Mangalore: International Conference on Chemistry Begins at M'lore University
 
Pics: Prakash Samaga
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (PS)
 
Mangalore, Dec 8: "Universities should be hubs of research activities, but it is sad that during the 1950s research started shifting to allied institutions from universities even though they comprised only one percent of the student population, thus putting university students in a dilemma. Universities should not be competitive but complimentary to allied institutions," noted Prof T C Shivashankara Murthy, vice-chancellor, Mangalore University.
 
He was delivering his presidential address at the inaugural session of the three-day international conference on synthetic and structural chemistry (ICSSC-2011) organized by the department of studies in chemistry, Mangalore University here at the Mangala Auditorium, Mangalagangothri here on Thursday December 8.

He added, "Let this conference expose the young minds to the best that the university can give to society, and in turn make them capable of giving their best."

He further said, "Chemistry cannot be separated from physics and biology as basic science was the one which resulted in various research activities. Breaking down of science into minute subjects and making interpretations of the discipline destroy coherence which in fact has resulted in the decline of statistics of science studies from 49 % to 19 %, he said. Also, women scientists, though they take up science studies at the university level, have not been excelling in the field due to lack of support from all corners. Thus the 99th Indian science congress is dedicated to women and the focal theme of the conference is ‘Science and Technology for Inclusive Innovation – Role of Women'," he said.
 
This conference is being hosted by Mangalore University with the main financial support from the UGC. Focus on inorganic synthesis, organic synthesis, green chemistry, molecular design, medicinal chemistry, organic solar cells, biodegradable polymers among other topics will be discussed during the three days.
 
Prof M R Gajendragad, former vice chancellor, Kuvempu University, Dr K A Suresh, director, centre for soft matter research, Bangalore, Dr P M Akbarali, MD, Apotex Pharmachem India Pvt Ltd, Prof T N Guru Row were the guests of honour.
 
Prof K Chinnappa Gowda, Prof Thimme Gowda, Prof Balakrishna Kalluraya among others were present.
 
Prof H K Fun, Universiti Sains, Malaysia will deliver the valedictory address on December 10 at 2.30 pm.