The ACM India Research Opportunities in Computer Science (ROCS) programme commenced on February 21, 2026, bringing together over 400 participants from across the nation for an inspiring day of scholarly exchange. Organised by the ACM Student Chapter, SRM University-AP, the event offered a vibrant platform for young researchers to engage with leading academicians and explore emerging computing domains.

The distinguished speakers included Prof. Nitin Saurabh, IIT Hyderabad; Prof. Maunendra Sankar Desarkar, IIT Hyderabad; Prof. Parameswari Krishnamurthy, IIIT Hyderabad; Prof. Sridhar Chimalakonda, IIT Tirupati; and Prof. Venkatesh Raman (Retd.), IMSc Chennai. Each speaker delivered eloquent and thought-provoking insights into contemporary research trajectories in computer science.

Dr Priyanka Singh, Associate HoD, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, served as Faculty Coordinator, alongside Student Coordinator P Vishnu Vardhan. The programme was also graced by Prof. Ch Satish Kumar, Vice Chancellor, Prof. Jayaseelan Murugaiyan, SRM Univeristy-AP.

In his address, Vice Chancellor Prof. Satish Kumar reflected on the need to spark curiosity for research beyond placements. He highlighted the university’s initiatives in AI and Quantum research, including the establishment of a dedicated AI institute and a Quantum Research Centre focusing on both algorithms and hardware. “Research is an art,” he remarked, “much like dancing or singing.”

The overwhelming participation and scholarly engagement underscored a growing appetite for research-driven learning among students. By hosting ROCS, SRM University-AP reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing innovation, strengthening national academic collaborations, and cultivating the next generation of researchers poised to shape the future of computing.