Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar, organized a training programme on School of Excellence in Design and Engineering as part of the capability-building support for Tata steel Engineers for their in-house infrastructure projects. The four-day training programme was held from 22nd to 25th January at the School of Infrastructure of the Institute. As many as 30 Civil Engineers from Tata Steel participated in this one-of-its-kind training programme, which was designed to provide a comprehensive understanding on the use of modern finite element-based software with practical examples and hands-on sessions.

The programme was inaugurated by Prof. Shreepad Karmalkar, Director, IIT Bhubaneswar, in the presence of Prof. Dinakar Pasla, Dean- Sponsored Research & Industrial Consultancy (SRIC) and Prof. Sumanta Haldar, Head of the School of Infrastructure. Speaking on the occasion, Director Prof. Shreepad Karmalkar highlighted the importance IIT Bhubaneswar is according to Industry-Academia collaboration and the efforts being made to motivate faculty for the same. He also educated the attendees on the distinctions between modelling, analysis, simulation, and design—words that are at times used incorrectly interchangeably. Dean-SRIC Prof. Dinakar Pasla deliberated on the various Industry-Academia Interface initiatives of IIT Bhubaneswar towards attaining excellence in research and innovation. Prof. Sumanta Haldar presented a brief introduction to the School of Infrastructure before the participants. Prof. Sarat Kumar Panda delivered the welcome address and Prof. Santhoshkumar G. offered a vote of thanks. On the second day of the programme, Mr. Manish Kumar Singh, G&M, Design and Engineering of Tata Steel Limited visited IIT Bhubaneswar and interacted with the Director, IIT Bhubaneswar about the possible collaboration with TATA Steel for industry-academia relationship. 

The four-day training programme focused on the modern aspects in the analysis and design of infrastructure projects considering structural and geotechnical engineering domains, such as, design of tall structures, rail and road bridges, steel structures, modern ground improvement techniques, structural health monitoring, pre-stressed structure for long span, geotechnical assessment for structural design. The programme was conducted in association with the Capability-building Support Division of Tata Steel. 

Prof. Brahma Deo, MGM Chair Professor graced the valedictory session held on 25th January 2024.