International Science Conference Begins at IIT-Kanpur

To encourage the younger generation to evince interest in science, especially chemistry, a three-day international conference meant for the PhD scholars began at the Indian Institute of Technology-Kanpur (IIT-K) on Friday, December 4, 2009.

The programme began with the lighting of the lamp. Prof RK Theraja, deputy director, IIT-K, was the chief guest. Prof Ray CF Jones from Lough Borough University, UK delivered a lecture on the day.

Over 100 students, including eight PhD scholars from UK, from various institutes of the country will present their research papers in the conference. The 5th J-NOST international conference has been jointly organised by National Organic Symposium Trust (NOST) and chemistry department of IIT-K. Twenty students will be given the Eli Lilly and Company Asia Outstanding Thesis Award with a cash prize and a plaque each.

Speaking about the conference, Dr Gurunath of the chemistry department said, "This is the only conference in the world which gives PhD students a podium to share their thesis with other PhD scholars. The participants will give presentations of their research works while the faculty will get the opportunity to adjudge them on their teaching skills. Those found giving good presentations can thus become good academicians in future."

"Our main motive is to ensure that every PhD student, who has come here, should receive maximum benefit through this conference," added Prof Gurunath.

Speaking on the similar lines, Prof Vinod Kumar Singh, director, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhopal and member of Scientific Advisory Council to Prime Minister informed, "The conference is aimed at promoting organic chemistry."

Dr Prabhakar Jadhav representing Eli Lilly, a US based company, said, "The purpose of the conference is to promote science in India. Awards to students will further motivate them to do well in their respective streams and contribute their best to the science."

Students from BHU, Allahabad University, CDRI Lucknow, Delhi University, IISc Bangalore, University of Hyderabad, IIT-Delhi, University of Madras, IIT-Madras, IIT-Bombay, University of Leeds, UK, University of Bath, UK, Cardiff University, UK, Imperial College London, etc., are participating in the conference.

Source: TOI