SAC holds National Level Seminar on Advances in Chemical Research (ACR-23)

The Department of Postgraduate Studies and Research in Chemistry, St Aloysius College (Autonomous), Mangaluru in collaboration with St Joseph’s College (Autonomous), Devagiri, Calicut has organized a one-day National Level Seminar on Advances in Chemical Research (ACR-2023) on 6th March 2023 in Fr. L F   Rasquinha Auditorium, LCRI Block of the College. 

Dr. V. Rajendran, Professor and Principal of Dr N. G. P. Arts & Science College, Coimbatore was the Chief Guest and inaugurated the pogramme. Dr Ganapati V. Shanbhag, Dean (Academics), Associate Professor and HOD, Materials Science & Catalysis Division Poornaprajna Institute of Scientific Research (PPISR) Bengaluru, was the Guest of Honour and delivered the Keynote Address. Rev. Dr Praveen Martis, SJ, Principal, presided over the programme. Dr Alwyn D’Sa, Controller of Examinations, Dr Richard Gonsalves, Director of PG Science Block, Dr Ronald Nazareth, HOD of Postgraduate Studies and Research in Chemistry, Dr Akshatha Salian, Convenor and Dr Manoj Mathews, Co-convenor were on the dais.

Dr. V. Rajendran in his speech stressed on the importance of Chemistry in day-to-day life. He eloboarated the significance of innovative and creative research work in the field of Chemistry along with Material Science to combat various problems existing in the society and how young generation should start finding the sources of solution that are already existing in and around us and help the society. He suggested the students that the qualification alone will not support for placement. Along with the qualification, one must adopt the additional skills as well as the knowledge of research. Technological transformation is very important and the new technology plays a major role in our daily life. Hence explore yourself with unique ideas and grab the opportunities. 

Dr Ganapathy Shanbhag, in his Keynote address explained the urgent need for switching over to Bioenergy. He explained the research on Biodiesel synthesis by giving the example of Biomass conversion using metal hydroxystannate. He also, discussed the uses of various shape selective, chemo selective and regio selective catalysts. 

Rev. Dr Praveen Martis SJ, in his presidential remarks said that there are so many unsolved questions in science. Unless the habit of reasoning and questing, it is not possible to solve anything. He spoke on some recent findings in the field of Chemistry; how researchers are trying to use Nanosceice to find solutions to the environmental problems like to reduce the oxides of Sulpur content in fuel and he suggested the students to think differently and urged the students to get into research and do something for the society. 

Dr Richard Gonsalves, Director of PG Science Block was honoured during the programme for his valuable services rendered in the field of science and research. 

There were 4 sessions and a panel discussion held during the programme. Dr Manav Saxena, Professor, Centre for Nano and Material Sciences, Jain University, Bengaluru. Took up the I Session on “Two Dimensional Nanomaterials in Material Science”. The II Session was taken up by Dr K Sudhakara Prasad, Associate Professor, Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru on the topic “Photoluminescent Carbon Dots, the friend and Foe. The III Session was taken up by Dr Sreejith Mangalath, Department of Chemistry, St Joseph’s College (Autonomous), Devagiri, Calicut on the topic “Two Dimensional Nanomaterials in Biomedical Applications”. The IV Session was taken up by Dr Sudhakar Y. N. Department of Chemistry, MIT, Manipal’on the theme “Scope and Structuring of Scientific Publication from Project”. Besides this, there was a Panel Discussion on “Research Trends in Chemistry” and the Alumni of the Department in Research field were the Panelists. 

Ms. Yuktha compered the programme. Dr Ronald Nazareth welcomed the gathering. Dr Manoj Mathews proposed the vote of thanks.