Jigyansa is thrilled to bring you one of its most insightful and inspiring podcasts yet, featuring Professor Durba Roy from BITS Pilani, Hyderabad!Professor Roy is an expert in theoretical and computational chemistry and has been a strong voice in advocating for women in science. In this episode, we explore her journey through academia, the unique challenges women scientists face, and the ways the system can evolve to be more inclusive, supportive, and empowering.She opens up about her early inspirations, how she navigated bias and expectations, and what needs to change from classrooms to labs to make science a space for everyone.We also talk about her research, mentorship, and the role of science communication in shaping the next generation of thinkers and changemakers.Tune in for inspiration, real talk, and a celebration of resilience, representation, and revolution in science.

Jigyansa is thrilled to bring you yet another power-packed and inspiring episode, this time featuring the legendary Dr. Paras N. Prasad, a pioneer in the field of photonics, biophotonics, and nano-medicine!Dr. Prasad is a SUNY Distinguished Professor and the founding director of the Institute for Lasers, Photonics and Biophotonics at the University at Buffalo, USA. His groundbreaking work at the intersection of physics, chemistry, biology, and medicine has opened new frontiers in science, especially in the development of light-activated therapies and diagnostics. He has also been recognized by multiple prestigious honors and awards for his outstanding contributions to science and innovation.In this episode, we dive deep into Dr. Prasad’s remarkable journey—from his early life in India to becoming a global leader in interdisciplinary research. And don’t miss the rapid-fire round at the end—it’s both fun and enlightening!Credits:Host- Ambrissh S Raghav Questionnaire - Lalit Kumar Biswal Camera and Sound- Sarthak Oram, Anwesa P Nayak, Biswas Gopichand, Naman YadavEdit- Biswas Gopichand Design- Tirtharaj Nayak, Anshuman Panda, Biswajeet Sahoo0:00-0:25 Introduction0:26- 3:15 Bihar to Institute of Lasers?3:16 -6:32 What is BioPhotonics?6:33- 8:47 BioPhotonics in the next decade? Cancer treatment? 8:48- 11:41 Hurdles in applying laboratory principles to real life? 11:42- 14:57 Where India falls short in fundamental research?14:58-17:01 AI in BioPhotonics?17:02- 19:35 Incredible number of citations and patents of Dr Prasad19:36 - 23:20 Science Outreach in rural areas? (his thoughts) 23:21- 24:38 Encapsulating his scientific journey in a single line.24:39-28:35 Rapid Fire 28:36-28:53 Credits and Conclusion#JigyansaPodcast #IISERBerhampur #ParasPrasad #Photonics #QuantumBiotech #ScienceForSociety #Nanomedicine #ScienceCommunication #STEMinspiration #Biophotonics

Jigyansa is very excited to be back with one of its "going to be the most "fantastic podcasts ever, with Dr Ashok Kumar Ganguli, the director of IISER Berhampur. Dr Ganguli is a renowned and distinguished scientist in materials chemistry known for his pioneering contributions to nanomaterials, functional materials, and their applications in energy and the environment! Dr Ganguli is also a student of the legendary Professor Bharat Ratna, Dr CNR Rao, and was a professor at IIT Delhi before coming to IISER Berhampur. Check out the full podcast to learn more about Dr Ganguli's early life and his views and opinions on science communication and outreach. Credits: Host : Abhishek PatiQuestionnaire: Ambrissh RaghavCamera and Sound: Tirtharaj Nayak, Sarthak Oram, Ritesh DasmohapatraEdit: Biswas Gopichand