Global R-Hub Frontier
Connecting The Dots Across Domains | Vol.1 Issue 4, June 2025
From Editorial Board
Dr. Pooja Bachani,
Ph.D., CSIR-CSMCRI Bhavnagar, Manager, Project Delivery & Client Engagement, Global R-Hub
Intersecting Frontiers: Unleashing Innovation Through Interdisciplinary Research
In today’s scientific landscape, the most transformative breakthroughs are emerging not from isolated fields, but from the vibrant intersections of diverse disciplines. Interdisciplinary research blends the knowledge, tools, and perspectives of multiple domains to tackle challenges no single field can solve alone.
This approach invites unlikely collaborations, between a computational biologist and a civil engineer, or a materials scientist and an environmental chemist. These partnerships spark creative synergies that drive innovation and enable solutions to pressing global issues.
Why Interdisciplinary Research Matters
Complex Challenges: Solving climate change, food insecurity, and pandemics needs integrated approaches—ecology, biotech, and policy working together.
Tech Convergence: AI, nanotech, and imaging blur field lines. ML decodes genes; microfluidics + smartphones enable instant diagnostics.
Funding & Impact: Collaborations draw priority from funders, combining strengths for real-world, high-impact outcomes.
Real-World Examples
CRISPR Diagnostics: Biochemists, engineers, and coders co-developed portable SHERLOCK devices, enabling rapid viral testing—especially crucial during outbreaks.
Neuroprosthetics: Neuroscientists and roboticists decode brain signals to help paralyzed patients control robotic limbs.
Institutions should also seed pilot grants to support bold, cross-cutting projects. As science grows more integrated, embracing interdisciplinarity is not just innovative, it's essential.
Big Global Research News
1. Decoding Decisions: Neuroeconomics Explores the Brain Behind Choices
Neuroeconomics blends neuroscience, psychology, and economics to uncover how we make decisions, from daily choices to financial risks. Using tools like fMRI and EEG, researchers analyse brain activity to explain why we often act irrationally. Since the 2000s, this field has gained global traction, shaping insights in finance, consumer behaviour, and public policy.
2. Quantum Leap in Computational Physics: Simulating Complex Molecules
Researchers at Google Quantum AI have achieved a significant milestone by using quantum computers to simulate molecular interactions that classical computers struggle with. This advancement in computational physics promises faster drug discovery and materials design by accurately modelling atomic-scale phenomena previously beyond reach
3. India’s EdTech Boom Unpacked
A recent study published in IJARIIE explores the explosive rise of EdTech startups in India, especially in the post-pandemic era. It highlights how digital platforms revolutionized access to quality education, driven by AI, adaptive learning, and smartphone penetration. The paper also emphasizes the power of cross-domain collaboration between education and technology, enabling personalized, scalable, and inclusive learning experiences. Despite rapid growth, challenges like digital inequality and quality assurance persist.
Expert Mentor’s Corner
Nitu Sharma
PGDM, GIBS Business School, Bangalore, Senior Executive, Global R-Hub
In today’s fast-evolving EdTech landscape, sales have transformed from a transactional function into a dynamic blend of data science, psychology, and education strategy. It’s no longer just about closing deals; it’s about guiding students and parents toward meaningful academic decisions. This is where cross-domain research truly shines.
At Global R-Hub, our sales process is powered by data analytics. Using tools like CRM dashboards and behavioural lead scoring, we track which content students interact with, how often they respond, and when they’re most engaged. These insights help us personalize outreach, optimize timing, and improve conversion strategies.
Yet, data is only half the story.
Behind every click or email view is a human being, with unique concerns, motivations, and doubts. This is where empathy enters the equation. Cross-domain expertise in behavioural psychology and communication enables us to build real connections. Understanding the “why” behind the numbers often makes the difference between a missed opportunity and a meaningful enrolment.
For example, behavioural signals might indicate high interest, but direct conversation can reveal emotional hesitation, such as doubts about the effectiveness of online learning or readiness for research at a young age. In such cases, listening with empathy and responding with clarity makes all the difference.
This fusion of analytics and emotional intelligence reflects the power of cross-domain thinking. It’s not just about numbers or narratives; it’s about integrating both to create outcomes that matter.
As we continue to explore the intersection of fields like sales, data science, and student psychology, one truth stands out: the future of EdTech lies in collaborative intelligence, where data guides, but human connection leads.
Impact of Student Research
1. ANAHITA: An Underwater Vehicle
At IIT Kanpur, a team of undergraduate students developed ANAHITA, an advanced autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) for the NIOT-SAVe competition. ANAHITA is a cross-domain innovation in mechanical design, electronics, and computer science. It features a modular structure, hot-swappable batteries, and advanced sensors like IMUs, hydrophones, and cameras and serves as a hands-on platform for underwater research, proving how student-led interdisciplinary efforts can lead to impactful advancements in marine and robotic technologies.
2. Clean Air Tech: Where Chemistry Meets Engineering
At just 17, XinYan Chen engineered a low-cost mobile device that both detects and destroys formaldehyde—an indoor carcinogen. Blending chemistry, environmental science, and engineering, her innovation reduced toxic gas by 90% in 18 hours. Awarded at Regeneron ISEF 2025, her cross-domain project offers a practical, affordable solution to improve indoor air quality worldwide.
3. Crossing Boundaries to Fight Drought
At 16, Kiara Nirghin, Johannesburg, South Africa, invented a biodegradable superabsorbent polymer from discarded orange peels that retains water in soil. Blending chemistry, environmental science, and sustainability, her low-cost innovation tackles drought by improving soil moisture, boosting agriculture, and conserving water. Winner of the 2016 Google Science Fair, Kiara’s work offers a practical, eco-friendly solution to global water scarcity challenges.
Research Spotlight: Global R-Hub Student Project!
Evaluating the Impact of Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) on the Indian Economy: A Paired Sample Analysis Using Secondary Data
Student: Aryaman Kedia | Mentor: Dr. Neharika Shrivastava, Ph.D. | Global Faculty: Dr. Shivendu S.
The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), launched in 2014, represents a landmark initiative in India's pursuit of financial inclusion by providing banking services to previously unbanked populations. This study evaluates the economic impact of PMJDY using a paired sample t-test methodology to compare key financial and macroeconomic indicators before (2010–2014) and after (2015–2024) its implementation.
Relying on secondary data from authoritative sources such as the Reserve Bank of India, World Bank, and government reports, the research focuses on variables like banking penetration, digital transaction volumes, average account balances, GDP growth, and financial literacy. The primary objective is to assess whether PMJDY has led to statistically significant improvements in financial inclusion and economic development. Expected outcomes include evidence of increased access to formal financial services, enhanced digital banking adoption, and a positive correlation between financial inclusion and macroeconomic stability. The findings aim to offer actionable insights for policymakers and financial institutions, reinforcing the importance of inclusive banking policies in driving sustainable economic growth.
Did you know?
1. AI and neuroscience came together to invent Deep Learning.
The original architecture of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) was inspired by how the human visual cortex processes images. Hubel & Wiesel’s 1962 study on the visual cortex laid the groundwork, which LeCun et al. built upon in 1998 to develop CNNs that power today’s image recognition systems.
2. Environmental science + computer modelling = better climate action.
Environmental science and computer modelling are working hand in hand to fight climate change. Advanced climate models now help predict local flood risks, enabling cities to design smarter, more resilient infrastructure.
3. Unlocking the Final 1%: Genomics Enters a New Era
Only 1% of the human genome holds the key to the next revolution in medicine.
The Human Genome Project II focuses on unlocking this “regulatory genome” to better understand gene control, disease pathways, and personalized treatments, marking a new era in biomedical science.
Global R-Hub Updates
Latest Podcast Out Now!
Dr. Mark Bender
Assistant Professor, University of Tampa & USF
Join Dr. Shivendu S and special guest Dr. Mark Bender, marketing expert from the University of Tampa, as they cut through the noise around AI in marketing. Discover what AI tools are truly shaping the industry today, debunk common myths, and explore exciting future trends. Whether you’re a student curious about AI research or a marketer looking for practical insights, this episode is packed with valuable perspectives and real-world examples.
Don’t miss out on this eye-opening conversation! Watch the whole podcast now:
Mentors & Global Faculties:
1. Dr. Varol Kayhan
Associate Professor, University of South Florida (USF)
Dr. Kayhan has been with USF since 2010 and actively engages in research at the intersection of data visualization, machine learning, and decision-making. He guides students in applying these techniques to solve real-world problems and build research that’s both academically and practically impactful.
2. Dr. Vikas Ramachandra
Principal AI/ML scientist, University of California San Diego, California, United State
Dr. Vikas has contributed to several healthcare start-ups as a cofounder and CTO, especially in cancer and COVID-19 diagnostics. His work has helped millions of patients over the years. He was also an Associate Professor and works on medical school academic research to use AI for healthcare. He has held leadership positions at multiple medical schools/hospitals.
Stay tuned for our next edition, where we introduce more powerhouse mentors
and global faculty shaping the future of research and innovation!
With every edition, we strive to bring you inspiring stories, impactful insights, and the latest updates from the world of research. Keep innovating, keep growing, and stay tuned for more exciting updates in our next edition!
Want to explore our programs or create your research journey with us? Connect with us and be part of the global research revolution! You can reach out to us at: globalresearchhub@globuslearn.com