Date:20/08/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/08/20/stories/2006082020360300.htm

Kerala - Kochi

Nanotechnology research centre at Cusat planned

Staff Reporter

With support from Union HRD Ministry

KOCHI: The Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) is considering a proposal to set up a centre of excellence in nanotechnology. Cusat authorities have initiated discussions with international experts in this regard.

The proposal came up during the international symposium on "Frontiers in nanoscale science, technology and education" held here recently. Well-known nanotechnologist Pulickel M. Ajayan has extended full support to the authorities for setting up the research centre, which will be the first of its kind in the State. Scientists from foreign countries are likely to offer advice and technical expertise for setting up the centre.

Confirming the proposal, Cusat Vice-Chancellor P.K. Abdul Azis told The Hindu that the centre would be set up as part of upgradation plans being implemented on the campus with support from the Ministry of Human Resource and Development. The Ministry has sanctioned Rs.10 crore for upgrading the university to the level of an IIT.

Experts' meet

Dr. Azis said a meeting of experts in nanotechnology would be held here on Monday. Scientists and experts from the Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory and the Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences would attend the meeting.

He said the Department of Physics initiated research work on nanotechnology. Cusat proposed to set up state-of-the-art facilities for conducting research on the subject. The university would also offer academic programmes in nanotechnology.

Nanotechnology, according to experts, is the art of miniaturisation. It deals with matter at the nanoscale - a nanometre is one-billionth part of a metre. By manipulating atoms at the nanoscale, scientists can create smaller, lighter and stronger materials with required properties. These materials could produce myriad things, including electronic goods.