C.P. Radhakrishnan Inaugurates Advanced Research Facility, PU-TIF at Panjab University
Chandigarh, September 4, 2026: Vice-President of India and Ex-officio Chancellor of Panjab University, C.P. Radhakrishnan, visited Panjab University, Chandigarh, on Friday and inaugurated the Advanced Instrumentation Facility at SAIF/CIL and the Panjab University Tech Innovation Forum (PU-TIF).
The new facilities are aimed at strengthening academic, applied and translational research while providing advanced analytical, incubation and entrepreneurial support to researchers, innovators and industry.
Five Advanced Scientific Instruments Added
Radhakrishnan highlighted the installation of five advanced instruments — Atomic Force Microscope, Raman Spectrometer, DNA Sequencer, Flow Cytometer and FTIR Spectrometer.
He said these facilities would strengthen research in areas including nanotechnology, materials science, environmental science and genomics.
Focus on Innovation and Research
The Vice-President said the transformation of Bio-NEST into PU-TIF, a Section 8 not-for-profit company, provides a new institutional framework for research, entrepreneurship and technology development.
He urged researchers to pursue science with purpose, remain resilient after failures and develop innovations that can address real societal needs.
Campus Safety and Nasha Mukt Bharat
Radhakrishnan also stressed that campus safety must remain the University's highest priority. Following the death of a Ph.D. student, he said he had directed authorities to conduct a comprehensive campus safety audit. An internal committee has been constituted to review infrastructure and submit a detailed report.
He also urged students to stay away from substance abuse and contribute towards building a “Nasha Mukt Bharat”, encouraging their families and friends to do the same.
Call to Make Panjab University World-Class
Highlighting Panjab University's distinguished legacy since its establishment in 1882, the Vice-President called for collective efforts to transform the institution into a world-class centre of higher education and research.
He expressed confidence that the new scientific facilities and PU-TIF would strengthen the University's contribution to research, innovation and entrepreneurship and help turn ideas from classrooms and laboratories into opportunities for youth.