Chairman Dr. S. Somnath in his inaugural speech on July 20, 2023 addressed the participants expressed his wish that all the research institutes and academia should come together for the space missions of national importance in future. He hoped that the lectures will inspire young minds to take up research in the areas of space science and space exploration.
During the concluding session of the START programme at Amity University Maharashtra, Mumbai, the Hon’ble Vice chancellor expressed his pleasure to have AUM as the Nodal centre for the START program by ISRO and also added that this program will enhance the scientific collaboration with ISRO. He further mentioned that “Space is a very important field that we can explore broadly. AUM has also started the Amity Centre of Excellence in Astrobiology, which is committed to advancing astrobiology research”. He added that “the centre has conducted innovative studies in the field of astrobiology, expanded the frontiers of knowledge, and made significant contributions to the global scientific community”.
Dean Research (i/c), AUM, the coordinator for AUM-START added that this programme coincides with the start of M.Sc., Astrobiology and Space Sciences at Amity University, Mumbai, which is offered for the first time in India. It is interesting that AUM has been hosting highly experienced researchers from DST, DBT through the Ramanujan and Ramalingaswami fellowships to accelerate the research and collaboration in the field of Astrobiology and Space sciences. Two of them are part of the scientific team of upcoming ISRO’s Aditya L1 mission to the Sun. ISRO plans to continue this training course every year, and the students of M.Sc. Astrobiology along with other interested students will greatly benefit.