Catalysis Research is vital for the Growth of Country

Two and half day national workshop on the Challenges in Catalysis Science and Technology was inaugurated by Dr T S R Prasada Rao, former director of Indian Institute of Petroleum at the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad. This workshop is jointly organized by the Catalysis Society of India along with CSIR-IICT. The response for this workshop was overwhelming with the attendance of more than 250 scientists and researchers from Government institutions and private R&D laboratories in India.

Dr Rao emphasized the theme of workshop to address the present day scientific challenges and technological demands of the chemical industry in the country. In the opening remarks, Dr R V Jasra, senior vice president, Reliance Industries Limited, Vadodara, apprised the need of innovative catalysts for sustainable and ecofriendly production of diverse chemicals used today.

Around 90% of chemical transformations in the industry use catalysts and the total value of global chemicals production depending on catalysts is estimated to be around 2 trillion US dollars. Dr B Mahipal Reddy, Convener of the workshop and Head of Inorganic and Physical Chemistry, IICT explained the genesis of catalysis workshop at IICT and welcomed the participants.

This division is actively engaged in catalysis research over the years with more than 100 PhD students and well trained 25 senior scientists. All state-of-the art research facilities are available within the department to carry out any challenging research on catalyst development.

Some of technologies developed in the department are in commercial practice in India. Dr U S N Mutry, senior most Chief Scientist, welcomed the gathering to the workshop and highlighted the role of catalysis research in day to day life. Co-conveners of the workshop, Dr N Lingaiah, principal scientist, highlighted about the participation of a good number of industry experts and Dr K Rajender Reddy, Principal Scientist proposed a vote of thanks. Participation of high profile industries like SABIC, HPCL, Hindustan Platinum, Reliance Industries, Sud-Chemie and other gave an excellent opportunity to the young researchers to interact with them.