The Department of Chemical Engineering, IIT Dharwad, Karnataka, India hosted a two-day National Symposium on “Smart Interfaces: Colloids in Medicine, Energy, and Materials” sponsored by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) in offline mode from October 9-10, 2025. The symposium served as a vibrant platform for researchers, scientists, engineers, and academicians to share cutting-edge developments and exchange transformative ideas in the field of colloid and interface science, with a strong focus on their applications in medicine, sustainable energy, and advanced materials. The shared knowledge is aimed to contribute to our economic prosperity and elevate the quality of life for all members of society.

The two-day program took place in the Central Learning theatre (F 500+) auditorium of IIT Dharwad. The program was inaugurated by the Chief Guest Dr. Sridevi Khambampathy, CEO, Shilpa Biologicals, Dharwad, Karnataka and delivered an inspiring address highlighting the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration in driving innovation across biomedical engineering, pharmaceuticals, energy systems, and advanced materials. She emphasized the importance of translating research from the laboratory to real-world applications, and the need for strategic partnerships among academia, industry, and government to accelerate impactful technological advancements.

The event was patroned by Prof. VenkappayyA R dEsAi, honorable Director, IIT Dharwad. He emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation-driven research that addresses real-world challenges and highlighted that the symposium serve as a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and inspiring young researchers to pursue impactful science. The event was graced by the presence of Deans, faculty colleagues, students, and research scholars of IIT Dharwad, and participants from other Institutes across India.

The Convener Prof. C. Ravikumar of the symposium from the Chemical Engineering Department delivered the introductory address. He outlined the symposium’s purpose and objectives, introduced the speakers and session chairs, and provided details about the sponsors and the event's schedule. Prof. Suvamay Jana (Head of the Chemical Engineering Dept.) briefly presented their respective Departments. The Co-Convener Prof. Ashok Kumar Ummireddi extended gratitude through a vote of thanks.

A total of 13 invited lectures were delivered by distinguished Professors and Scientists at the symposium, including Prof. Guruswamy Kumaraswamy (IIT Bombay), Prof. Rabibrata Mukherjee (IIT Kharagpur), Prof. Madivala G. Basavaraj (IIT Madras), Prof. Ethayaraja Mani (IIT Madras), Dr.Vishal Dhavale (CSIR-CECRI Madras Unit), Prof. Nirmalya Bachhar (IISc Bangalore), Prof. Sri Sivakumar (IIT Kanpur), Prof. Swati Sudhakar (IIT Madras), Prof. Rochish M. Thaokar (IIT Bombay), Prof. Pramod P. Pillai (IISER Pune), Prof. Santosh Kumar Meena (IIT Ropar), Prof. Kailas L. Wasewar (VNIT Nagpur), Prof. Siddhartha Panda (IIT Kanpur).

A total of 105 participants from various institutions like K.S.R College of Engineering, Tamil Nadu; Rani Channamma University, Belagavi, Karnataka; Mahesh Institute of Engineering and Technology, Ashti, Beed District, Maharashtra; A.G.M. Rural College of Engineering and Technology, Varur, Karnataka; Soniya Education Trust’s College of Pharmacy, Dharwad, Karnataka; Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT), Nagpur, Maharashtra; Siddaganga Institute of Technology, Tumkur, Karnataka; Karnataka University, Dharwad, Karnataka; DIMHANS, Dharwad, Karnataka; Shri Gavisiddeshwar Arts, Science and Commerce College, Koppal, Karnataka; Soniya Education Trust College, Dharwad, Karnataka; S.E.T’s College of Pharmacy, Dharwad, Karnataka; KLE Technological University, Dr. M.S. Sheshgiri Campus, Belagavi, Karnataka; KLE Technological University, Belagavi Campus, Karnataka; SKE Society’s Govindram Seksaria Science College (Autonomous), Belagavi, Karnataka; PSG College of Technology & PSG Institute of Advanced Studies, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu; Smt. A.S.M. College for Women, Ballari, Karnataka; Bapuji Institute of Engineering and Technology, Davangere, Karnataka; KLE Dr. M.S. Sheshgiri Campus, Belagavi, Karnataka; KLE Engineering College, Belagavi, Karnataka; Government Degree College, Yadgir, Karnataka; Karnatak Science College, Dharwad, Karnataka have participated in the symposium.

All the participants and invited speakers received a registration kit, which comprised a bag, a symposim proceedings, a writing pad and pen, and an Institute newsletter. Additionally, all attendees, including both participants and delegates were catered to with breakfast, lunch and refreshments throughout the entire two-day duration of the event.

The poster presentations for all the participants were held in the auditorium hall of the institute. A total of 35 presentations were made, and 3 best poster awards were given. Mrs.Charushila V. Balikai from SKES’s GSS College Belagavi secured first best poster award, Dr. Vidya Raj from PSG College of Technology Coimbatore, PSG Institute of Advanced Studies, Coimbatore and Ms. Keerthana Devi P from Siddaganaga Institute of Technology secured second best poster award, and Ms. Akshata from Karnatak University Dharwad and Mr. Guruprasad Bonageri from Rani Channamma University secured third best poster award respectively. 

The event was sponsored by various organizations, including ANRF (New Delhi); PSM Scientifics (Hubli); Aimil-Malvern Panalytical (New Delhi); Inkarp (Bengaluru); Metrohm (Bengaluru); JK Scientific Solutions (Dharwad); Toshniwal Brothers (Bengaluru); Labmate (Bengaluru); IKA (Bengaluru); LabIndia Equipments (Bengaluru).

Further, the successful execution and seamless conduct of the symposium were made possible with the valuable assistance of Ph.D. scholars from the Department of Chemical Engineering, namely Mahima Ganguly, Manohar Jammula, Shanly Shajan, Laxmi Priya Swain, Nidigonda Kiranmai, Priyambika Mohanty, Santhosh Kumar P, Vidhi; and non-teaching Staff members Anitha Verma, Bharath G. Relekar, Rahul Somvanshi, Varun Meda. Their contributions were instrumental in ensuring the symposium’s success.

The valedictory function took place in the presence of the Chief Guests Prof. Dileep A.D., Dean (Administration) of IIT Dharwad. During this ceremony, all the participants were rewarded with a participation certificate. Prof. C. Ravikumar delivered the vote of thanks.