‘Research and collaboration fosters innovation'
Mangaluru: The department of chemistry and the Central Research Facility (CRF) at NITK Surathkal will hold a five-day National Symposium on Advances in Functional Materials for Energy and Catalytic Applications (AFMECA). It was inaugurated on Wednesday.In his inaugural address, Ajay Mehta, vice-president of Shell India, stressed the critical role of research and collaboration in fostering innovation. Highlighting challenges such as CO₂ conversion, industry electrification, and electric vehicle penetration, he emphasised the importance of forums like AFMECA in uniting experts to address pressing global issues. "This symposium is a vital platform for fostering new ideas and advancing research," Mehta remarked, advocating for collective efforts to develop impactful solutions through shared knowledge and technology.Kannan Srinivasan, director of CSIR-CSMCRI, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, in his address, lauded the symposium's theme and its focus on engaging young researchers. He highlighted the potential of youth to shape the future through advancements in science, technology, and collaboration. Noting the complexity of modern challenges, he stressed the necessity of disruptive thinking and unconventional perspectives in driving innovation. He emphasised the transformative potential of functional materials, catalysis, and molecular innovations, urging attendees to apply these technologies to solve real-world problems. Uday Bhat, dean of research and consultancy at NITK Surathkal, presided over the event.The symposium features 13 expert lectures by distinguished academicians and scientists from institutions including IIT Hyderabad, IIT Dharwad, IIT Ropar, NIT Calicut, IISER Tirupati, CSIR-CSMCRI, CSIR Karaikudi, VIT Vellore, and JNCASR Bengaluru, alongside five lectures delivered by experts from NITK Surathkal. Additionally, industry professionals will discuss advancements in energy transition, catalysis, and materials design, emphasising India's role in integrating scientific innovation with environmental and economic sustainability.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
13 hours ago
- Time of India
Govt clears Rs 215cr lifescience project in Thonnakkal
Thiruvananthapuram: The state govt has approved a Rs 215-crore investment proposal by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST) at the Bio360 Life Science Park in Thonnakkal, Thiruvananthapuram. An order issued by the industries department on June 7 also permits the allotment of 10 acres of land to CSIR-NIIST on a lease of up to 90 years at no financial cost. The allotted land falls within the area designated for the second phase of development at the Bio360 Life Science Park, developed by Kerala Lifescience Industries Park Pvt Ltd (KLIP), a state-incorporated company promoting lifescience industries. The approval follows a proposal submitted in Sept 2024 by the KLIP managing director to establish a CSIR-NIIST Centre for Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship. The initiative includes a pilot plant for solar-aided hydrogen production from wastewater, supported by the department of science and technology and the state govt. It also proposes a bio-manufacturing hub under a Rs 115-crore joint submission by CSIR-NIIST and KLIP to the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (Birac). Additional components include a production facility for bio-polymers and bio-based alternatives to plastic and animal leather, funded by CSIR and private industry partners. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Plans also involve creating a manufacturing and standardisation hub for Ayush products in collaboration with the ministry of Ayush and industrial stakeholders. A regional resource development centre focused on rubber, coir and spices is also proposed, to be implemented under public-private partnership models and supported by govt schemes. The land allotment falls under the unified industrial land and building allotment and disposal regulations introduced in 2024 for Kinfra and KSIDC. These rules allow leasing a minimum of 10 acres for projects with investments above Rs 100 crore, for up to 90 years, subject to conditions. The investor must bring in Rs 100 crore within three years, with employment generation in line with the investment scale. All allotments require approval from the State Industrial Land Allotment Committee. If the investment exceeds Rs 300 crore, additional incentives may be granted by a high-power committee led by the chief secretary, as per the state's industrial policy. This marks one of the largest projects in the park's second phase, with timelines and employment targets set to guide its progress.
The Hindu
6 days ago
- The Hindu
Proposed extension centre of CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology to focus on core areas of research and product development
A satellite centre planned by the CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST) at the Bio 360 Life Sciences Park here at Thonnakkal will focus on core areas of research and product development, including solar-driven hydrogen production from wastewater. A State Cabinet meeting on Thursday (June 5) gave the nod for establishing the 'Extension Centre for Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship.' The Cabinet approval also included allocation of 10 acres of land on a 90-year lease at the Bio 360 Life Sciences Park. Collaborative hub 'The proposed CSIR-NIIST innovation centre will serve as a collaborative hub fostering interdisciplinary research, product development, and entrepreneurship,' NIIST officials said. Major initiatives planned under it include a pilot plant for the solar-driven production of hydrogen from wastewater, an AYUSH manufacturing and standardisation hub, a production line for biopolymer and bio-based products, a bio-enabler bio manufacturing unit and a regional resource development centre. It will also be the first satellite centre of NIIST, a laboratory under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). NIIST described the decision to establish the centre as a strategic move aligned with its mission to drive sustainable, inclusive innovation and reinforce Kerala's position as a hub for science-driven entrepreneurship. The Bio 360 Life Sciences Park is a flagship initiative of the State government's Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC).
Time of India
6 days ago
- Time of India
Neeri studying health effects of microplastics, experts discuss sustainable tech, waste management
Nagpur: CSIR-Neeri director Dr S Venkata Mohan on Thursday expressed concern over plastic waste entering the oceans during his address at the institute's auditorium on the occasion of World Environment Day. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "Plastic waste is a major issue globally. Only 10% of plastic is being recycled. Plastic management is a multi-pronged issue. Neeri is monitoring microplastic, toxicology and health issues from it," he said. Dr Mohan described Neeri's role in plastics management, including the monitoring of microplastics in air, water, and soil. He also mentioned that Neeri is actively involved in health studies related to microplastic exposure. He briefed the audience on technologies such as waste-to-graphene conversion and thermocatalytic combustion for plastic waste management. K Rajeevan, vice president and chief technology officer, Larsen and Toubro Limited, Chennai, was the chief guest. Besides Dr Mohan, Dr P Ganesh Kumar, R&D Head, L&T Water Technology Centre, Chennai, was also present. A meeting was also held between Rajeevan and Neeri scientists to explore new avenues for joint research, technology transfer, and deployment Rajeevan said that science and technology can play a pivotal role in converting plastics into biodegradable materials. He highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration to tackle complex environmental challenges. He stressed the need to shift from a linear to a circular economy and called for a change in mindset — from exploitation of nature to co-existence with it. He also underlined the value of sustainable innovations in industrial processes and urged scientists and engineers to develop scalable and affordable green technologies. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Rajeevan briefed about water supply, irrigation, and municipal wastewater projects accomplished by Larsen and Toubro Limited. He discussed smart monitoring systems, automation, and advanced technologies such as membrane filtration and MBBR, highlighting their role in delivering efficient, sustainable, and scalable water and irrigation solutions for both urban and industrial applications. He informed that the Prime Minister recently inaugurated the L&T-built Surya Regional Bulk Water Supply Scheme to ensure a water-secure future for Vasai-Virar and Mira Bhayandar regions. He also highlighted the futuristic innovations of L&T's Water Resource Centre.. Dr Debishree Khan, senior scientist, Neeri, conducted the proceedings. Prakash Kumbhare, senior principal scientist, Neeri, proposed a vote of thanks.
