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STAFF WRITERThe Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), Faculty of Science and Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), Kattankulathur, organized a workshop titled %u201cFostering Respect and Equity on Campus: Empowering Faculty through the POSH Act%u201d. The event aimed to empower faculty with comprehensive knowledge of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act), reaffirming SRMIST%u2019s commitment to a safe, respectful, and inclusive academic environment.The workshop%u2019s objectives i n c l u d e d e n h a n c i n g awareness of the POSH Act, clarifying the structure and functioning of the ICC, emphasizing confidentiality and fairness in complaint handling, and fostering collaborative planning for awareness initiatives.Session 1 began with a welcome address by Dr. P. Muthulakshmi, followed by a keynote address from Dr. C. Lakshmi, Presiding Officer, ICC%u2013SRMIST, who detailed the ICC%u2019s mandate and proactive role in ensuring equity. Dr. S. Ramya further explained the historical evolution of the Act, linking it to the landmark Banwari Devi case and Vishaka Guidelines, while highlighting the ICC%u2019s structured functioning a n d c o m m i t m e n t t o confidentiality.Fostering Respect and Equity on Campus: Empowering Faculty Through the Posh ActSession 2 featured Ms. Ramadevi J, Assistant Professor of Law, who offered a legal perspective on the POSH Act. She traced its evolution, integrated real-life case studies, and explained the grievance mechanism step by step, reinforcing the Act%u2019s practical application in academic and workplace settings. Session 3 focused on collaborative planning, where faculty representatives and ICC members discussed strategies to enhance awareness. Proposals included department-level sensitization workshops, campaigns via digital and print media, orientation sessions for new members, and secure reporting channels. The workshop concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. R. Angayarkanni, who emphasized the collective responsibility of faculty and students in sustaining gender equity and campus safety. The event successfully laid the foundation for ongoing awareness initiatives, strengthening SRMIST%u2019s vision of fostering respect and empowerment on campusSTAFF WRITERThe Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering at SRM IST, organized a two-day hands-on outreach workshop titled %u201cA Practical Microscopy Workshop for Aspiring Young Explorers%u201d on July 7%u20138, 2025. Held at G.N. Ramachandran Hall, the Microbiology Lab, and CV Raman Research Park, the event introduced 37 high school students (Classes 10%u201312) to the fundamentals and applications of microscopy through interactive theory and practical sessions.Day 1 covered microscopy principles, slide preparation, and observations using compound, bright-field, darkfield, and phase-contrast microscopes, at Department of Biotechnology. Participants also used ImageJ software to analyse captured images, learning basic image processing and interpretation. The day concluded with a guided campus tour of SRMIST%u2019s premier facilities including the Sports Complex, Indoor Stadium, and Dr. Parivendar Aquatic Complex.Day 2 featured demonstrations of advanced techniques like Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Confocal, and Fluorescence Microscopy at CV Raman Research Park. Students also toured the Department of Biotechnology%u2019s core labs, including Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Cell Culture, Analytical Instrumentation Labs, and the Central Research Facilities.SRM B. Tech Biotech students were well-trained and served as volunteers, actively supporting the hands-on sessions. This opportunity allowed them to both guide participants and enhance their own technical and communication skills through meaningful engagement.Industry-sponsored stalls in the Bioengineering Block encouraged academia%u2013industry interaction and exposed students to the latest scientific tools.Hands-On Science : An Outreach Workshop on Practical Microscopy for School StudentsSRMIST Leads in AI Education: 5 Major Wins at Eduskills Next GEN Skill Conclave 2025STAFF WRITERSRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) has reaffirmed its leadership in higher education and industry%u2013academia collaboration by winning five prestigious awards at the Eduskills Next GEN Skill Conclave%u201925 %u2013 Artificial Intelligence for Academia & Industry, held from 17th to 19th September 2025 in Shimla. SRMIST earned top honours, including All India Rank %u2013 Second (University Category), Best Performing University %u2013 Southern Zone, AI Skilling Excellence Award, Best Performing Institute %u2013 Zscaler Internships, and Best Performing Institute %u2013 Eduskills Academy Internship Domain.These recognitions, achieved under the leadership of Dr. G. Senthil Kumar, University Nodal Officer for AICTE and Eduskills Virtual Internships, reflect SRMIST%u2019s commitment to advancing digital skills and preparing students for AI-driven careers. The conclave, graced by senior leaders from AICTE, SAARC, Defence, and EduSkills Foundation, highlighted the vital role of academia%u2013industry collaboration in nurturing a futureready workforce and strengthening India%u2019s innovation ecosystem.2025 | Spectrum | Volume 19 Number 1 19