CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology (CSIR-IMTECH), Chandigarh, organised the 50th National Seminar on Crystallography in joint association with the Indian Crystallographic Association (ICA) from 22 to 24 November 2023. The seminar shall help and serve as a platform for crystallographers from across the country to present and learn about the latest cutting-edge research findings, methodologies, and best practices in crystallography. About 300 participants from different academic research institutes as well as from the industry across the length and breadth of the country, participated in the conference. The field of crystallography takes into its fold the disciplines like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Crystal Growth, Crystal Engineering, Pharmaceuticals, & Biotechnology, which aids in drug discovery and engineering novel materials.
The Chief Guest, Dr Shekhar C Mande, former DG, CSIR, & Distinguished Professor, Savitribai Phule Pune University, inaugurated the three-day-long 50th National Seminar on Crystallography. He delivered a keynote lecture on “Crystal Structure of NrdI: NrdF complex of the Ribonucleotide reductase Class Ib enzymes” and highlighted that India has a rich tradition of crystallographers since the pre-Independence era.
Dr Sanjeev Khosla, Director, IMTECH while welcoming the participants, gave a brief background of CSIR-IMTECH and said, “The major objective of the seminar is to highlight that crystallography is an indispensable tool in the fields as diverse as materials science and biology.” The students and young researchers would get a chance to interact with the experienced team, which would help them shape their interests in crystallography.
Dr S Karthikeyan, Chief Scientist & convener of the seminar, informed that IMTECH and ICA are celebrating the golden jubilee of the National Seminar on Crystallography. This annual conference provides young and senior researchers an opportunity to share knowledge vital for advancing research in areas like materials science, drug discovery, and structural biology. There are more than 100 invited talks by scientists, professors & young researchers of reputed institutes and a similar number for poster presentations.
