Science Undergraduate Research Conference 2024

Platform to share research work in mathematics and the sciences by undergraduate students and students in the early years of their postgraduate degrees.

Surc posters final poster jul 15 edit

The Science Undergraduate Research Conference (SURC) brings undergraduate and early postgraduate students together from across India to present their work and meet other science students who share their passion for research. During the conference, students gain constructive feedback on their research and find new avenues for exploration and collaboration.

The 3rd SURC will be held on the 6th and 7th December 2024 at Azim Premji University, Bengaluru.

You can apply for the conference using the registration form here. Abstracts selected for student talks and/​or 2‑minute poster pitches will be informed via email by mid September 2024.

For all selected participants a nominal fee of INR 1000 will be charged which will be inclusive of food and accommodation on campus.

Spot registration on the day of the conference is not available.

You can use the same registration form and INR 1000 application fee will be charged. As part of the SURC conference, there is an opportunity for faculty to attend a satellite meeting on pedagogy on 5th Dec, 2024. Please see details below.

Join us for an insightful and engaging session on pedagogic practices in UG science education. This satellite meeting is specifically designed for undergraduate science faculty. Date of this event is 5th Dec, 2024

The programme will include presentations and discussions on active learning tools, teaching strategies, and effective assessment techniques that can help us cater to a diverse student population.

The meeting will concentrate on four major areas:

  1. Student Ownership: Strategies to empower students, fostering a sense of responsibility and active participation in their own learning process.
  2. Context-Dependent Learning: Strategies to make learning relevant and applicable to real-world situations.
  3. Cost-Effective Methods: Combining local products and creativity to engineer low-cost and effective teaching equipment.
  4. Interdisciplinary Integration: Encouraging integration of knowledge across various science disciplines to provide a comprehensive and cohesive learning experience.

If you are interested in participating and/​or presenting your work in these areas, please fill in this form. Note that the registration fee is INR 250 (waived for SURC participants). 

Detailed programme coming soon.

During the two-day conference, participants will have the opportunity to attend a variety of themed workshops. Due to limited capacity, workshop assignments will be made on a first-come, first-served basis. Kindly indicate your workshop preferences on the registration form.

Chemistry

The chemistry labs in our kitchens — Plants cook for us, we process it further through the art of recipes. Do cultural recipes also follow scientific pathways?

Science of making vibrant molecules and materials ‑Explore the science behind pigments, dyes, and the vibrant world of color. Discover hands-on experiments to learn about the chemical structures that add hues to life.

Biology — Glow, Protect and Detect

Visualize tissue specific expression of GFP using Drosophila genetics

Exploring antioxidant activity in fruits and leaves

Red cabbage as a pH indicator

Environmental Science 

Unmasking the pollution: Explore the science behind the water quality and learn how to safeguard our aquatic ecosystems and ensure a sustainable future.

GIS leveraging AI: Explore spatial data using open source software and the latest AI technology.

Maths

Make frames and play with soap to learn more about the geometry of the surfaces formed.

Unlock the secrets of perspective in art by learning the mathematical techniques behind perspective drawings. 

Discover the intricate relationship between mathematics and the ancient art of origami.  

Physics : Visualizing Physical Laws 

Sundials: Measuring time (this workshop will complement the star gazing session in the evening. However attending this workshop is not a prerequisite to participate in the star gazing session). 

Simulations and visualizations: Methods to interpret laws of Physics.

Keep watching this space for more updates.

Note:

Besides the mandatory workshops, there are two optional activities available for all the participants and faculty. 

Please indicate your choice on the registration form.

Sci adventure series 1

6th Dec (tentatively) 8:30 pm — 9:30 pm : — Star gazing

Sci adventure series 2

7th Dec 6:00 am — 7:45 am : Bird watching & visit to an organic farm

Meet the Expert at the table: During the conference dinner on 6th December, the tables will be set up to engage in a discussion on the following topics with a faculty member. 

  1. Pursuing higher education in Sciences/​applying abroad
  2. Career options in Science
  3. Finding internships/​RA positions
  4. Research writing & publishing
  5. Ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools
  6. Usefulness of scientific thinking in other fields

Day 1

Registration and breakfast

Conference Inauguration

Plenary Speaker Talk 1

Research talks by Students & 2min Poster Pitches

Lunch Break

Poster presentations

Parallel Workshops

Tea and snacks

Open mic

Dinner & Meet the expert at the table

Sci Adventure 1- Star gazing

Day 2

Sci Adventure 2 - Bird watching & visit to an organic farm

Breakfast

Plenary Speaker talk 2

Research Talks by Students & 2min Poster Pitches

Lunch Break

Poster presentations

Parallel Workshops

Tea and snacks

Closing ceremony

Plenary Speakers

  • Kusala Rajendran, IISC

    Prof. Kusala Rajendran, IISc. Bengaluru

  • C. Aiswarya, IMSC

    Prof. C. Aiswarya, CMI, Chennai

Note:

Participation certificates will be distributed at the end of Day 2. Participants should have fulfilled all the criteria

  1. Attending all sessions
  2. Presenting student talk or poster
  3. Attending two workshops

All registered participants will be provided food and accommodation on the University’s campus. A nominal registration fee will be charged.

5th Dec — Dinner will be provided.

6th — 7th Dec — Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided.

You will be sharing rooms in the University’s student residence building during your stay. Since we value sustainability, please bring your own reusable water bottle and any other accessories you may need.

In general, we do not reimburse travel expenses, but we will consider travel and registration fee reimbursement requests on a case-by-case basis.

Limited financial assistance for travel and registration may be available.

For any further enquiries, please contact us at surc@​apu.​edu.​in

Know more about last year's SURC here →

How to reach us

FAQs →