DST DFG joint call on International Research Training Groups (IRTG)

International Research Training Groups IRTGs, in which German universities cooperate with research institutions in other countries, combine innovative top-level research and the structured promotion of excellent early career researchers. As bilateral collaborations set up by experienced scientists, IRTGs promote systematic scientific cooperation through joint research programmes and corresponding qualification measures for post doctoral researchers.

For more details: https://onlinedst.gov.in/Projectproposalformat.aspx

BIRAC Announces 25th Call for Proposal under BIG Scheme Last date to apply - 30th November, 2025 05:30 PM

Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), a Section 8 ‘Not-for-Profit Company’ of Government of India, has been set up as DBT’s interface agency, to serve as a single window for emerging biotech companies.

The scheme enables Startups to pursue a promising technology idea, and establish and validate proof of concept (POC) for the idea.

Click here to view Guidelines  

Click here to register for BIG Scheme

Springer Nature: Submit Your Book Idea

Research aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) holds powerful potential to shape policy, inform practice, and drive real-world change. By publishing your work as an open access (OA) book with Springer Nature, you can significantly amplify its reach and impact. On average, our OA books and chapters receive 10 times more downloads, 2.4 times more citations, and 10 times more online mentions than their non-OA counterparts. Make your insights accessible—globally and immediately—to those who can turn them into action. 

Submit your book idea

A book can bridge disciplines and sectors with comprehensive analysis that reflects the interconnected multidisciplinary nature of SDG challenges. Whether your book idea is fully developed or just beginning to take shape, we welcome your proposal. Submit it without obligation, and a publishing editor will reach out to explore next steps.

Source: https://www.springernature.com/gp/authors/publish-a-book

One-Day Hands-On Training on KOHA Modules and Data Cleaning for SVU Library Staff

Our Learning and Information Resource Centre had an excellent opportunity to share the knowledge of our Koha ILMS with the library staff of Somaiya Vidyavihar University.

A one-day hands-on training programme on KOHA Library Management System modules and data cleaning on 30th October 2025 as part of its continuous efforts to strengthen library automation and professional development.

The training was conducted by Ms.Chinmayee Bhange, Librarian, Sister Bhavya and Ms. Rupali Sawant, both Asst. Librarians who shared practical insights and guided the participants through real-time demonstrations of the Koha ILMS.

The training was attended by Ms. Gauri Gothivrekar and Ms. Jyoti Tikam, library professionals of Somaiya Vidyavihar University. The hands-on nature of the training enabled the participants to actively engage with the system and gain practical experience.

Focus Areas of the Training

The training covered a detailed overview and practical usage of major KOHA modules, including:

• Cataloguing

• Circulation

• Acquisitions

• Serials

• Reports

In addition, special emphasis was placed on data cleaning and data quality management. Participants were trained in identifying and correcting duplicate, incomplete, and inconsistent bibliographic and patron records, along with best practices for maintaining accurate and reliable library databases.

Key Outcomes

The training programme resulted in:

• Enhanced understanding of KOHA Library Management System

• Improved skills in handling automated library operations

• Better awareness of the importance of data accuracy and consistency

• Increased confidence in managing and maintaining library databases

Moving Forward

This training programme reflects our commitment to continuous knowledge sharing, effective use of ICT, and quality enhancement in library services. The skills gained from the programme will contribute to improved efficiency, accuracy, and overall user satisfaction in library operations.

Our Learning and Information Resource Centre will continue to organize such capacity-building initiatives to support academic excellence and institutional best practices.

Report on Reading Inspiration Day - 2025

 

The Learning and Information Resource Centre of St. Francis Institute of Technology celebrated Reading Inspiration Day on 15th October 2025 in remembrance of Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, our beloved former President and visionary scientist, fondly known as The Missile Man of India. The event aimed to honor Dr. Kalam’s inspiring legacy by spreading the light of knowledge and the joy of reading among students and faculty members.

Overview of Activities

The celebration was organized over four days, featuring a variety of engaging and educational activities designed to promote reading habits and creativity:

In-House Book Exhibition (13th October 2025): The event commenced with an exhibition showcasing a diverse collection of books available in  English and Marathi languages. Students were encouraged to explore new titles and genres, fostering curiosity and a love for reading.

Digital Library Treasure Hunt (14th October 2025): Participants enthusiastically took part in an interactive treasure hunt within the digital library system, aimed at creating an awareness on the seamless access to a treasure trove of information on e books, e journals from Knimbus M Library portal and a plethora of books in Indian languages from AICTE E KUMBH.

Best Library User Award (2024–2025) (15th October 2025): To recognize dedication and consistent engagement with library resources, the “Best Library User Award” was presented to the most active readers of the academic year 2024-2025. Congratulations to Dr. Sunil R. Pansare (HOD, Department of Mechanical Engineering), Mohsin Dalvi (Department of Mechanical Engineering), Varsha Thandasarry (Department of Electrical Engineering), Dhammapal Gaikwad (Department of Mechanical Engineering), Owais Shaikh, Student at Department of Information Technology at SFIT, RAJAN Zagade Student at Department of Electrical Engineering), Om Kate, Student at Department of Electronics and Telecommunications.

Old Book Sale (16th October 2025): The celebration concluded with a sale of old books at nominal prices, encouraging participants to take home books and continue nurturing the joy of reading.

The celebration of Reading Inspiration Day successfully honored Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam’s vision of a knowledgeable and enlightened society. The series of activities encouraged students to read, learn, and lead towards a brighter tomorrow. The event not only paid tribute to a great leader but also reinforced the institute’s commitment to promoting lifelong learning and intellectual growth among its members.

Knowledge Connect (27): NIELIT's International Conference on Communication, Electronics and Digital Technologies (NICEDT-2026)

More details: https://nicedt.org/

The accepted paper will be published with Springer, subject to compliance with Springer’s standards and quality checks. The remaining papers will be published in the International Journal of Digital Technologies (IJDT).

 

Knowledge Connect (26): Call for Book Chapters in AI in Speech and Language Processing by Springer