5th International Conference on Kathmandu Symposia on Advanced Materials (KaSAM), Oct. 22-24, Kathmandu, Nepal concludes.
The fifth series of the ‘Kathmandu Symposia on Advanced Materials (KaSAM)’ successfully concluded on October 22-24 at Park Village Resort, Budhanilkantha, Kathmandu. The mega event was jointly organized by the Nepal Polymer Institute (NPI), Tribhuvan University, the College of Biomedical Engineering and Applied Sciences, Institute of Engineering, Pashchimanchal Campus, Pokhara, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University, India, and Institute für Polymerwerkostoffe (IPW), Germany. The goal of this conference was to establish and strengthen scientific collaboration between material scientists from south Asian countries and those across the globe.
The conference featured in-depth discussions on new and smart materials, green and sustainable technologies, circular economy, nano/bio-based materials, tissue engineering, and computational techniques. Professor Dr. Rameshwar Adhikari, President, Nepal Polymer Institute and the Chair of KaSAM-2024 stated that the conference focused on the presentation of the latest research and studies conducted in Nepal on the above stated thematic area for their dissemination to the global scientific forum.
The conference was jointly inaugurated by Professor Dr. Keshar Jung Baral, Vice-Chancellor, Tribhuvan University, and Professor Dr. Poonam Tandon, Vice-Chancellor of Deen Dayal Upadhaya Gorakhpur University. In the event, there was a participation of professors, scientists, researchers, young scientists, and students from different countries throughout the world including Nepal, India, France, Germany, South Africa, Japan, the USA, China, and Norway, as stated by Dr. Rajesh Pandit, former President of the Nepal Polymer Institute.
A one-day short course entitled ‘Recent Advances in Applications of Smart and Functional Materials’ and a special symposium named ‘Nepal-India Symposium on Materials Science’ were also organized. On the final day of the conference (October 24, 2024), a panel discussion on ‘Empowering Young Scientists for Interdisciplinary Research Applied to Society’ was held with the participation of young researchers, young entrepreneurs, professors with long-term teaching experience abroad, and professors with the experiences of policies and regulations of University. The panel discussion targeted on mutual scientific cooperation, the necessity of interdisciplinary research and its promotion, and the steps needed to connect research findings with the society.
Dr. Kedar Nath Dhakal, the Conference Symposia Convener mentioned that the scientific conference comprised the participation of 208 esteemed scientists, researchers, young scientists, and curious participants from the entire world including the enthusiastic participation of Nepalese students and young scientists. A total of 151 papers were presented during the event, and the outstanding posters were honoured with the ‘Best Poster Award’.
During the conference, 3 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between the universities and other institutions. They included 1 MoU between Tribhuvan University, Nepal and Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University, India and other two MoUs between Nepal Polymer Institute and Priyadarshini J.L. College of Engineering, India, and Nepal Polymer Institute and Hochschule Merseburg, Germany to foster mutual collaboration.
The conference was supported by the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), Plast Nepal Foundation, Nabil Bank, Uniglobe College, National Innovation Center, Humboldt Club Nepal, Nepal Science Foundation Trust, Angels Heart Secondary School, and Himalayan White House College.
Dr. Shankar Khatiwada, the Convener of the Symposia highlighted that the conference has played a crucial role in promoting scientific education and research activities in the field of materials science particularly in nano/bio technologies in Nepal. It has also been significant in building up the scientific collaboration between Nepalese scientists and their international counterparts. In addition, during the closing ceremony vice president of organising Institute and Convener of Symposia Dr. Hari Sharan Adhikari announced that the 6th Kathmandu Symposia on Advanced Materials (KaSAM) will be held in Pokhara in 2026.
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