The National Institute of Technology Puducherry is proud to announce that Ms. Shimol Philip, Senior Research Fellow (PhD) under the guidance of Dr. Nidhi M, Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering, has been selected for the esteemed Indo-German Science & Technology Centre (IGSTC) PhD Industrial Exposure Fellowship (PIEF) Program. Ms. Shimol’s research focuses on sustainable concrete and the application of artificial intelligence to predict its properties. Only 10 students from reputed institutions across India were selected for this esteemed fellowship, and Ms. Shimol is one of them. Moreover, according to the IGSTC website, she is the first student from NIT Puducherry to receive this fellowship.
 

The fellowship provides comprehensive financial support, including a monthly stipend, travel assistance covering airfare, visa fees, and insurance, as well as health coverage throughout the fellowship period. This prestigious programme is a joint initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), Government of Germany.  It aims to encourage Ph.D. students and researchers in Science and Technology with a strong track record and aptitude for applied research and technology development.

During her six-month fellowship with effect from August 2025, Ms. Shimol will work with Dr. Christiane Rößler, a scientist at Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, Germany, at Sonocrete GmbH — a pioneering startup dedicated to reducing the environmental footprint of the concrete industry through innovative technologies. She will also have access to advanced laboratory facilities at Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, an internationally recognized institution renowned for its excellence in art and design.

Prof. Makarand Madhao Ghangrekar, Director of NIT Puducherry, personally congratulated Ms. Shimol and her mentor, Dr. Nidhi M, during a meeting at his office, praising their remarkable achievement. NIT Puducherry proudly celebrates this milestone that highlights the institute’s commitment to nurturing talent that contributes significantly to global scientific advancements.

*** 

AD/IR/KPG/RJ

(Release ID: 2131635)