Mangaluru: There is a need to harness more innovation in the field of nano technology for brighter prospects in the field of science and technology, said Chancellor of Dr MGR Educational and Research Institute Padma Shri Dr RM Vasagam.

Addressing the international conference on `Smart Materials and Technologies for Emerging Electronics at Sahyadri College of Engineering and Management, Adyar on Friday, February 19, Dr Vasagam said that Nano technology is at a nascent stage and India has a great chance to contribute to this field and become a pioneer.

He pointed out that Nano technology is the key for the present and future innovation. Students interested in research should focus on technology such as smart materials, he said adding that if the country manages to do this, India will be highly productive in this field in the next 50 years.

Further speaking, Dr Vasagam said that there is a huge gap between compiling of the academic world, industry requirements and the commercial success and hence he called on the researchers to bridge this gap and advised budding researchers and science teachers learning and application of the concepts of science to be more about the passion rather than just a profession.

Professor from the Germany based Max Planck Institute Gottfried Dohler, who is on his first visit to India, hailed the country for its drastic change in economic development. He said that he is pleased to see India utilizing opportunities in the field of science and technology towards development.

Vice-Chancellor of Mangaluru University Prof K Byrappa opined that instead of being contended at achieving a result due to research, emphasis should be laid on more research to find better results. He pointed out that Nano technology has great scope in the future and hence its fundamentals must be explored to a greater extent to make best use of it.

Chairman of Bhandary Foundation Manjunath Bhandary said that the concept of Nano technology finds mention in the vedas and the puranas and it has evolved over the years. He called on the students participating in the seminar to focus on the use of technology and contribute tremendously to various fields.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Sahyadri College and Dr MGR Educational and Research Institute, Chennai.

The souvenir of the conference was released by Dr Vasagam at the programme. The two-day conference is expected to witness participation of 150 delegates. As many as 18 papers on the topic will be presented.

Chairperson of the conference Professor Dr Richard Pinto and Principal of Sahyadri College Dr UM Bhushi were present among others.