Assam Don Bosco University School of Technology has taken lead to organize an international conference in giving importance to research in the field of nanotechnology to appreciate and further promote efforts of nanotechnological advancements and applications in the Northeast India.
Nanotechnology ("nanotech") is manipulation of matter on an atomic, molecular, and supramolecular scale with at least one dimension sized from 1 to 100 nanometers.
The conference is jointly organized by Assam Don Bosco University School of Technology at its Azara Campus in Guwahati in collaboration with the Sustainable Nanotechnology Organization (SNO) of USA, a worldwide professional society comprised of individuals and institutions that are engaged in: research and development of sustainable nanotechnology, advances in nanoscience, methods, protocols and metrology, and much more.
The five day iCAN 2017 (International Conference on Advances in Nanotechnology) from 9 to 13 January brought together some 80 young researchers from academic and research institutes in the northeastern India and from four other countries (Belgium, Sweden, Thailand, and USA) to explore the possibilities of using nanotechnology to solve many of the local concerns like contaminated water, persistent pesticides, low availability of hydroelectric power, low agricultural output, to name a few.
The conference had three-days of technical events involving plenary and invited talks, and two days of post conference brainstorming session at Kaziranga National Park (a world heritage site) with scientists and bureaucrats.
Conference Convener Prof Sunandan Baruah one of the leading nano scientist of northeast India says, “This conference is a great initiative that brought together global experts and young researchers for the first time to this region to discuss the prospects and development of nanotechnology and provide for sustainable nanotechnological solutions to problems that beset the region.”
Citing possible application of nanotechnology in farming and plantation in Assam, veteran nano scientist Siddhartha S Mukhopadhyay retired professor of Punjab Agricultural University says, “Nanotechnology can help remedy limitations of existing farming practices in Assam by helping to retain and enrich organic matter in soils, improving use efficiency of fertilizers, minimizing pesticide use, preventing erosion and stabilizing landscape, quality improvement of medicinal plants, enhancing shelf life and quality of tea leaves, preservation of food, fruit, forest products and fish, protecting crops and plantations from frost, water, heat and other stress factors, ameliorating soil acidity and soil salinity as well as rejuvenating soil fertility.”
Besides Prime Minister Modi and Governor of Assam sending their messages for the success of the conference, Minister of Science and Technology Assam Shri Keshab Mahanta as well as Member of North Eastern Council Shillong Shri C.K. Das IAS (Retd) and Chief information Commissioner of Assam Shri H.S. Das IAS (Retd) were present in person at the inaugural session.
Chief Minister of Assam along with six cabinet ministers had a session with a seven member Indian and foreign delegation when they met on 10th January to propose ways to take forward nanotechnology research and application in the state.
Outcome of the meet will be part of brainstorming session with nano scientists and bureaucrats scheduled to be held on 12 and 13 January in Kaziranga National Park.
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