By School of Environment, Resources & Development
21 February 2025: The School of Environment, Resources and Development (SERD) continues to reaffirm its commitment to academic excellence and student success with the development of two PhD Scholar Rooms under the Agricultural Systems and Engineering (ASE) and Agribusiness Management (ABM) Academic Programs within the Department of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources (DFANR). These newly established facilities are designed to provide an enhanced research environment for PhD scholars, fostering innovation and collaboration in cutting-edge agricultural and agribusiness studies.
Accommodating up to 18 PhD students, the PhD Scholar Rooms offer a conducive workspace, enabling scholars to advance their research in a structured and supportive setting. This initiative reflects the Department’s unwavering dedication to nurturing high-quality research that addresses critical challenges in food security, sustainable agriculture, and agribusiness management.
The official inauguration of the PhD Scholar Rooms took place on Wednesday, 22 January 2025, at 11:00 AM, graced by the presence of AIT President, Professor Pai-Chi Li. The event was led by the Head of Department, Professor Avishek Datta and attended by the Dean of SERD, Professor P. Abdul Salam; esteemed faculty members; staff; and PhD students from DFANR, highlighting the collective commitment of SERD to academic growth and excellence.
Speaking at the event, the President commended SERD for its continued efforts to provide a stimulating academic and research environment. He emphasized that these state-of-the-art PhD Scholar Rooms will further empower students to excel in their academic pursuits, reinforcing SERD’s position as a global leader in environmental and agricultural research.
Dean Professor P. Abdul Salam also expressed his appreciation for this initiative, stating, “SERD remains committed to fostering a thriving research ecosystem where our scholars have access to the best facilities and mentorship. These PhD Scholar Rooms will significantly enhance students’ ability to collaborate, innovate, and contribute to solving pressing global challenges in agriculture and environmental sustainability.”
Adding to this, Professor Avishek Datta, Head of DFANR, emphasized the importance of a dedicated research space for PhD students: “Providing an enabling environment is crucial to academic success. These PhD Scholar Rooms will serve as a hub where scholars can focus on their research, engage in meaningful discussions, and drive impactful solutions in food, agriculture, and natural resources management.”
SERD remains steadfast in its mission to equip students with the knowledge and resources needed to address pressing global challenges in agriculture, food security, and sustainable development. The establishment of these PhD Scholar Rooms marks yet another milestone in SERD’s commitment to fostering excellence in research and higher education.
With world-class facilities, dedicated faculty, and a thriving research ecosystem, SERD continues to be the preferred destination for aspiring scholars seeking to make a meaningful impact on global sustainability.
