Ahmedabad, October 2026: Celebrating the spirit of inquiry, innovation and academic excellence, GLS University organised the Shri I.M. Nanavati Research Awards as part of its prestigious Centennial Year Celebrations. Marking the ninth commemorative event of the centennial celebrations, the occasion highlighted the University's enduring commitment to promoting research, encouraging scholarly contributions and fostering a vibrant culture of knowledge creation.
Established nearly a decade ago, the Shri I.M. Nanavati Research Awards have evolved into a significant initiative recognising outstanding research contributions and motivating faculty members and researchers to pursue academic excellence. This year's awards received an overwhelming response, with approximately 600 nominations from nine departments across 18 award categories, reflecting the increasing emphasis on research, innovation and interdisciplinary scholarship within the GLS University academic community.
With a total prize pool exceeding ₹5 lakh, the awards recognised exceptional research achievements across various disciplines. Winners received ₹15,000 for first position, ₹10,000 for second position and ₹5,000 for third position in the respective categories. The initiative not only celebrated academic accomplishments but also encouraged researchers to explore new perspectives, pursue original ideas and contribute meaningful knowledge to their fields.
The event was organised under the visionary leadership of Shri Sudhir Nanavati, President, GLS University, with the guidance of Dr. Chandni Kapadia, Executive Director, and Dr. Dharmesh Shah, Provost, reflecting the University's collective commitment to strengthening its research ecosystem and advancing academic excellence.
In his presidential address, Shri Sudhir Nanavati emphasised the fundamental role of research in transforming information into meaningful knowledge. He highlighted that while information is widely accessible, its true value emerges through systematic inquiry, critical analysis and thoughtful interpretation. Encouraging researchers to continuously question, explore and innovate, he underscored that research is an ongoing journey of discovery and that the pursuit of knowledge must remain constant.
Appreciating the enthusiastic participation of faculty members and researchers, he acknowledged the dedication and intellectual efforts reflected in the nominations. He encouraged the academic community to further enhance the quality, relevance and impact of its research contributions, inspiring researchers to achieve greater milestones in the years ahead.
The Shri I.M. Nanavati Research Awards represented more than a celebration of individual achievements. They reaffirmed GLS University's commitment to building a strong research-oriented academic environment where curiosity is encouraged, innovative thinking is valued and scholarly excellence is recognised.
As GLS University commemorates its Centennial Year, the initiative stands as a testament to its rich educational legacy and its continued dedication to empowering researchers, advancing knowledge and inspiring future generations to contribute meaningfully to academia and society.
