The world is on the cusp of a revolution, driven by the convergence of technological advancements in the field of nanoscience and technology. The 7th Annual World Congress of Nano Science & Technology, organized by Nano Convention, was held at the prestigious venue of the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi, India, from February 20th to 22nd, 2023. This esteemed conference brought together experts from diverse fields, providing a platform for knowledge sharing, and collaborations, to shape the future of science and technology.
Welcome Address
The conference was inaugurated by Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Director, CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources (NISCAIR), who emphasized the importance of nanoscience and technology in addressing the global challenges of today, such as climate change, energy production, and healthcare. He encouraged the attendees to explore the innovative solutions and results presented at the congress, which could lead to breakthroughs in various sectors.
Keynote Speakers
The congress featured prominent keynote speakers from renowned institutions, including:
- Prof. Dr. Kazuhito Hashimoto, Director, International Center for MaterialsNanoarchitectonics (MANA), Japan, who spoke on "Nano-structured Materials for Energy Applications."
- Dr. Sushanta Mitra, Professor, Monash University, Australia, who presented "Understanding and Utilizing Nanostructure – Water Interactions."
- Dr. Krishna Murali Mohan, Associate Professor, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Gandhinagar, India, who discussed "Design, Synthesis, and Properties of Nanostructures for Optoelectronic Applications."
- Dr. Suresh S. Meenakshi, President, The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), India, who highlighted the industrial relevance of nanotechnology.
Scientific Sessions
The congress consisted of 12 scientific sessions, each focusing on a specific area of nanoscience and technology. Some of the notable sessions included:
- Nano-enabled Next-Generation Materials: This session explored the development of novel materials with superior properties, driven by advancements in nanotechnology.
- Nano-diagnosis and Therapy Technologies: This session showcased innovative approaches for early detection and treatment of diseases, leveraging the precision of nanotechnology.
- Nano-based Energy Storage and Conversion: This session highlighted the potential of nanotechnology in improving energy storage, conversion, and usage efficiency.
- Nanotechnology for Sustainable Water Management: This session emphasized the role of nanotechnology in addressing the pressing issue of water scarcity.
Presentations and Poster Sessions
Over 250 researchers from across the globe presented their work, encompassing a wide range of topics in nanoscience and technology. The poster sessions allowed attendees to engage with researchers and gain insights into their work, fostering valuable networking opportunities. Some notable presentations included:
- "Synthesis of Graphene Quantum Dots for Biomedical Applications" by Dr. Deepak Mishra, IIT Delhi, India.
- "NanoStructured Catalysts for Efficient CO2 Utilization" by Dr. Purushothaman Thangavel, Tamil Nadu Technology Development and Promotion Centre (TTDC), India.
- "Applications of Nanoparticles in Cancer Treatment" by Dr. Sanjib Bhattacharya, Calcutta University, India.
Awards and Recognition
The congress presented awards to distinguished researchers and industry professionals for their contributions to nanoscience and technology. Notable awardees included:
- Prof. A.A. Athawale, Director, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, India, for his outstanding research contributions to nanomaterials and nanotechnology.
- Dr. Ashok Kumar, Scientist, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), India, for his innovative work in nano-enabled energy storage systems.
Special Sessions
Two special sessions were organized to discuss the commercialization and policy perspectives of nanoscience and technology in India:
- "Nano-entrepreneurship: Challenges and Opportunities": This session explored the entrepreneurial side of nanotechnology, highlighting the problems faced by start-ups and ideas for overcoming them.
- "Technical and Business Aspects of Nano-products: A Regulatory Perspective": This session delved into the regulatory framework for nanoproducts and discussed ways to make them commercially viable.
Recommendations and Future Directions
The congress concluded with a panel discussion, focusing on the future of nanoscience and technology in India. Some key recommendations and future directions included:
- Promoting Industry-Academia Collaborations: To foster innovation and entrepreneurship in nanotechnology, collaborations between academia, industry, and government need to be strengthened.
- Investing in Research and Development: India should invest significantly in research and development in nanoscience and technology to remain competitive globally.
- Regulatory Framework: The Indian government needs to establish a clear regulatory framework for nanoproducts to ensure their safe use and to promote their commercialization.
Conclusion
The 7th Annual World Congress of Nano Science & Technology held in New Delhi, India, provided a platform for scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to come together and discuss the latest advancements and future directions in nanoscience and technology. The conference highlighted the vast potential of nanotechnology in addressing global challenges and drove home the importance of collaborations and investments in research and development to accelerate innovation.
FAQs
Q1. What are the benefits of attending the World Congress of Nano Science & Technology?
A1: The congress provides a platform to learn from world-renowned speakers and experts in nanoscience and technology, network with peers, and foster collaborations for future research and innovation.
Q2. Is the conference focused on any specific area of nanoscience and technology?
A2: While the conference covers a broad range of topics in nanoscience and technology, it focuses on significant areas such as energy storage, biomedicine, and sustainability.
Q3. What sort of audience can attend the World Congress of Nano Science & Technology?
A3: The conference welcomes researchers, engineers, entrepreneurs, industry professionals, policymakers, and students from across the globe interested in nanoscience and technology.
Q4. What are the notable highlights of the conference?
A4: The conference featured over 25 hours of oral and poster presentations, as well as networking sessions with prominent researchers and industry leaders.
Q5. What is the main theme of the conference?
A5: The conference is centered around the theme "Future of Nano-science and Technology – Understanding the Global Challenges and Opportunities."
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 7th Annual World Congress of Nano Science & Technology, held in New Delhi, India, marked a significant milestone in the history of nanoscience and technology, emphasizing its role in revolutionizing the future. It underscored the importance of collaboration and investments in research and development for innovation to accelerate, paving the path for scientists, engineers, and policymakers to shape the next decade of science and technology, and the potential of the world with innovative solutions to the world’s biggest problems, including an ever-present concern of dealing with pollution, renewable energy, and solving global health issues.
Closure
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