Andhra University inaugurates advanced nuclear research laboratory

Published 27 July 2026 · local

Andhra University on Monday inaugurated the Swami Jnanananda Advanced Nuclear Research Laboratory in the Department of Nuclear Physics, strengthening its research infrastructure in radiation detection, environmental radioactivity and nuclear science. Vice-Chancellor G.P. Raja Sekhar, who inaugurated the facility, said modernising research infrastructure was essential to prepare students for careers in strategic scientific organisations. “There is an urgent need to modernise the laboratories so that we produce students with practical skills who can contribute to organisations such as the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and other national scientific institutions,” he said. He added that the University had initiated the procurement of additional equipment, which was expected to be installed within the next two months.

The facility houses instruments for detecting alpha, beta and gamma radiation, measuring radon concentration and analysing radioactivity in environmental samples such as water, soil, food and air. It has been by Rajendra Mishra, Chief Executive of Modern Test Center, Berhampur, Odisha, with financial support from Dr. B. Ramaraju, a US-based cardiologist and nephew of Swami Jnanananda. The laboratory was conceptualised and developed under the guidance of D. Vidya Sagar, former Senior Scientist “G” in the Health Physics Division of BARC. Vidya Sagar said the laboratory would bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical research. “Students should not learn nuclear physics only in theory. They must gain hands-on experience with modern radiation detection equipment,” he said.

He added that the facility would support studies on environmental radioactivity, radiation hazards and the application of nuclear science in healthcare. He said the Visakhapatnam-Bheemili coastline offered opportunities for environmental radioactivity studies because naturally occurring monazite deposits contributed to relatively higher background radiation levels. Mishra said the equipment would enable students to undertake qualitative and quantitative research in environmental radioactivity and that Andhra University students would also have opportunities to pursue internships at his laboratory. Head of the Department of Nuclear Physics P.V. Lakshmi Narayana said, “Equipment worth about ₹10 lakh to ₹15 lakh has already been installed, and more instruments will be added over the next two to three months,” he said, adding that the training would equip students for careers in the growing field of radioactivity testing and nuclear science.