Event Overview: The 2nd International Conference on Advanced Functional Materials and Devices (AFMD 2026) was held in Chennai, organized by the Nanotechnology Research Centre, SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST). The award ceremony recognized leading scientists for contributions to advanced materials research.
Participation: The conference attracted over 1,000 participants, including more than 160 delegates from 33 countries, underscoring its international significance.
Award Recipients:
Outstanding Researcher Award (India): Prof. S. Balakumar (University of Madras) – bio‑materials.
Lifetime Achievement Award (India): Prof. Ramaswamy Murugavel (IIT Mumbai).
Lifetime Achievement Award (Science, India): Prof. Srinivasan Natarajan (IISc Bengaluru).
Outstanding Women Scientist Award: Prof. Judy Z. Wu (University of Kansas, USA).
Rising Star of Indian Science Award: Prof. Kanishka Biswas (JNCASR Bengaluru) – functional materials and energy research.
Outstanding Researcher Award (International): Prof. Naoki Wakiya (Shizuoka University, Japan) – ceramic materials.
Lifetime Achievement Award (International): Prof. Yoshimasa Kawata (Shizuoka University, Japan).
Key Addresses:
Chief Guest: Dr. R. Balamuralikrishnan, Director, Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL), DRDO, highlighted the need for interdisciplinary solutions and noted that less than 5 % of research reaches product development.
Guest of Honour: Mr. Krishnan Sadagopan, Senior Vice President – R&D, Ashok Leyland, stressed industry‑academia synergy, patent ecosystem strengthening, and scalable solutions.
Special Address: Prof. C. Muthamizhchelvan, Vice‑Chancellor, SRMIST, reiterated the university’s commitment to a robust research ecosystem and highlighted the role of communication technologies in fostering global collaboration.
Plenary Lecture: Prof. Kanishka Biswas presented on next‑generation thermoelectric materials and sustainable energy solutions.
Conference Schedule: The event runs from March 19 to 24, 2026, featuring plenary sessions, parallel technical tracks, oral presentations, and industry interactions.
Institutional Profile: SRMIST is a multi‑disciplinary university with A++ NAAC accreditation, Category I status, 12B UGC recognition, ranked 11th nationally in the 2025 NIRF rankings, and holds a global ‘4 Star’ QS rating.
