MIT Hosts National Conference on Advanced Environmental Sustainability
Manipal, October 16, 2023: The Department of Chemical Engineering at Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal, Karnataka, orchestrated a significant Two-day National Level Conference titled “Advanced Materials for Environmental Sustainability-AMES-2023” on October 12th and 13th, 2023. The event was sponsored by ONGC-MRPL Ltd, BASF Ltd, and MCF Ltd. Mangaluru.
The AMES-2023 conference featured a diverse array of activities, including technical paper presentations, poster exhibitions, and enlightening guest lectures. Over thirty participants, hailing from Manipal and various other locations, showcased their technical prowess through engaging presentations and displays.
The inaugural ceremony, led by Professor N.N. Sharma, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor Strategy and Planning of MAHE, marked the commencement of the AMES 2023 conference. Esteemed Guests of Honour included Dr. Nitin Labhsetwar, Chief Scientist at the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) Nagpur, and H.C. Sathyanaryana, GGM Technical Services at MRPL. Professor Somashekara Bhat, Joint Director of MIT Manipal, presided over the function. Professor Balakrishna Prabhu, the Organizing Secretary and Head of the Chemical Engineering Department, welcomed the gathering. Associate Professor Harshini Dasari, the Conference Convener, delivered the vote of thanks.
The speakers emphasized the pivotal role of materials/nanomaterials, energy, and biofuels in achieving environmental sustainability.
On the inaugural day, Dr. Nithin Labhsetwar, Chief Scientist at NEERI, delivered the keynote address on ‘Low-cost materials for cleaner energy and environmental applications.’ Dr. Labhsetwar underscored the critical role of materials in the context of environmental preservation.
Vishnu Sharma, Director of Aapaavani Environmental Solutions, Mangaluru, delivered a guest talk titled “Exploring Nanotechnology for Environmental Sustainability.”
He shed light on the importance of repurposing waste plastics and transforming them into valuable resources. He also delved into water and wastewater treatment, emphasizing their indispensable roles in the pursuit of environmental stability.
The second day featured two more insightful guest lectures. Dr. Ganapathi Ayappa, in a tribute to the late Prof. P. G. Krishnamoorthy, spoke on ‘Developing Adsorbed Natural Gas Solutions for Transport: From Molecules to Vehicle.’ Dr. Ayappa emphasized the fundamental role of materials in shaping the future of chemical engineering.
T S Vishwanathan, Technical Facilitator at Ion Exchange Ltd, shared his expertise on “Membranes in water and wastewater treatment,” highlighting the significance of membrane technology in addressing water-related challenges.
The valedictory function on the second day featured Prof. K. Ganapathy Ayappa, Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at IISc, Bangalore as chief guest, and Harihara J, JGM-EHS and QC at MCF Ltd. Mangaluru as the Guest of Honor.
Cdr. Dr. Anil Rana, Director of MIT Manipal presided over the function. Organizing Secretary and Head of the Chemical Engineering Department, Prof. Balakrishna Prabhu welcomed the gathering and Conference co-convener Prof. S V S R Krishna Bandaru proposed the vote of thanks.
Participants shared their personal experiences of the conference, expressing sincere gratitude for the opportunities provided. Finally, the distribution of certificates to the participants was conducted by the dignitaries.
