Pune: The CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL) hosted a curtain-raiser event for the 10th India International Science Festival (IISF) 2024, coupled with the inauguration of the 6th NCL-RF Annual Students Conference.
The event spotlighted advancements in science and technology, fostering innovation and collaboration among budding researchers and established professionals.
The IISF, an initiative by the Ministry of Science and Technology and Ministry of Earth Sciences in collaboration with Vijnana Bharati, serves as a premier platform to showcase India’s scientific achievements and promote the spirit of innovation.
Dr. Premnath Venugopalan, Head of NCL Innovations and Director of Venture Center, emphasized the importance of such conferences in shaping scientific breakthroughs. “These platforms inspire creative thinking and deeper insights into the scientific process,” he remarked.
The curtain-raiser featured Prof. Santanu Chaudhari, CTO of Thermax Limited, as the chief guest. Prof. Chaudhari delivered a compelling plenary talk on “Advancing Materials Design and Scale-Up Using Physics-Informed AI: Preparing the Workforce for the Future of Energy Transition.”
He highlighted the transformative role of green technologies, sustainable practices, and advanced materials research in addressing global energy challenges.
Panel Discussion: From Lab to Launch
A key highlight of the event was a panel discussion titled “From Lab to Launch: Turning Research into Real-World Solutions.” Esteemed panelists, including Dr. Sachin Dubey (Module Innovations), Dr. Santosh Bhikulal Chavan (FarmLab), and others, shared strategies for translating academic research into impactful applications.
Inspiring Young Researchers
The event also featured a plenary talk by Dr. Namrata Gundiah on “Hemodynamics and the Endothelium: From Health to Disease.” The day included oral presentations, a poster session, and a vibrant exchange of ideas among CSIR-NCL students.
The curtain-raiser event concluded with a valedictory ceremony, setting an inspiring tone for the upcoming IISF 2024, which promises to celebrate science and innovation on a grand scale.