Science Academies

Recent Advances in Chemical Sciences (RACS

IASc(Bangalore)

Prof. G. Mugesh, FASc, FNAScConvener (RACS-15)

IISc, Bangalore

REPORT ON

Science Academiesˈ Lecture Workshop

On

Recent Advances in Chemical Sciences (RACSFebruary 18

th & 19

th, 2015

Sponsored and Supported

By

INSA(New Delhi)

Hosted by

Department of Chemistry, Karunya University, Coimbatore – 641 114,

Tamil Nadu

FASc, FNASc Dr. V. Madhu Coordinator (RACS

Karunya University

Recent Advances in Chemical Sciences (RACS-15)

NASI(Allahabad)

Dr. V. Madhu

Coordinator (RACS-15)

Karunya University

A REPORT ON SCIENCE ACADEMIESˈ LECTURE WORKSHOP ON “RECENT ADVANCES IN

CHEMICAL SCIENCES (RACS-15)” DURING FEBRUARY 18th

& 19th

, 2015

A two day lecture workshop on “Recent Advances in Chemical Sciences (RACS-15)”

was organised by the Department of Chemistry, Karunya University, Coimbatore during

February 18th

& 19th

, 2015. The workshop was sponsored by the three national science

academies, the Indian Academy of Sciences (Bangalore), Indian National Science Academy

(New Delhi) and the National Academy of Sciences, India (Allahabad).

The objective of this lecture-workshop is to discuss and understand the recent

developments in wide areas of chemical sciences. As well, intend of this workshop is to

promote the students to undertake multidisciplinary research in chemistry. The workshop will

provide a platform for UG, PG, research scholars and faculty of chemistry to interact with the

eminent scientists and professors of repute across the nation.

Brief inaugural ceremony of the Science Academies Lecture-workshop on “Recent

Advances in Chemical Sciences (RACS-15)” commenced on 18th

, February, 2015 at Karunya

University with prayer and Tamil Thai Vaazhthu, followed by Dr. K. Parameswari, Head,

Department of Chemistry, karunya university, formally greeted the gathering of including

participants from different colleges, Convener of the workshop, vice chancellor and registrar

of karunya university, resource persons, Director, School of Science & Humanities of

karunya university, and coordinator of workshop and Department of Chemistry faculty

members.

The workshop featured invited lectures in the following frontier areas of chemistry by

eminent professors and scientists.

• Organic synthesis

• Green chemistry

• Bio inorganic and medicinal inorganic chemistry

• Theoretical and computational chemistry

• Molecular spectroscopy

• Solid-state chemistry and Nanomaterials

Figure 1. Snapshot from the Inaugural Function

Professor G. Mugesh, Convener of workshop, Indian Institute of Sciences,

Bangalore, in his inaugural address, made the audience aware of the science academies

Figure 2. Snapshot from the Inaugural Function

(i.e., IASc, INSA & NASI). He stressed the value of research in chemistry and encouraged

the participants to take up chemistry as research career. He also very clearly pointed out the role

of science academiesˈ in promoting strong science platform in colleges/universities by conducting

various programmes like summer research fellowships for students and faculties, Refresher Courses

for faculties and about Lecture Workshops. He urged the participants to take active part in all

activities and research. He also mentioned about the journals, which are published by the science

academies.

Professor S. Sundar Manoharan, Vice-Chancellor, Karunya University, Coimbatore

delivered the Inaugural address. He highlighted about multidisciplinary topic of recent

research

Figure 3. Snapshot from the Inaugural Function

interests of various scientific disciplines including with chemistry, biology, materials,

theoretical chemistry and nano technology, etc. He thanked science academiesˈ for its

generous support in organizing the lecture workshop at Karunya University.

Prof. S. Chandrasekaran, IISc, Bangalore gave key remarks about the workshop. He

pointed out in his greetings towards the updating/modifying the chemistry research with

respective of current scenario. Also, he explained about the aim of this workshop is to

encourage the students to undertake multidisciplinary contemporary research in chemistry.

Figure 4. Snapshot from the Inaugural Function

Dr. C. Joseph Kennedy, Registrar, Karunya University gave his felicitations. He

highlighted the importance and need for this kind of lecture-workshop event for creating

awareness among the college students to choose science as their carrier. Followed by Dr. J.

Daphy Louis Lovenia Director, School of Science & Humanities spoke about the

importance of science research

Figure 5. Snapshot from the Inaugural Function

The first lecture was delivered by Prof. S. Chandrasekaran, IISc, Bangalore, on

“Green Chemistry: Origin and Necessity”. The students heard with immersed attention to his

smart talk, which highlighted the role of green chemistry in controlling chemical waste, atom

economy, less hazardous chemical syntheses, safety, non-toxic products and Design for

energy efficiency through the development of new synthetic methods, which should be

conducted at ambient temperature and pressure. He presented third lecture on “Greening the

Chemistry Curriculum” wherein he gave broad description about incorporating Green

Chemistry practices in existing mainstream textbooks and in experimental chemistry lab. He

also discussed various activities open for the students in his institute and how they may avail

the opportunities. The participants were enlightened and motivated with a useful session on

green chemistry.

The second lecture was delivered by Dr. V. Subramanian, Senior Principal Scientist,

Central Leather Research Institute, Chennai on “Prediction of Vibrational, Nuclear Magnetic

Resonance and Electronic Spectra of Small Molecules Using Computational Chemistry

Tools” wherein he explained the Density Functional Theoretical (DFT) based methods for

optimizing the small molecular structure with demonstration. He also has shown various

possible Vibrational modes of small molecules and their respective IR spectrum with the help

of computer software tools. The lecture was highly informative and educative to the students

and faculties.

Figure 6. Snapshot taken while delivering lecture by Dr. V. Subramanian

Fourth lecture delivered by Dr. V. Subramanian on “Interaction of Biomolecules with Carbon

Nanomaterials” wherein he emphasized the surface functionalization of carbon nano-

materials for different purpose of Biomolecules recognition, adsorption of proteins on the

sides of carbon nano-tubes, as well, he highlighted the applications of biomedical imaging,

drug delivery, biosensing and toxicological effects.

Prof. S. Natarajan, IISc, Bangalore gave 5th

lecture on “Acids, Bases and

Compounds” wherein he highlighted concepts of acid and bases. Also he has pointed out the

role of uncommon acids in synthesizing some useful inorganic compounds. Also, he stressed

the applications inorganic materials for different intention including sensors, catalysis and

magnetic properties, which prepared based acid-base interaction. Prof. S. Natarajan delivered

6th

lecture on “Inorganic Oxides as Host for Color” wherein he pointed out the preparation

and properties of different novel type of inorganic materials such as minerals, inorganic metal

oxides, metal complexes and their extensive picture of colors for different applications like

pigments. The participants were delighted and the lectures were followed by dynamic

discussions.

Figure 7. Snapshot taken while delivering lecture while delivering lecture by Prof. S. Natarajan

Prof. S. Sundar Manoharan, Vice-Chancellor, Karunya University delivered 8th

lecture on “One Molecule, Many Wonders” where he spoke about electroluminescence,

photo- electronic properties of inorganic materials. Also he has highlighted the use of

molecular materials in device fabrication like Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED).

Prof. G. Mugesh, IISc Bangalore delivered 7th

lecture on “Bioinorganic Chemistry:

From Oxygen Transport to Metal-mediated Catalysis” where he explained the oxidation

caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a major cause of cellular damage and death and

has been implicated in cancer, neurodegenerative, and cardiovascular diseases and

appropriate mechanism has been discussed. Prof. G. Mugesh delivered 9th

lecture on

“Bioinspired Chemistry for Energy, Environment and Human Health” where he spoke about

the role of Biomolecules in conserving energy and protecting of our environment, as well,

medicinal applications of organoselenium compounds.

Figure 8. Snapshot taken while delivering lecture by Prof. G. Mugesh

The workshop consisted of 9 lectures during the two days. Each lecture was followed

by an interactive discussion with the participants. About 150 participants including IIIrd

B.Sc. students, MSc students, research scholars & faculty members from Chikanna Govt.

Arts College-Tirupur, Chikkaiah Naiker College-Erode, Nirmala College for Women-

Coimbatore, PSGR Krishnammal College for Women-Coimbatore, KSR college-

Tiruchengode, Karunya University-Coimbatore, Bharathiyar University-Coimbatore

participated in the lecture workshop

Figure 9. Participants and recourse persons (Group photo of RACS-15)

The workshop ended with a brief valedictory session wherein participants from each

institution shared their feedback on the workshop. The overall feedback was good and the

students were quite interested and actively participated by raising several questions and

getting their doubts cleared. Most of the participants were motivated to pursue research in

chemistry as noted from their feedback and had fruitful interactions with the resource

persons. The speakers and participants gave very good comments on the arrangements and

hospitality.

Figure 10. Snapshot taken from feedback session

Figure 10. Snapshot taken from feedback session

Dr. J. Daphy Louis Lovenia Director, School of Science & Humanities delivered the

Valedictory Address. Prof. G. Mugesh, Convener (RACS-15) and Prof. S. Natarajan, IISc,

Bangalore were gave the concluding remarks about the workshop. The workshop ended with

vote of thanks given by the coordinator of the workshop Dr. V. Madhu. The workshop was

completed successfully.

Figure 11. Snapshot taken from feedback session

Mode of advertisement and registration:

Detailed Workshop poster was printed has been sent to all colleges in and around Coimbatore

through post along with registration forms. Also pre-workshop information has been published

various regional daily news papers. Besides, a website has been created and participants have been

asked to do registration online. Totally 260 participants have been registered through online and 20

participants have registered by sending registration form. The participants registered from various

parts of India form different institutions. 150 participants have been short listed based on mark

percentage and priority was given to participants, who are in and around Coimbatore region.

Two-Day Science Academies’ Lecture Workshop on Recent

Advances in Chemical Sciences (RACS-15)

Program Schedule: February 18-19th, 2015

Time Speaker Title

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

9.00-9.30 am Inauguration

Lecture 1

9:30 -10:45 am

Prof. S. Chandrasekaran

IISc, Bangalore

Green Chemistry: Origin and Necessity

10.45-11.00 am Tea break

Lecture 2

11:00 am -12:15

pm

Prof. V. Subramanian

CLRI, Chennai

Prediction of Vibrational, Nuclear

Magnetic Resonance and Electronic

Spectra of Small Molecules Using

Computational Chemistry Tools

12:15 pm - 1:15

pm

Lunch

Lecture 3

1:15 pm -2:30 pm

Prof. S. Chandrasekaran

IISc, Bangalore

Greening the Chemistry Curriculum

Lecture 4

2:30 pm - 3:45 pm

Prof. V. Subramanian

CLRI, Chennai

Interaction of Biomolecules with Carbon

Nanomaterials

3:45 pm - 4.00 pm Tea Break

Lecture 5

4:00 pm - 5:15 pm

Prof. S. Natarajan

IISc, Bangalore

Acids, Bases and Compounds

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Lecture 6

9:00 am -10:15 am

Prof. G. Mugesh

IISc, Bangalore

Bioinorganic Chemistry: From Oxygen

Transport to Metal-mediated Catalysis

Lecture 7

10:15 am -11:30

am

Prof. S. Sundar

Manoharan

Karunya University

One Molecule, Many Wonders

11:30 am-11:45

am

Tea Break

Lecture 8

11:45 pm-1:00 pm

Prof. S. Natarajan

IISc, Bangalore

Inorganic Oxides as Host for Color

1.00 pm – 2.00 pm Lunch

Lecture 9

2:00 pm -3:15 pm

Prof. G. Mugesh

IISc Bangalore

Bioinspired Chemistry for Energy,

Environment and Human Health

3.15 pm – 4.00 pm Interactive Session and Concluding Session

Inaugural Programme (9.00 am – 9.30 am)

Prayer & Tamil Thai Vaazhthu

Welcome Address : Dr. K. Parameswari Head, Department of Chemistry

Brief of Workshop : Prof. Dr. G. Mugesh, FASc, FNASc Convener (RACS-15)

IISc- Bangalore

Remarks by : Prof. S. Chandrasekaran, FASc, FNA IISc, Bangalore

Inaugural Address : Prof. Dr. S. Sundar Manoharan Vice-Chancellor

Karunya University

Felicitation : Dr. C. Joseph Kennedy Registrar

Karunya University

: Dr. J. Daphy Louis Lovenia Director

School of Science & Humanities

Date : 18-02-2015

Venue : Elohim Auditorium, Karunya University

Valedictory Programme (3.15 pm – 4.00 pm)

Valedictory Address : Prof. Dr. S. Sundar Manoharan Vice-Chancellor

Karunya University

Special Address : Dr. C. Joseph Kennedy Registrar,

Karunya University

Concluding Remarks : Prof. Dr. G. Mugesh, FASc, FNASc Convener (RACS-15)

IISc, Bangalore

: Prof. S. Natarajan, FASc, FNASc, FNA IISc, Bangalore

Feedback : Participants

Vote of Thanks : Dr. V. Madhu Coordinator (RACS-15)

Karunya University

National Anthem

Date : 19-02-2015

Venue : Elohim Auditorium, Karunya University