The Srinivasa Ramanujan Institute for Basic Sciences (SRIBS), a constituent of the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE), fosters fundamental research across disciplines including chemistry, biology, physics, mathematics, and computer science. Established in 2012, SRIBS was inaugurated in 2013, and commenced operations at its Kottayam office on 9th Feb. 2014. At present, a 10-acre campus is under development at Pampady, Kottayam.
Between February 2014 and April 2024, SRIBS focused primarily on outreach science initiatives, organizing a multitude of conferences, colloquia, symposia, and workshops on both national and international scales.
On 18th April 2024, Dr. Suresh C. H. is appointed as the first Director of SRIBS. Prior to this appointment, he served as the Chief Scientist at the Chemical Sciences and Technology Division of the CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST) in Thiruvananthapuram.
The Genesis of SRIBS: A Vision for Fundamental Research in Kerala
The Srinivasa Ramanujan Institute for Basic Sciences (SRIBS) stands as a testament to the Government of Kerala’s commitment to fostering a vibrant research ecosystem in the state. Born from a vision to advance fundamental research in computational and theoretical sciences, SRIBS has steadily grown into a promising hub for scientific exploration and knowledge dissemination.
Inspired by a Legacy:
The very name of the institute, Srinivasa Ramanujan, evokes the spirit of ingenuity and the pursuit of knowledge against all odds. The celebrated mathematical genius of India, Ramanujan, made groundbreaking contributions to mathematics despite a lack of formal training and resources. By naming the institute after him, the Government of Kerala has conveyed a powerful message: that brilliance can flourish even in the absence of abundant infrastructure, and that dedication and passion for knowledge are paramount.
The idea of SRIBS was conceptualized by Prof. Rajasekharan Pillai, the Executive Vice President of KSCSTE, in January 2012, a time when the nation was celebrating the 125th birthday of Ramanujan. This vision was further fuelled by a collective decision to establish an institute dedicated to advancing fundamental research in the state, echoing Ramanujan’s own pursuit of knowledge.
A Laudable Initiative:
The genesis of SRIBS can be traced back to the Governor’s address on March 1st, 2012, where the decision to establish the institute at Pampady was formally announced. This marked the beginning of a journey to create a dedicated center for fundamental research in Kerala, a commendable step in an era where the focus often leans towards applied sciences. The formal inauguration of SRIBS took place on February 7th, 2013, further solidifying this commitment.
Laying the Foundation:
In a momentous event on February 9th, 2014, the Honorable Chief Minister of Kerala, Shri Oommen Chandy, laid the foundation stone of SRIBS at a public meeting held in Pampady, Kottayam. This ceremony symbolized the government’s dedication to building a world-class research institute in the state.
Strategic Location and Initial Steps:
The Government of Kerala generously allotted 10 acres of land from the RIT campus in Pampady for the institute. This strategic location, nestled amidst the majestic mountains, provides an ideal environment for intellectual pursuits and fosters a sense of tranquillity conducive to research.
To facilitate the development of SRIBS, the government issued an administrative sanction of Rs. 25 crore for the project vide GO (Ms) No. 08/2013/S&TD dated October 18th, 2013. This sanction included provisions for the appointment of a Special Officer and project personnel, demonstrating the government’s dedication to ensuring the smooth execution of the project.
Following this, a series of crucial steps were undertaken, including obtaining the allotted land, selecting architects, preparing building plans and cost estimates, forming various committees, and conducting regular meetings. These meticulous efforts laid the groundwork for the construction and development of SRIBS.
Expanding Scope and Vision:
Guided by its ambitious vision, SRIBS embarked on a detailed planning phase. A comprehensive Detailed Project Report (DPR), prepared in accordance with Government Order No. G.O.(Rt.) No.57/2013/S&TD dated September 24th, 2013, outlined the institute’s infrastructure needs and projected a total building area of 180,000 sq. ft., with an estimated cost of Rs. 77.8 crore.
To accommodate this expanded scope, a revised request for Rs. 100 crore was submitted to the government. This proactive step reflects the commitment to creating a world-class research facility equipped to meet the demands of cutting-edge scientific exploration.
Early Academic Endeavors:
True to its objectives, SRIBS wasted no time in initiating academic activities. Immediately following its inauguration, the institute hosted a National Colloquium on Crystallography. This event marked the beginning of a series of vibrant academic programs.
Between 2013 and 2015, SRIBS organized 21 diverse academic programs, benefiting around 2000 science students, researchers, teachers, and scientists. Adding to its impressive repertoire, SRIBS hosted programs featuring Nobel Laureates: Prof. Ada Yonath, Prof. Ferid Murad, and Prof. Ei-ichi Negishi. These events attracted a large number of scientists, researchers, and students from across Kerala, further establishing SRIBS as a hub for scientific discourse and inspiration.
Outreach and Engagement:
Beyond its core research activities, SRIBS has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to science outreach and education. Between 2015 and 2023, the institute conducted 31 outreach programs, including seminars, workshops, and symposia, spanning various scientific disciplines. These programs have played a crucial role in inspiring young minds, disseminating knowledge, and fostering collaboration within the scientific community.
Leadership and Guidance:
The development and growth of SRIBS have been guided by the dedication and expertise of several individuals who have served in key leadership roles. These include
- Rajan Panicker (Special Officer, 01/06/2014 – 03/01/2017)
- S. Pradeep Kumar (Director-in-charge, 06/08/2018 – 20/03/2019)
- H. Gilbert Weslye (Director-in-charge, 21/03/2019 – 04/07/2019)
- C. Arunan (Director-in-charge, 04/07/2019 – 14/12/2022)
- D. Sivananda Pai (Director-in-charge, 15/12/2022 – 28/04/2023)
- K. P. Sudheer (Director-in-charge, 29/04/2023 – 17/04/2024)
- C. H. Suresh (Director, 18/04/2024 – present)
A Promising Future:
As SRIBS inaugurates its first phase building, it stands poised to become a leading center for computational and theoretical research in India. With its state-of-the-art infrastructure, dedicated leadership, and commitment to scientific excellence, SRIBS is set to make significant contributions to knowledge creation, technological innovation, and societal progress. Just as Ramanujan’s genius transcended limitations, SRIBS aims to foster an environment where ground breaking research can thrive, promoting global collaborations and nurturing the next generation of Indian scientists. SRIBS is an investment into the hope of the Kerala Government for a future driven by scientific discovery and innovation.