ProTalk Series: Conversations That Inspire

About the event

The inaugural ProTalk webinar brought 111 attendees together for talks on AI for research and innovation, engineering leadership and professional growth through IEEE TEMS.

As Secretary of the IEEE ProComm-TEMS Joint Chapter Kerala, I coordinated the inaugural ProTalk Series: Conversations That Inspire with Adhen C Tom and Brigit Thomas. Held on Google Meet on 7 July 2026, the national-level programme connected students, researchers, industry professionals, academics and IEEE volunteers. IEEE Student Branches at GECT, MACE, SAINTGITS and Toc H collaborated with the chapter.

Dr. Mini Ulanat, the chapter Chair, opened the programme with a presidential address, followed by speaker introductions by Vice-Chair Prof. Sunitha Beevi K. Dr. Mousiki Kar, introduced as IEEE TEMS Secretary, delivered Transforming Expertise into Influence. Her talk explored publications, conferences, professional networks, leadership, volunteering and Women in TEMS as ways to turn technical expertise into wider impact.

Dr. Sudeendra Koushik, introduced as IEEE TEMS President, formally inaugurated the series and delivered AI for Research and Innovation. Using industry examples, he connected research with real-world challenges and explored how AI, entrepreneurship and innovation can create practical value beyond academic outcomes.

An interactive Q&A gave participants the chance to discuss AI, research, innovation and TEMS initiatives directly with the speakers. We presented digital mementos before I delivered the vote of thanks. The event report records 78 IEEE members and 33 non-members in attendance, a total of 111 participants.