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1st - 5th September 2025 – POLY-CHAR 2025 Conference on the theme: Polymeric Materials meet Nanobiotechnology
1st - 5th September 2025 – POLY-CHAR 2025 Conference on the theme: Polymeric Materials meet Nanobiotechnology
Rooted in polymer synthesis, characterization, processing, application, recycling, and education, POLY-CHAR fosters a collaborative environment for polymer scientists worldwide. 2025 brought a new opportunity to meet and share our science together in Mauritius, the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean. POLY-CHAR 2025 Mauritius brought this prestigious event back to Africa for the first time since 2014, but also unite continents through its cultural richness and diversity. This event mared a significant milestone, highlighting nearly two decades of polymer research advancements in Mauritius. Co-organized by the Center for Biomedical and Biomaterials Research (CBBR), University of Mauritius, and Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform (WADDP), University of Witwatersrand, South Africa this edition explored the theme “Polymeric materials meet nanobiotechnology.”
Organizing Committee
Conference co-chairs: Prof. Archana Bhaw-Luximon (CBBR, Mauritius) and Prof. Yahya Choonara (WADDP, South Africa)
Conference secretaries: Lakshmi Sujeeun (CBBR), Laetitia Huët (CBBR), Assoc. Prof. Prakash Caumul (Department of Chemistry, UoM),
Scientific program coordinators: Dr. Yash Boyjoo (Chemical Engineer, CBBR), Dr. Raviduth Ramful (Senior Lecturer, Head Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, UoM), Dr. Thashree Marimuthu (Assoc. Prof., WADDP)
Pre-conference training workshop and student/young scientists presentation coordinators: Dr. Poornima Ramburrun (Associate Professor, WADDP) and Devesh Bekah (CBBR)
Logistics coordinators: Mr Heerun Goolap (Chief of Facilities & Services, UoM) and Mrs Ambareen Kholeegan-Jhingut (Executive Assistant, CBBR)
Registration and Finance: Finance Director Office (UoM), Mrs Nafeezah Ruhomally
Website: Lakshmi Sujeeun and Laetitia Huët
100 Participants from all continents
Highlights
Day 1 – Pre-conference short course
Attended by POLYCHAR delegates and 50 UoM Science and Engineering students. The students were supported by funding raised through CBBR.
The day featured a series of inspiring lectures:
1. Prof. Alejandro J Müller, POLYMAT and University of the Basque Country, UPV/EHU, Spain – Structure, morphology and crystallization of polymers
2. Prof. Masaru Matsuo, Nara Women’s University, Japan – Evaluating crystallite orientation and amorphous chain orientation
3. Dr. Poornima Ramburrun, Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform (WADDP), South Africa – Polymer characterization in pharmaceutical and biomedical applications
4. Prof. Holger Schönherr, University of Siegen, Germany – Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) of polymers
5. Prof. Volker Abetz, University of Hamburg, Germany – Vitrimers
Day 2 – Opening Ceremony
Day 2 of POLY-CHAR 2025 began with the official opening ceremony at the University of Mauritius, bringing together delegates, participants, students and distinguished guests in a vibrant celebration of science, collaboration, and innovation.
We were privileged to welcome several high-profile personalities, including:
Dr The Hon KAVIRAJ SHARMA SUKON, Minister of Tertiary Education, Science and Research
🇺🇸 His Excellency Mr. Henry Jardine, Ambassador of the United States of America to Mauritius,
Her Excellency Hlamalani Nelly Manzini, High Commissioner of the Republic of South Africa to Mauritius
and Ms. Tanaka Yuki, Chargée d’Affaires, Embassy of Japan to Mauritius.
Highlights of the ceremony included:
🏆 Presentation of the Viness Pillay Award to Prof. Martin Thuo (North Carolina State University, USA), recognizing his outstanding contributions to applied polymer science and technology.
The scientific program then opened with two excellent talks:
Prof. Martin Thuo – Plenary Lecture on Polymer-based diagnostics, solid lubricants, and quantum materials.
Prof. Yaopeng Zhang (Donghua University, China) – Keynote Talk on Silk Fibroin-Based Flexible Neural Interfaces.
The presence of government, diplomatic, academic, and industry leaders alongside our international delegates made this a truly memorable start to the conference.
Prof Yahya Choonara, Dr The Hon KAVIRAJ SHARMA SUKON, Her Excellency Hlamalani Nelly Manzini, Prof Martin Thuo, His Excellency Ambassador Henry V Jardine and Prof Archana Bhaw-Luximon
Prof Sanjeev Sobhee, Prof Holger Schonherr and Dr The Hon KAVIRAJ SHARMA SUKON
Day 3 – Prof Robert Langer
The sessions showcased cutting-edge advances in polymer chemistry, sustainable materials, nanotechnology, and biomedical applications, reflecting the truly global nature of the POLY-CHAR community.
The day concluded with a Poster Session and Networking Tea, where young researchers and students had the chance to present their work and engage with delegates in an open, collaborative atmosphere.
We were privileged to have Prof Langer delivering a keynote on all his discoveries in nano drug delivery and vaccine technologies.
Students of UoM Dance and Music club gave a memorable performance at the Gala Dinner, Hennessy Park Hotel.
Prof Natalie Stingelin, Georgia Institute of Technoloy, USA receiving the Jean Marie Lehn from Ambassador Henry Jardine
Day 5 – Last Day and Award to best researchers
Ms Lakshmi Sujeeun from CBBR won best oral presentation for her PhD. Award given to her by Prof Volker Abetz, University of Hamburg, Germany, President of Award Committee and Mr Kendall Tang, CEO RT Knits Ltd.
Ms Pallavi Aujayeb and Ms Ophelie Chritianie both from CBBR, won best posters.
Sponsors
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