What if the answer to India’s future mineral security lies beneath the ocean floor?
This question became the foundation of an award-winning research project by Austin Parmar, a postgraduate student of Geology at K J Somaiya College of Science and Commerce, who secured the Gold Medal in the Postgraduate Pure Sciences category at Aavishkar 2025–26, the University of Mumbai’s premier intercollegiate research convention.
Austin was felicitated at the ceremony organised by the Department of Student Development, University of Mumbai, on 9 July 2026, celebrating exceptional student researchers and institutions. The occasion marked another proud milestone for K J Somaiya College of Science and Commerce, which was honoured with the Overall Championship Trophy – Aavishkar 2025–26 (First Prize), Zonal Championship Trophy – Mumbai Zone II, Championship Trophy in the Pure Science Category, and the Overall Championship Trophy for the Intercollegiate Research Festival – Aavishkar.
Inspired by India’s growing demand for iron and the need for sustainable resource exploration, Austin’s research explored whether magnetic properties preserved in marine sediments could help identify potential offshore iron-rich zones. The project was undertaken during his research internship at the CSIR–National Institute of Oceanography (CSIR–NIO), Goa, under the guidance of Dr Pratima Kessarkar.
Using environmental magnetism, a rapid and non-destructive scientific technique, Austin analysed sediment samples from the Goa continental shelf and integrated the findings with GIS-based spatial mapping. The study demonstrated how low-impact scientific methods can support the identification of potential offshore mineral resources while reducing the need for expensive and environmentally disruptive exploration. By linking geoscience with India’s Blue Economy vision and long-term resource security goals, the research showcased the potential of science to address real-world national challenges.
The project stood out at Aavishkar for combining scientific innovation with practical applicability. It is among the first studies in India to apply high-resolution magnetic fingerprinting and GIS-based spatial analysis for identifying potential offshore iron-rich zones at this scale, highlighting a promising approach towards sustainable mineral exploration.
Austin’s research journey extended well beyond the Gold Medal. After progressing through multiple rounds of poster and podium presentations at the University of Mumbai’s Aavishkar Convention, the project represented the University at the Anveshan West Zone Student Research Convention before earning the State Gold Medal at the 18th Maharashtra State Inter-University Aavishkar Research Convention. Recognising its scientific merit and future potential, the Government of Maharashtra has also awarded Austin the Aavishkar Fellowship, enabling him to further develop a decision-support framework for sustainable offshore resource exploration.
Reflecting on his achievement, Austin acknowledged the invaluable guidance of his research mentor, Dr Pratima Kessarkar, and the unwavering support of the Aavishkar team at K J Somaiya College of Science and Commerce, including Dr Mayashri Rajkakati, Dr Trupti Tawde, and Prof. Lolly Jain. He also expressed his gratitude to Dr Pradnya Prabhu, Principal of K J Somaiya College of Science and Commerce, for fostering an environment that encourages research and innovation.
These achievements reflect the College’s commitment to nurturing curiosity-driven research and empowering students to address complex societal challenges through scientific inquiry. As Austin’s work demonstrates, impactful research begins with a simple question and has the potential to shape a more sustainable future.
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