Col. Dr. Hemlata K. Bagla, Vice Chancellor, HSNC University, Mumbai
In a significant step towards strengthening future-focused scientific education in India, HSNC University, Mumbai has announced the launch of its School of Nuclear Science and Technology (SNST), introducing specialised undergraduate and postgraduate programmes designed to prepare students for emerging opportunities in advanced scientific research, nuclear energy, strategic technologies, clean energy systems and innovation-driven industries.
The School will offer B.Sc. Nuclear Science and Technology and M.Sc. Nuclear Science and Technology programmes, positioning HSNC University among a new generation of interdisciplinary institutions aligning academic education with India's evolving scientific and technological priorities. The programmes will aim to provide students with strong foundational understanding in nuclear science principles, emerging technologies, energy systems, scientific research methodologies, safety frameworks, analytical sciences and technological applications.
The launch comes at a time when India is witnessing renewed momentum in nuclear energy, strategic research capabilities, advanced manufacturing and clean energy transitions. Earlier this year, India marked a major scientific milestone when the indigenously designed Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam successfully attained first criticality, reflecting the country's growing capabilities in advanced nuclear technologies and scientific self-reliance.
Driven by India's ambitious target to scale its nuclear energy capacity to 100 GW by 2047, along with emerging policy reforms such as SHANTI Act of 2025 and growing investments in advanced scientific infrastructure, the nuclear sector is expected to witness significant expansion over the coming decades, as part of its broader clean energy and national development vision.
The School of Nuclear Science and Technology has been conceptualised as a future-oriented academic ecosystem integrating scientific inquiry, technological capability, interdisciplinary learning, analytical rigour and research orientation.
Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor Col. Dr. Hemlata K. Bagla, a nuclear and radiochemistry scientist with over three decades of academic and research experience said, "India is entering a transformative phase driven by advanced technologies, scientific innovation, clean energy transitions and strategic research capabilities. Nuclear science and technology will play an increasingly important role in shaping the nation's future energy ecosystem, industrial growth and scientific leadership. The establishment of School of Nuclear Science and Technology reflects HSNC University's commitment to preparing future-ready scientific talent capable of contributing to national development, research excellence and technological self-reliance".
"The recent advancements in indigenous nuclear technologies reflect India's growing scientific confidence and long-term commitment towards research excellence, technological self-reliance and sustainable development. Academic institutions must proactively prepare future-ready scientific talent for these emerging national priorities," she added.
"With the rapid expansion of strategic technologies, advanced scientific infrastructure and clean energy initiatives, there will be increasing demand for highly trained professionals, researchers, technologists and scientific thinkers equipped to contribute meaningfully to these sectors," Dr. Bagla elaborated.
Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani, President, HSNC Board said "The future belongs to institutions that anticipate national priorities and prepare human capital accordingly. The School of Nuclear Science and Technology represents HSNC University's commitment to creating globally competent scientists, researchers and innovators who will contribute to India's scientific advancement, energy security and technological leadership. As India progresses towards becoming a developed nation by 2047, investments in advanced scientific education will play a critical role in shaping the country's future."
"Nuclear science today extends far beyond energy production. It intersects with engineering innovation, sustainability, healthcare technologies, advanced research, national development and scientific leadership. Students entering this field will become part of one of the world's most important long-term scientific transformations. What makes HSNC University unique is our commitment to aligning higher education with the future realities of the global economy and India's growth story. " Mr. Anil Harish, Provost, HSNC University said.
The School also reflects HSNC University's larger vision of building a future-focused interdisciplinary academic ecosystem centred on advanced sciences, sustainability, emerging technologies, innovation, governance and industry engagement. Through strong academic foundations, experiential learning opportunities, research exposure and collaborations with scientific institutions and industry partners, the University aims to nurture highly skilled professionals capable of contributing meaningfully to national and global scientific challenges.
"Through the School of Nuclear Science and Technology, we aspire to nurture scientifically skilled, research-oriented and globally aware professionals capable of contributing to India's scientific advancement," Dr. Bagla highlighted.
Dr. Bagla, who is also associated with international scientific collaboration in the field of nuclear research through International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)-linked initiatives, further emphasised the importance of inspiring young students towards scientific careers at a time when the world is increasingly dependent on innovation-led economies and advanced research ecosystems.
"Scientific education must inspire curiosity, experimentation, innovation, critical thinking and intellectual confidence. Universities have a vital responsibility in nurturing the next generation of scientific minds who will contribute to national progress and global scientific development," she concluded.
Admissions for the School of Nuclear Science and Technology are now open. Visit the website www.hsncu.edu.in or email askmeanything@hsncu.edu.in or call +91 8655962501/ 02/ 03/ 04 for more details.
