CTDT - Anna University

Anna University was established in 1978 as unitary type of University by bringing together four technical institutions of repute located in Chennai with the objective of developing a technology base in the state, using the expertise available with them. These institutions were offering education in basic engineering like Civil, Mechanical, Electrical and Electronics, technology courses like Chemical Engineering, Textile Technology and Printing Technology and application oriented courses in Aerospace, Automobile, and Instrumentation Engineering, as well as Architecture and Planning.

The autonomy given to the University to improve the quality of engineering education and research has helped in formulating curricula and new courses and institutions. The University started Centres of Excellence in the then emerging areas of Water Resources, Remote sensing, Ocean Management, Energy research, CAD/CAM, Biotechnology, Disaster Management, Media Sciences etc. The University has recently started Centres of research on Nano Materials, Material Science and Engineering, and Climate Change.

In its pursuit of excellence, Anna University recently renamed as Anna University Chennai has plans to provide exposure to its faculty members through collaborative programmes with reputed institutions in India and abroad. More than fifty Memoranda of Understanding have been entered into with Universities located in USA, Europe, South East Asia and Australia and the University encourages the exchange of faculty and students with these Universities for short durations.

Several industries and user departments of the State and the Central Government have supported the research initiatives of the University through grants and facilities. The University has received funds of more than Rs.150 crores during the period 2003 to 2007 for nearly 350 projects. Out of these about 170 projects totalling to a value of rupees Rs.90 crores have been completed. Funding for a new programme on Nano Materials has been sanctioned and Energy Research is in the pipe line.

To coordinate and manage these research activities and facilitate the development and transfer of technology, the university has set up a separate Centre for Technology Development and Transfer. This Centre has taken the initiative of organizing meetings with the industries and user agencies, bringing out publications to highlight the expertise available with the university for R&D activities and so on.. This publication, “Compendium of Research Activities at Anna University”, gives a glimpse of the academic and applied research activities at the University.

The University believes in creating an environment for innovation and research leading to technology development and societal advancement and hopes that these publications will give the reader an idea of what has so far been accomplished and what more can be achieved with the help, support and active involvement of all the stake holders.