Guest Lecture on ‘Trends in Cryptography & Implications of Quantum’

Published on: April 24, 2025

On 21st April 2025, the Himalayan School of Science and Technology organized a guest lecture titled “Trends in Cryptography & Implications of Quantum” for the B.Tech Computer Science & Engineering (CSE) 1st and 2nd-year students. The lecture was delivered by Dr. Amod Kumar, Scientist at DRDO HQ, Delhi, who provided an insightful overview of the rapidly evolving fields of cryptography, cybersecurity, and quantum computing. Dr. Kumar emphasized the need for adapting to ongoing technological advancements and the increasing importance of securing digital communication in today’s interconnected world.

The session covered foundational cryptographic concepts such as encryption algorithms, hashing techniques, and security protocols, while also addressing the vulnerabilities of existing methods in the face of emerging threats. Dr. Kumar elaborated on the critical need to embed cybersecurity considerations into product development from the earliest stages. A key focus of the lecture was on the implications of quantum computing for cryptography, highlighting the urgent requirement for Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) to safeguard information against future quantum-enabled code-breaking techniques.

With around 60 participants, the lecture successfully equipped students with both theoretical knowledge and practical awareness of the challenges and opportunities in modern cryptography. It encouraged them to remain agile, stay updated with technological trends, and recognize cybersecurity as an integral part of software and system design. The session fostered a sense of responsibility among students to prepare for the quantum revolution and its impact on data security. Overall, the guest lecture was a highly informative and thought-provoking experience, broadening students’ perspectives on the dynamic intersection of cryptography and quantum technologies.

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International Endowed Chair Professor

Prof Rakesh Kumar

Prof Rakesh Kumar is the Founder and President of the Breast Cancer in Young Women Foundation (USA), dedicated to vaddressing the distinct issues affecting young women with breast cancer. He also serves as the International Endowed Chair Professor at the Cancer Research Institute of the Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences. Additionally, he holds adjunct professorships at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and Virginia Commonwealth University.

Dr Kumar earned his Ph.D. from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in 1984 and began his research career at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in January 1986. From 1988 to 2017, he held various academic and leadership positions —including faculty member, tenured professor, distinguished professor, endowed chair, department chair, and research leader—at esteemed institutions such as Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. From 2017 to 2022, he served as the National Chair for Cancer Research for the Government of India and as a distinguished professor, continuing his innovative work in breast cancer research.

With nearly 40 years of research and professional experience, Dr. Kumar has made conceptual contributions to the field of cancer research (h-index 108, citations >50,000). He has authored over 325 peer-reviewed publications, edited or co-edited nine books, and delivered 290 invited lectures worldwide. His work has been featured on the covers of 18 major cancer journals and has been highlighted in institutional research reports of the MD Anderson Cancer Center.

A passionate educator and mentor, Dr. Kumar has guided 67 trainees throughout his career. He serves on the editorial boards of multiple leading cancer journals and has served on the editorial boards of 21 top cancer journals. His global reputation is further demonstrated by his participation in about 100 peer-review panels for cancer research funding in the US and internationally over the past 28 years.

Dr. Kumar's innovative research has earned him numerous prestigious honors, including the Hinkle Society Faculty Award at Penn State University (1994), the Dalla/Fort Worth Living Legend Faculty Achievement Award in Basic Sciences (2004), the Ranbaxy Research Award (2006), and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Association of Indian Scientists in Cancer Research (2013), among others. Dr. Kumar's pioneering research continues to have a profound influence on the fields of oncology and breast cancer, opening up new opportunities for biomedical scientists and trainees worldwide.