PG Department of Chemistry organized an International Virtual Conference on Creative Research in Chemical Science & Allied applications (CRCSA – 2020) on 18 & 19 August 2020. Dr. Vishwanatha P., Convener, CRCSA-2020 & Head, Department of Chemistry briefed about the conference and welcomed the dignitaries and delegates gathered on Webex meeting platform.
Wishing the conference, a grand success Dr. D. Veerendra Hegde, Dharmadhikari of Sri Kshethra Dharmasthala, said, virtual conferences like this one are the most ideal means for researchers to share their findings and ideas with the world, especially during these testing times.
Speaking at the inaugural function, Dr. B. Yashovarma, Secretary, SDM Educational Society said, amidst all the negativities experienced after the incidence of covid-19, one positive thing that has happened is turning to the technology which is giving us a feeling that we are truly in a global village and the virtual conference is one of the evidences for that. To expose our students to the requirements of future this kind of virtual conference is one step in that direction, he added.
Chief Guest of the programme was Dr. Danny Levin, President, Norac Pharma, Azusa, California, USA. In his address, he said, pandemic situation should not be the barrier in conducting the conferences and we should overcome all obstacles.
Dr. Satheeshchandra S, Principal, said that organizing such conference is helpful for the benefit of students.
The inaugural session was ended by proposing vote of thanks by Dr. Shashiprabha, Organizing Secretary, CRCSA-2020 & Assistant Professor, PG Department of Chemistry. Ms. Nefisath P., Assistant Professor, PG Department of Chemistry was the master of ceremony.
Dr. Danny Levin delivered the keynote address. Dr. Hrishikesh Damle, Founder CEO and Managing Director, Atrimed Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore spoke about ‘Discovery of Plant based Molecules for Covid-19 using Computational Chemistry’. Dr. Nonappa, Adjunct Professor in Soft Matter Microscopy, Department of Applied Physics, Aalto University, Finland delivered a lecture on ‘Self assembly of Colloidal Molecules’. Dr. Chen Zhong, Professor, School of Materials Science & Engineering Nanyang Technological University, Singapore delineated on ‘Scaling up BiVO4 Photo anode for Hydrogen Production through Photochemical Water Splitting: Challenges & Potential Solutions’. Dr. Balachandra Bandodkar, Senior Director of Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaron, Beijing, China, talked about ‘Drug discovery – Search for new medicines’. A total of 65 research abstracts were received for oral/poster presentations. Conference witnessed the registration of 450 participants from Finland, Australia, Saudi Arabia and across the India including Delhi, Rajasthan, Bihar, M.P., Haryana, Telangana, A.P., Kerala, Tamil Nadu, J&K, Punjab, U.P., West Bengal and different regions of Karnataka.
The conference was concluded with a valedictory address from Dr. B. Ganapayya, Dean, PG Studies followed by vote of thanks proposed from Dr. Vishwanatha P., Convener, CRCSA-2020. Best Oral and Best Poster Presentation awards were announced.