Anoop Sharma, faculty in Architecture, at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra attended SDEWES-20 Scientific conference at Dubrovnik, Croatia in October-2025. The six day event brought together 785 scientists, researchers, and experts in the field of sustainable development from 68 countries and six continents. There were 65 regular and 22 special sessions plus four keynote plenary lectures and three panels given by some of the most distinguished experts in the field. The conference also organised a ‘Project Exchange Event’ which included 40 leading research projects from European union. The great thing about the conference was that most of the participants were from top 100 QS-ranked institutions, and many research labs as one unit also were in attendance. There were only six attendees from India, with besides Anoop, all were from IITs. Ar. Anoop’s work was already rewarded with a special discounted registration scholarship for this event which amounted to nearly 950 Euros and this reward was only meant for one researcher per country. His international air travel was partially backed by the Government of India, through its prestigious ANRF (formerly SERB) ITS scheme, while most other related expenses are provided by SMVDU under its scheme of PDA to support research. Ar. Anoop presented his work on his ongoing research in the area of sustainable built environment. Through the scientific procedures, he underlined the ways in which scientific findings can translate to real-world solutions both at user level, designer level and policy advocacy. For the first-time, cost benefit in adhering to resource-conscious design approach was showcased, which has the ability to be embraced by users and administration alike. The research work strives to meet water mission targets as envisaged by the Ministry of ‘Jal Shakti’-GoI. Besides appreciation of the work, Ar Anoop stays committed to translate the crucial & critical feedback , going forward to gauge the work’s applicability across globe i.e. beyond Indian context, too. As per the developments, the work has tremendous changes to get published in the eminent journals after their blind peer-review process in due course of time. Apart from the feedback, the work received an immediate on-site reward in chairing one of the technical session of the conference. The session engaged some of the brilliant minds in the domain and Anoop trusts it as a great honour for him and his work to get rewarded to chair a session at such a notable scientific meet. In his interaction with media cell SMVDU, Ar. Anoop entrusts a lot of confidence in the avenues opening up through this experience, for SMVDU and for the School of Architecture, in particular. Many eminent experts are seeking opportunities for collaborative work in India, and especially the particular work presented at the event. Exchange programs are also in contention. Rest assured, event is instrumental in generating a strong pool of experts to be contacted, invited and collaborated in the near future on different aspects. Hon’ble Vice-chancellor congratulated the faculty for this feat and wish all the success and support for more of such experiences at the global stage. Faculty and staff of the school also expressed their best wishes to Ar. Anoop. Students of the School of Architecture also had a chance to interact with Ar. Anoop through a formal presentation of his work upon his return, which resulted in highly inquisitive conversations and feedback. Ar. Anoop feels immensely fortunate to be able to carry SMVDU’s flag to such a recognisable forum. Apart from feeling humbled for the financial backing from SMVDU and Govt. of India, Ar.Anoop remains grateful to Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, entire administration team and Head, SoALD- Ar. Abhiney Gupta, for their constant support and approvals. With such participations and recognitions, School of Architecture at SMVDU continue to rise the ladder of quality benchmarks in all spheres of teaching, research and professional development, towards furthering its ‘23’ position in recentlyannounced NIRF-rankings among a wide pool of almost 400 nation-wide Architecture institutions.
