First-Year Report: Unity, Research, Education and Social Contribution
Dear Members, Scientists, Researchers, Scholars, Students, Institutional Partners, Collaborators and Well-Wishers,
It is with immense pride, gratitude and renewed responsibility that I address you as Chairman of the (UNS RESEARCH COUNCIL) at the completion of our first year.
This first year has been much more than the completion of twelve months. It has been a year of unity, learning, research, mentoring, institutional collaboration and a shared commitment to contribute to society through science, education, innovation and responsible leadership.
When we began this journey, our vision was clear: to bring together researchers, academicians, students, healthcare professionals, scientists, innovators, institutions and socially committed individuals under one meaningful platform. Today, we are pleased to see that this vision is steadily taking shape.
UNS RESEARCH COUNCIL is growing as a forum that promotes interdisciplinary research, scientific dialogue, ethical practice, mentorship, academic development, student engagement, public awareness and responsible innovation. Our aim is not only to create academic opportunities, but to ensure that knowledge becomes useful to society.
As we now enter our second year, we do so with greater confidence, wider collaboration and a stronger determination to make a lasting contribution to education, research, healthcare, innovation and social development.
The first year of UNS RESEARCH COUNCIL was focused on laying a strong foundation for a research-oriented, student-centred and socially responsible ecosystem.
Our work has been guided by the belief that:
We have worked toward building a platform where early-career researchers and students can learn from experienced scientists, where institutions can collaborate, and where research can move beyond theory into real social contribution.
During the year, UNS RESEARCH COUNCIL successfully conducted three research meetings under the supervision and guidance of Dr. Hemachandran Ravikumar MD MRSB Rsci(UK) - Ambassador Of Royal Society of Biology, Director of Sciences - NH Research Park and official Advisor of Research and Development committee of UNS group of Companies.
These meetings created important opportunities for students, researchers, faculty contributors and institutional collaborators to discuss key areas of research development, including:
These meetings have helped create a stronger scientific culture among emerging researchers. They have also contributed to the development of a community that values integrity, discipline, evidence-based thinking and long-term social responsibility.
A major achievement of our first year has been our collaboration with the UNS Research Council and N&H Research Park.
This partnership has enabled UNS RESEARCH COUNCIL to connect with researchers, students, scientists, clinicians, academicians and industry experts working across fields such as healthcare, education, technology, psychology, space science, nutraceuticals, agriculture, digital platforms and innovation.
Together, we have worked to create research opportunities for students and graduates, encourage interdisciplinary learning, support scientific events, and strengthen the bridge between research, education and society.
This collaboration has also helped advance the vision that students should not be treated only as learners preparing for examinations. They should be encouraged to become researchers, thinkers, innovators, leaders and socially responsible citizens.
One of the most important developments associated with our first-year journey is the HAPPT observational validation study.
HAPPT is a school-based cross-sectional observational study designed to assess the reliability, construct validity and normative scoring of the Human Aptitude, Probability and Personality Test among adolescents aged 14-17 years in India.
The study is prospectively registered under the Clinical Trials Registry-India with registration number CTRI/2026/02/104360. It is planned as an observational study with a target sample size of 2,000 school-going adolescents in India.
The study is intended to examine aptitude, cognitive response, performance probability and personality-related dimensions through a standardised assessment approach. It also aims to generate descriptive and normative data across age and gender groups.
The study has been structured with ethical safeguards, including written parental or guardian consent and assent from adolescent participants. It is designed as a minimal-risk observational study involving healthy adolescent volunteers.
This initiative reflects our shared commitment to student development through evidence-based assessment, responsible research and scientific validation.
We acknowledge the leadership and contribution of:
This initiative is a meaningful example of how education, psychology, research methodology and social responsibility can be brought together to support young people in India.
Our association with the N&H-UNS Junior Research Fellowship Programme has been another defining achievement of the year.
The programme was designed to nurture emerging researchers and provide structured exposure to scientific methodology, research communication, statistics, ethics, academic writing, research tools, publication awareness and interdisciplinary collaboration.
The programme supported young scholars from multiple fields, including:
The JRF programme created a platform where graduates could receive guidance from academicians, scientists, clinicians, research professionals and industry contributors. It encouraged young scholars to explore research not only as an academic requirement, but as a meaningful path toward innovation and societal improvement.
The initiative also included expert interactions, research development sessions, workshops, networking opportunities and a major Space Science Exploration programme.
One of the most memorable milestones of the year was the 5th Annual Celebration of Space Exploration and the NH-UNS Junior Research Fellowship 2025 Medalling Ceremony, held at Hotel Hycinth, Trivandrum.
The event was organised by the UNS Research Council in collaboration with NH Groups of Companies and brought together scientists, healthcare professionals, researchers, innovators, students and academic leaders.
The highlight of the evening was the presence of Dr. Kartik Sheth, Associate Chief Scientist at NASA.
Dr. Sheth delivered an inspiring keynote address titled "NASA: The Dream Path and Untold Mysteries." During his interaction with the audience, he shared his own journey from a student with aspirations to becoming a leading NASA scientist. He spoke about the importance of scientific curiosity, perseverance, research discipline and the need for young people to believe in ambitious dreams.
As a leading astrophysicist associated with missions including the James Webb Space Telescope and the Spitzer Space Telescope, Dr. Sheth's presence was a powerful moment for young researchers and students. His address made space science feel more accessible, relevant and inspiring for future generations.
He also shared insights from his collaborations with the White House and encouraged students to look beyond limitations, build scientific reasoning and participate actively in the future of research and exploration.
At the ceremony, Dr. Hemachandran Ravikumar introduced the dignitaries, directors and foundation members to Dr. Sheth. Dr. Sheth appreciated the efforts being taken to promote scientific reasoning, research logic, student development and access to space-science awareness.
He also appreciated the contribution of Mr. Suresh Sathyanarayanan toward research, development and social initiatives. The event further created an opportunity to invite Dr. Sheth as Chief Guest for the upcoming Grand Research Festival supported by the UNS Research Council.
The ceremony concluded with the official declaration of the 5th NH Space Exploration Programme, representing a continuing commitment to making science, space research and future technology more accessible to students and society.
A proud feature of the NH-UNS JRF Medalling Ceremony was the recognition of 28 Junior Research Fellows from diverse areas of science, technology and innovation.
The medal recipients included:
These medals represented more than academic recognition. They acknowledged the effort, discipline and research potential of a new generation of scholars who are preparing to contribute to science, society, technology and innovation.
We express our sincere gratitude to the distinguished scientists, academicians, faculty contributors and professional leaders who have supported and guided the academic journey of students and researchers.
We also acknowledge the support and involvement of the UNS Research Council foundation members, NH Group Directors, academic collaborators and institutional partners who have helped turn a collective vision into practical action.
The first year has also been marked by meaningful recognition for educational transformation initiatives.
I am deeply honoured to have received the Icon of India Award at the International Laureates Conclave 2025. This recognition represents the collective work of educators, students, mentors, scientists, collaborators and teams who are committed to building a better educational future.
I am also grateful for the recognition received from Norwegian educational institutions for contributions to student-centred educational transformation and academic development.
Another important milestone has been the growing recognition of the Edsurance Platform, which received international visibility through a United States-based journal.
Edsurance represents a broader vision for educational development. It is focused on student guidance, academic awareness, career planning, structured mentoring, educational access and future readiness.
The platform reflects our belief that education must move beyond traditional systems. Students need personalised support, exposure to options, confidence in decision-making, research awareness and a clear understanding of future opportunities.
As UNS RESEARCH COUNCIL begins its second year, we are committed to expanding our work with greater seriousness, wider partnerships and stronger impact.
Our priorities for the coming year include:
Our mission is clear: research should not remain limited to certificates, events or publications. Research must become a force for improvement.
It must improve education.
It must improve health awareness.
It must guide students.
It must inspire innovation.
It must strengthen society.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to every member, scientist, researcher, student, advisor, mentor, partner institution, faculty contributor, volunteer and well-wisher who has supported UNS RESEARCH COUNCIL during its first year.
Every meeting, every scientific discussion, every student interaction, every collaboration and every research initiative has contributed to this foundation.
We have completed our first year of unity.
Now, we begin our second year of greater contribution.
Let us move forward with courage, integrity, scientific discipline and a shared commitment to society.
Together, we will learn.
Together, we will research.
Together, we will innovate.
Together, we will serve society.
Together, we will build a stronger future.
With warm regards,
Suresh Sathyanarayanan
Chairman
UNS RESEARCH COUNCIL