The Office of International Affairs at SRM Institute of Science & Technology, Tiruchirappalli, organized a specialized Faculty Development Session on February 12, 2026, titled "Enhancing the Quality and Impact of Research Proposals." Held at the IST 611 venue, the session featured      Prof. O. D. Makinde, a Distinguished Professor from the Department of Applied Mathematics & Computations at Stellenbosch University, South Africa, as the resource person. The primary objective of the program was to equip faculty members with the critical skills required to draft competitive research proposals that meet international standards. Prof. Makinde shared extensive insights into the architecture of successful grant applications, emphasizing the need for technical rigor and a clear demonstration of societal impact.

Throughout the morning session, Prof. Makinde engaged the faculty in discussions regarding global research trends and the importance of cross-border academic collaborations. He highlighted specific strategies for transforming theoretical concepts into actionable research projects that can attract significant funding and enhance institutional visibility. The event concluded with a focus on practical takeaways, encouraging participants to refine their current research agendas to achieve higher publication quality and greater practical relevance in their respective fields. This initiative underscores the department's ongoing commitment to fostering a robust research culture and professional growth among its academic staff.