SPU Research Scholar Vidhi Singh Earns Prestigious Prime Minister's Fellowship
A research scholar from Sardar Patel University in Vadodara has achieved a remarkable feat. Vidhi Singh brought national recognition to her institution by securing the Prime Minister's Fellowship for Doctoral Research.
National Recognition for State University
Vidhi Singh pursues her PhD in the optics laboratory under Professor Arun Anand's guidance. The Confederation of Indian Industry – Anusandhan National Research Foundation administers this prestigious fellowship.
Her selection was finalized during an apex council meeting in November. The official announcement has now been made public. Only seven candidates from the science stream received this fellowship across the entire country in the latest cycle.
Standing Out Among Elite Institutions
The other awardees come from premier national institutions. These include:
- Indian Institutes of Technology
- Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research
- Tata Institute of Fundamental Research
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research
Vidhi Singh stands out for several important reasons. She is:
- The only awardee from Gujarat state
- The only recipient from a state university
- The first scholar from Sardar Patel University to receive this fellowship
Industry-Academia Collaboration
The PMFDR program involves significant industry partnership. Singh established a collaboration with A-Sky Instruments as part of her fellowship work.
This partnership includes support from an industry mentor. The collaboration aims to translate academic research into practical industrial applications. A memorandum of understanding was signed between multiple parties.
The signatories included:
- Confederation of Indian Industry
- Sardar Patel University
- The industry partner A-Sky Instruments
- Research scholar Vidhi Singh
This achievement highlights the growing research capabilities at state universities. It demonstrates how regional institutions can compete with national elite establishments. The fellowship will support Singh's doctoral work while fostering valuable industry connections.
