Continuing its endeavour to bring distinguished global voices from science and academia to its campus, SRM University-AP, Amaravati hosted the 26th edition of its University Distinguished Lecture (UDL) Series, featuring renowned scientist and academician Prof. Anantanarayanan Raman, Senior Scientist (Health & Biosecurity), Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Perth, Australia. Prof. Raman delivered a lecture titled “From Curiosity to Discovery — The Power of Scientific Inquiry.”
Prof. Raman’s academic and research career spans agricultural ecology, forestry, ecological entomology, plant pathology, nematology, sustainability and sustainable land management, among other areas. His extensive research on insect–plant interactions has earned international recognition, including the Fulbright Award and DAAD Award.
The lecture explored how scientific inquiry transforms curiosity into knowledge through systematic observation, questioning, reasoning, evidence, and continuous refinement. Prof. Raman identified curiosity and discovery as key drivers of scientific progress, while emphasising logic and epistemic openness as essential to questioning assumptions, evaluating evidence and remaining receptive to new understanding. He highlighted scientific inquiry as an iterative process in which answers lead to new questions and discoveries open pathways for further investigation.
“Research must be grounded in rationality, reasoning and evidence. Intellectual openness does not mean accepting every new idea without question; it means being willing to examine new possibilities critically and revise our understanding when evidence demands it,” said Prof. Raman.
Welcoming the gathering, Prof. Ranjit Thapa, Professor and Dean – Research, SRM AP, described the UDL Series as an important platform for exposing students and researchers to the journeys and experiences of eminent scholars. He emphasised that the series seeks not only to share knowledge but also to help young learners understand the paths, challenges and achievements that shape distinguished academic careers.
Prof. Ch Satish Kumar, Vice-Chancellor, SRM AP, highlighted the value of enabling students to interact directly with eminent scholars. Referring to Prof. Raman’s lecture, he said, “Curiosity forms the foundation of research, and the session offered an opportunity to revisit the fundamentals of scientific inquiry, particularly at a time when researchers can sometimes become overly focused on publication outcomes”. He also appreciated Prof. Raman’s contribution as an educator and mentor and his emphasis on the success and growth of his students.
Dr Vinayak Kalluri, Registrar; Dr J P Raja Pandiyan, Convenor, UDL; Prof. Sreenath Subrahmanyam; Prof. Vishnupad, Dean of the Easwari School of Liberal Arts , faculty members, researchers and students were present. The lecture offered the SRM University-AP community broader perspectives on scientific thinking and the role of curiosity, questioning, logic, evidence, and openness in advancing knowledge.
