
ACM India ROCS 2026
The ACM India Research Opportunities in Computer Science (ROCS) programme commenced on February 21, 2026, bringing together over 400 participants from across the nation for an inspiring day of scholarly exchange. Organised by the ACM Student Chapter, SRM University-AP, the event offered a vibrant platform for young researchers to engage with leading academicians and explore emerging computing domains.
The distinguished speakers included Prof. Nitin Saurabh, IIT Hyderabad; Prof. Maunendra Sankar Desarkar, IIT Hyderabad; Prof. Parameswari Krishnamurthy, IIIT Hyderabad; Prof. Sridhar Chimalakonda, IIT Tirupati; and Prof. Venkatesh Raman (Retd.), IMSc Chennai. Each speaker delivered eloquent and thought-provoking insights into contemporary research trajectories in computer science.
Dr Priyanka Singh, Associate HoD, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, served as Faculty Coordinator, alongside Student Coordinator P Vishnu Vardhan. The programme was also graced by Prof. Ch Satish Kumar, Vice Chancellor, and Prof. Jayaseelan Murugaiyan of SRM University-AP.
In his address, Vice Chancellor Prof. Satish Kumar reflected on the need to spark curiosity for research beyond placements. He highlighted the university’s initiatives in AI and Quantum research, including the establishment of a dedicated AI institute and a Quantum Research Centre focusing on both algorithms and hardware. “Research is an art,” he remarked, “much like dancing or singing.”
The overwhelming participation and scholarly engagement underscored a growing appetite for research-driven learning among students. By hosting ROCS, SRM University-AP reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing innovation, strengthening national academic collaborations, and cultivating the next generation of researchers poised to shape the future of computing.
Speakers & Contributors
Prof. Nitin Saurabh — IIT Hyderabad
Prof. Maunendra Sankar Desarkar — IIT Hyderabad
Prof. Parameswari Krishnamurthy — IIIT Hyderabad
Prof. Sridhar Chimalakonda — IIT Tirupati
Prof. Venkatesh Raman (Retd.) — IMSc Chennai
Key Takeaways
- Over 400 participants from across India
- Research opportunities and emerging domains in computer science
- Research beyond placements and career-focused learning
- SRM University-AP initiatives in AI and Quantum research
- Dedicated AI institute and Quantum Research Centre for algorithms and hardware
- Faculty Coordinator: Dr Priyanka Singh, Associate HoD, Department of Computer Science and Engineering
- Student Coordinator: P Vishnu Vardhan
- National academic collaboration and research-driven learning
Programme Schedule
| Time | Session Speaker / Details |
|---|---|
| 08:30 – 09:00 AM | Registration |
| 09:00 – 09:45 AM | Inauguration of ROCS 2026 at SRM University AP |
| 09:45 – 10:45 AM | ACM India, ROCS — What and Why? Prof. Venkatesh Raman, Retd., IMSc, Chennai |
| 10:45 – 11:15 AM | High Tea |
| 11:15 AM – 12:10 PM | The Past, Present and Future of Software Engineering: From Grand Challenges to Greatest Adventures Prof. Sridhar Chimalakonda, IIT Tirupati |
| 12:10 – 01:00 PM | Opportunities in Theoretical Computer Science Prof. Nitin Saurabh, IIT Hyderabad |
| 01:00 – 01:15 PM | Group Photo (Grand Stairs, SR Block) |
| 01:15 – 02:15 PM | Lunch |
| 02:15 – 03:00 PM | “Ask Me Anything” Session All Speakers |
| 03:00 – 03:15 PM | Tea/Coffee Break |
| 03:15 – 04:00 PM | Excitements in Natural Language Processing Prof. Parameswari Krishnamurthy, IIT Hyderabad |
| 04:00 – 04:45 PM | The “Foundation” in Foundation Models: What, Why, and How? Prof. Mauendra Sankar, IIT Hyderabad |
| 04:45 – 05:00 PM | Closing Remarks & Networking |
