Need research in chemical engineering

BANGALORE:“Chemical Engineering is vital in solving some of the challenging problems faced by mankind in the sectors of energy, food, healthcare and environment,” said eminent scientist Prof C N R Rao.Speaking at the inauguration of CHEMCON - 2011, the 64th annual Indian Chemical Engineering Congress here on Tuesday, he said; “In India not much research is being done in energy area. We have to focus on hydrogen as a source of energy and its production by non-electrochemical routes by using photocatalysis based on manganese oxides,” he said, complimenting the Indian Institute Of Chemical Engineers for organising CHEMCON, providing a viable platform for discussion on such research opportunities.Prof Rao opined that Chemical Engineering had very strong connections with chemistry and has made valuable contributions to science and engineering. “2011 is the International Year of Chemistry. It was exactly 100 years ago when the atomic structure was proved,” he said, calling for more research in the energy area.The main theme of the conference is ‘Chemical Engineering in Synergistic Growth’.The three-day conference seeks to bring together stakeholders of Chemical Engineering professionals, students, teachers, researchers and industry practitioners to discuss current trends and future developments in the field of Chemical Engineering. It will present the myriad opportunities that await Chemical Engineers in our country in the years to come.Three Memorial lectures - Dr H L Roy Memorial Lecture (founder president), Prof N R Kamath Memorial Lecture (distinguished professor of UICT & IIT, Mumbai) and C K Murthy memorial lecture (an accomplished Chemical Engineer, who passed away prematurely) were the highlights of CHEMCON - 2011.