Sacred Heart College in Kochi Hosts Major International Chemistry Conference
The Department of Chemistry at Sacred Heart (SH) College (Autonomous), located in Thevara, Kochi, is set to host a significant academic event this Friday. The institution will simultaneously conduct the 24th Prof K V Thomas Endowment Seminar and the 5th International Conference on New Trends in Applied Chemistry (NTAC 2026). This two-day conference represents a pivotal moment in the college's ongoing Women Year celebrations, as it commemorates a landmark achievement: 50 years since women were first admitted to the institution.
Inauguration by CSIR's First Woman Director General
The seminar will be officially inaugurated by N Kalaiselvi, the Director General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). Her participation is particularly noteworthy as she holds the distinction of being the first woman to lead this apex research body in India. Her presence underscores the conference's theme of celebrating women's contributions to science and academia.
Global and Indian Scientific Luminaries to Speak
The event will feature keynote addresses from several eminent global scientists, highlighting its international scope. Notable speakers include:
- Tatjana N Parac-Vogt from KU Leuven
- Prof Lily Zhang from Nanyang Technological University
In addition to these international experts, the conference will showcase presentations from several leading Indian researchers, who will share their latest findings and innovations in the field of applied chemistry.
Conference Format and Awards
The NTAC 2026 conference is designed to foster academic exchange through a variety of sessions. Attendees can expect:
- Oral presentations detailing recent advances in applied chemistry
- Poster sessions for visual and interactive research displays
Adding to the prestige of the event, presentation awards will be distributed on Saturday. These awards are generously sponsored by two renowned scientific organizations: the American Chemical Society and the Royal Society of Chemistry. The awards ceremony will be presided over by Priyanka G, the District Collector of Kochi, who will honor outstanding contributions from participants.
This conference not only serves as a platform for cutting-edge scientific discussion but also stands as a testament to SH College's commitment to gender inclusivity and academic excellence, marking half a century of women's education at the institution.
