The two-day review meeting of the Aerodynamics Panel of the Aeronautical Research and Development Board (AR&DB), DRDO was inaugurated on 25th August 2025 at the Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi, hosted by the Department of Space Engineering and Rocketry. Dr. Priyank Kumar, Head of the Department and Institute Coordinator, welcomed the panel members.
In the inaugural address, Dr. G. Balu, Distinguished Scientist and Chairman of the Aerodynamics Panel, spoke on the critical role of aerodynamics in advancing defence technologies and its integration with allied disciplines.
Prof. Indranil Manna, Vice Chancellor, BIT Mesra, emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and urged the Institute to contribute more focussed research towards national defence priorities.
Dr. S. K. Pandey, Secretary, AR&DB, outlined the Board’s vision, highlighted thrust areas of research, and informed about potential funding opportunities for academia and research institutions. As part of the proceedings, a book on Physics authored by Dr. B. D. Dwary was unveiled. The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Sudip Das, Registrar, BIT Mesra. The panel will continue its deliberations over the next two days, reviewing ongoing projects and identifying future research directions.