The Department of Applied Physics, Zakir Husain College of Engineering and Technology, Aligarh Muslim University organised a two-day workshop, “Aligarh Nano I” on the Nanoscience and Nanotechnology under the aegis of UGC and sponsored by the Department of Applied Physics on March 26-27, 2011. The keynote address was given by Prof. Prasenjit Sen from JNU and Prof. Javed Mussarrat from King Saud University, Riyadh was the Guest of Honour.
Prof. Alim Husain Naqvi said that Nanotechnology is one of the most important and exciting forefront fields in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering and Medicine. Nanoscience and Nanotechnology is based on the fact that particles less than the size of 100 nanometres turn up with novel properties which otherwise is not seen in materials of dimensions larger than this. This technology has been widely believed to possess enormous potential to contribute significantly to a broad and diverse range of technological areas, ranging from producing stronger and lighter materials to targeted drug delivery to the cancerous cells afflicting human body, increasing the storage capacity of magnetic tapes as well as electrical batteries to providing faster switches for computers, altogether new generations of handy Biosensors to cosmetics and a host of other possibilities. No doubt that it contains the panacea for many problems plaguing humans today and for the generations to come, Prof. Naqvi added.
He said that the two-day meet aimed to facilitate the wide spread utilisation of this technology and to further explore the nature and prospects of the field. Experts in various aspects of nanotechnology from renowned institutions from all over India assembled at AMU to deliver specialised talks. There has been an overwhelming response to this workshop with the registration of some 250 participants.
The department of Applied Physics has a Department of Science & Technology, New Delhi, supported M. Tech programme and also enjoys the status of ‘Centre for Excellence in Nanomaterials’ granted by the Council of Science & Technology, Uttar Pradesh State Government. The department is further assisted by the UGC DRS SAP I programme.
Prof. S. Alim Husain Naqvi was the coordinator of these programmes and also the convener of the workshop. Dr. M.K.J. Siddiqui, the Director of CST, Lucknow also graced the occasion.