Innovate Materials in Harmony with Nature to Reduce Ecological Footprint - Vice Chancellor, Prof. (Dr.) Karamjeet Singh
Build Materials That Serve a Future Worth Living: Vice Chancellor’s Vision
5 Dariya News
Amritsar 02-Mar-2026
The two-day International Conference on Emerging Materials and Technologies for Sustainable Development (EMTSD-2026) was organized at Guru Nanak Dev University, bringing together the world's leading scientific minds to address one of the most pressing challenges of our time: harnessing advanced materials for a sustainable and resilient society. Organized by the Department of Physics under the RUSA 2.0 (Centre for Sustainable Habitat), the conference serves as a critical platform for translating cutting-edge research into tangible solutions for clean energy, environmental protection, and public health.
The inaugural function at the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Bhawan was graced by Chief Patron and Vice Chancellor, Prof. (Dr.) Karamjeet Singh, who set the tone by emphasizing that the future of our civilization is intrinsically linked to the materials we develop. “If knowledge tells us how to build, it is wisdom that must tell us if we should build at all.
We must not let our capabilities outpace our consciousness. Our goal must be to seek harmony with nature, innovating materials that reduce our ecological footprint and serve a future worth building", he stated.. The conference's profound societal relevance was brought into sharp focus by the Chief Guest, Prof. (Dr.) D.K. Aswal, Honourable Member of the National Disaster Management Authority, Government of India.
Drawing from his extensive experience as former Director of CSIR-NPL, New Delhi, Dr. Aswal delivered a compelling address on Materials for Sustainable Development and Disaster Risk Reduction. Dr. Aswal stressed that traditional methods are no longer sufficient to address the scale and complexity of today's environmental and industrial challenges.
He made a compelling case for why we must urgently evolve with cutting-edge tools like Artificial Intelligence, arguing that our ability to safeguard communities now depends on embracing these new technologies for early detection and rapid response. The technological impact of the conference's thematic core was powerfully articulated by the keynote speaker, Prof. (Dr.) Anindya Dutta, Director of the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali.
His lecture on Exciton dynamics in semiconductor nanocrystals traced the journey of fundamental quantum physics-specifically how light interacts with matter at the nanoscale-into practical applications in next-generation solar cells and optoelectronic devices. The conference's first day featured a series of high-impact technical sessions chaired by international dignitaries, including Prof. Mohamed M. Chehimi (University of Paris, France) and Prof. Manish Kashyap (Jawaharlal University, New Delhi).
These sessions brought together experts from premier institutions like IIT Kanpur, JNU, TIFR, and CSIR-NPL to deliberate on the dual-edged nature of material innovation. While exploring the immense potential of nanomaterials, quantum materials, and green technologies, the discussions also acknowledged the responsibility to design materials that are safe and sustainable by design, addressing the full lifecycle from synthesis to recycling to prevent unintended consequences for human health and the environment .
A vibrant poster session provided a platform for young researchers and scholars to showcase their work, fostering an environment of mentorship and academic exchange. This investment in human capital is crucial for building a future-ready scientific workforce capable of tackling complex, multi-disciplinary challenges.