A new interest in nuke science

Stating that the symposium on nuclear and radiochemistry, NUCAR 2009, has suggested the need for newer, analytical and novel methods for many research programmes, V Venugopal, director of Radiochemistry and Isotope Group at Babha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), said that participation by many young researchers has been very encouraging.

“This indicates that a lot of people are taking to nuclear science. This is a very encouraging sign as the country requires young researchers,” said Venugopal, who is also chairman of the symposium.

The symposium was organised by the Board of Research in Nuclear Sciences, Department of Atomic Energy, in collaboration with Mithibai College.

“It has given our students an opportunity to interact with some of the best scientists from India and abroad. This event will encourage students and teachers to take up research,” said Mithibai College principal Kiran Mangaonkar.

A White paper outlining a future roadmap with respect to the disciplines of radio and nuclear chemistry is in the offing.

“Activities like the symposium have assumed more importance after the signing of the nuclear treaty between India and US. A spin-off of such collaborative activities implies that here onwards India will concentrate a lot on nuclear energy and for this we will require lot of expertise. Again, we need to tap young potential to take on research as India aspires to be a superpower,” said Mumbai University vice chancellor Vijay Khole.

The Indian Association of Nuclear Chemists and Allied Scientists (IANCAS) awarded 15 budding research scholars at the valedictory ceremony based on their research quality. “The large number of papers by students speak of the optimistic future of radiochemistry,” observed Sue Clark, head of chemistry department, Washington State University.