Media Release

Mangaluru, Mar 7: 

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

The program was inaugurated by Dr V Rajendran, Professor and Principal of Dr N G P Arts & Science College, Coimbatore, who was the chief guest. 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. Dr Praveen Martis, SJ, Principal, presided over the program. Dr Alwyn D'Sa, Controller of Examinations, Dr Richard Gonsalves, Director of PG Science Block, Dr Ronald Nazareth, HOD of Post Graduate Studies and Research in Chemistry, Dr Akshatha Salian, Convenor, and Dr Manoj Mathews, Co-convenor, were also present on the dais.

In his speech, Dr V Rajendran stressed the importance of Chemistry in day-to-day life and the significance of innovative and creative research work in the field of Chemistry and Material Science. He urged the young generation to find solutions to various problems existing in society and suggested that qualification alone would not be enough for placements. He encouraged students to develop additional skills and research knowledge and explore unique ideas and opportunities.

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

Dr Praveen Martis SJ, in his presidential remarks, emphasized the importance of reasoning and questing to solve scientific problems. He spoke about recent findings in the field of Chemistry and how researchers are using Nanoscience to find solutions to environmental problems such as reducing sulfur oxide content in fuel. He encouraged students to think differently, get into research, and make a positive impact on society.

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

here were 4 sessions and a panel discussion held during the programme. Dr Manav Saxena, Professor at the 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 at 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.

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