Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) Thiruvananthapuram and Advanced Manufacturing Technology Development Centre (AMTDC), Research Park, IIT Madras on 26 th September 2025 to enhance academic and research collaborations in the areas of mutual interest.

explore avenues for collaborative research to advance national goals. Among the key themes identified, research on Sustainable Infrastructure on the Moon and Beyond emerged as a priority, along with other promising areas. IIST Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dipankar Banerjee, emphasized the importance of initiating joint research through student collaborations at multiple levels. Prof. Kuruvilla Joseph, Pro Vice Chancellor of IIST, outlined the potential areas of collaboration between the two institutes.

Prof. Kuruvilla Joseph, Pro Vice Chancellor, IIST, has been recognised in Stanford University's World Ranking of the Top 2% Scientists. He has nine books, more than 250 research papers in leading international journals and multiple patents to his credit. His work commands significant global impact, reflected in an h-index of 66 and more than 18,000 citations. He has been listed in the Stanford list of the world's top 2% scientists for five consecutive years (2020-2025).

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs is establishing Adi Karmayogi Student Chapters across India’s premier institutions, including IITs, IIMs, AIIMS, NITs, Central Universities, and other leading institutes. These Chapters aim to inspire, mentor, and empower youth, linking them with platforms of learning, innovation, entrepreneurship, leadership, and social transformation.