Annual Report 2007 - The Australian Nanotechnology Network

University of Delhi
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Outcomes:
Symposium opening function was a high profile activity with participation of Hon. Mr. John
McCarthy, Australian High Commissioner to India and Dr. T. Ramasamy, Secretary, Department
of Science and Technology, Prof. Deepak Pental, Vice-Chancellor, University of Delhi, Prof.
S.K. Tandon, Pro-Vice Chancellor, University of Delhi. All the speakers emphasised the
importance of nanotechnology for both countries and hoped that this symposium will lead to
closer cooperation between scientists of both countries.
Fig.1 Symposium Opening Ceremony
Symposium was well attended with than 250 participants from various parts of the country
representing, Academia, Govt. Laboratories and industry. Topics covered included nanocrystals,
quantum dots, nanowires, nano-porous media, quantum computing, nano-electronics, nanophotonics,
nano-biotechnology, nanostructures for ICT, energy applications, catalysis, biosensors,
cancer detection, bionics, medical imaging were covered. Industry presentations were
interesting in the sense that they are keen on investing in nanotechnology and expanding
manufacturing capabilities in solar cells, optical recording media, and pharmaceuticals. In
addition to a plenary talk, invited talks, contributed oral presentations, a large number of poster
papers were presented leading to stimulating discussions.
Following potential collaborative links have been identified and could potentially lead to
Australia-India Strategic Research Fund (AISRF) proposals for funding in the future from Indian
DST and Australian DIISR. Some of the Australian participants are planning to invite Indian
researchers to visit their laboratories.
University of Wollongong (Prof. Gordon Wallace and Prof. Leon-Kane Maguire)
(1) Prof Arun Chattopadhyay, from IIT Guwahati.
His excellent research on conducting polymer fibers and composites with nanomaterials, and
their applications in areas such as chemical/biochemical sensors and actuators, is highly relevant
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