International conference on advanced materials kicks off in Kathmandu

KATHMANDU: An international conference on advanced materials began in Budhanilkantha, Kathmandu today. 

The fifth international conference, Kathmandu Symposia on Advanced Materials (KαSAM-2024), is jointly organised by the Nepal Polymer Institute, Tribhuvan University, College of Biomedical Engineering and Applied Sciences, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya University Gorakhpur, India, and IPW Germany. The conference will run until October 24.

The main objective of the conference is to foster collaboration among South Asian scientists researching material science and to expand relations with fellow scientists worldwide. Discussions will focus on new and smart materials, green and sustainable technology, recycling economy, micro-materials based on nano-biotechnology, tissue engineering, and computational technology.

Prof Dr Rameshwar Adhikari, chairperson of Nepal Polymer Institute and conference coordinator, stated that the symposium aims to present the latest studies and research on nano-bio, green, and sustainable technology conducted in Nepal to the global community. Participants include professors, scientists, researchers, young scientists, and students from 16 countries, including Nepal, France, Germany, South Africa, Japan, India, America, and China.

A day-long short course on 'Recent Advances in Smart and Functional Materials' and Nepal-India Special Symposium will also be organised for young scientists. Around 200 scientists from across the globe will participate in the conference, where 130 working papers will be presented.

Young scientist Dr Shankar Khatiwada expressed hope that the conference would promote study and research activities in material science, particularly in nano/biotechnology, and play a significant role in helping Nepali scientists build collaboration with their global counterparts.

Vice-Chancellor of Tribhuvan University, Prof Dr Keshar Jung Baral, and Vice-Chancellor of Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University, Prof Dr Poonam Tandon, are scheduled to address the conference.