By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 9: Nanotechnology holds the key to breakthroughs in clean energy, healthcare, and environmental sustainability, said Prof Md. Iftekhar Hussain, Dean of the School of Technology, while addressing the celebration of International Nanotechnology Day at North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong, on Thursday.
Speaking as the chief guest, Prof Hussain underscored the need for interdisciplinary research, urging young scientists to explore how nanoscience could be harnessed for real-world applications. He also discussed the growing convergence of nanotechnology with quantum computing and molecular-level innovation, calling it a frontier that could redefine the technological landscape.
The event, organised by NEHU’s Department of Nanotechnology, featured active participation from students, research scholars, and faculty members. The celebration also honoured the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry winners — Omar M Yaghi, Susumu Kitagawa, and Richard Robson — for their groundbreaking development of Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs), a discovery with far-reaching implications in gas storage, catalysis, and materials science.
In her address, Dr Shruti Shukla, Head of the Department, reiterated the department’s focus on fostering innovation and collaboration across scientific disciplines. She noted that nanotechnology’s impact now extends well beyond laboratories into fields such as medicine, electronics, and sustainable development.
Dr Davidson Pyngrope, who opened the programme, reflected on the expanding relevance of nanoscience in everyday life.
A student’s experience-sharing session provided insight into the aspirations and challenges of emerging researchers in this rapidly advancing domain.
The highlight of the event was a scientific lecture by Dr Abdul Moyez from the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, who presented the latest global developments in nanomaterials and their wide-ranging industrial and medical applications.
The programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by research scholar Phlegon Syndai, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries and participants.
