'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.