Date: April 2, 2026

Time: 03:30 PM

Venue: Lecture Hall 1003, Block 7, IISER Berhampur

Flyer Link:  Click here to view

Talk Title :

“Science, Technology and Innovation in the New Millennium: A Brave New World”

Abstract :

The talk will indicate some major oncoming challenges, opportunities and directions in scientific research such as: Sustainable Development, Convergence of technologies, Rise of Intelligent Machines & Industry 4.0/Society 5.0, Managing Data and information and knowledge: Science Communication and Popularization; Connecting Science to Innovation and Society; and Nurturing Diversity. To meet these and other challenges, some concepts such as these are useful: Invention vs innovation; knowledge pyramid and circle; Tool centric vs Problem centric science; Connecting to Startups, Industry; Research with relevance and direction; Incremental vs profound research; Reward and recognition structures in academia, R&D; Balance of Juggad, Dhandha, Panga; and Scientific Social Responsibility. The idea is to encourage awareness and debate on some of the issues that concern the principles, processes and practice of science in the future which is rushing at us at ever faster (even exponential) rate!

Speaker :

Prof. Ashutosh Sharma - Prof. Ashutosh Sharma is an eminent chemical engineer and one of India’s most distinguished scientific leaders, internationally recognized for his pioneering contributions to micro- and nanoscale phenomena, thin films, interfaces, and advanced manufacturing. His work has significantly contributed in areas ranging from nanomaterials to energy systems.

Prof. Sharma was awarded the Infosys Prize in Engineering and Computer Science (2010) for his groundbreaking work in nanoscience and engineering.

Earlier, he received the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize in Engineering Sciences (2002), recognizing his seminal contributions to interfacial phenomena and nanoscale systems. His global scientific impact was further acknowledged through the Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Award (2006) by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and the TWAS Prize in Engineering Sciences (2008).

He is an elected Fellow of all major Indian science and engineering academies-FNA, FNAE, FASc,FNASc - as well as TWAS (The World Academy of Sciences). His recognition as a Distinguished Alumnus of IIT Kanpur (2007) further underscores his longstanding association with excellence in education and research. His sustained scientific excellence is further reflected in honors such as the J. C. Bose National Fellowship (since 2006) and the Herdillia Award (2003) for excellence in basic research.

Invitation :

Event Photos :

Highlights from the Institute Colloquium by Prof. Ashutosh Sharma. Director Felicitation Prof. Ashok Kumar Ganguli, The Director, IISER Berhampur warmly felicitated Prof. Ashutosh Sharma in recognition of his distinguished contributions to science and engineering. Group Photo A group photograph was taken following the colloquium, capturing faculty members, and the staffs participants along with the esteemed speaker.