Share your story and shine at JK Monitor!🌟 Welcome to JK Monitor, where every story matters and every achievement is celebrated! We invite you to share the remarkable journey of your life and showcase your accomplishments to the world. Join our exclusive interviews that honor exceptional individuals just like you. AWANTIPORA: The Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Kashmir, inaugurated a two-day National Workshop on ‘Semiconductors, Quantum Materials, and Deep Technology’ today at its campus. Organised by the Centre of Excellence for Semiconductors and Quantum Materials (CoESQM), the workshop brings together experts, researchers, faculty members and students to deliberate on emerging developments in semiconductor technologies, quantum materials and advanced manufacturing.
The inaugural session was presided over by Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, Vice-Chancellor, IUST, and attended by distinguished academicians and experts, including Prof. Pragati Kumar, Vice-Chancellor, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU); Shri Asim Khan, Director, Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), Srinagar; and Prof. H. S. Jatana, former Scientist-G and Group Head, Design and Process Group, Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL), Mohali, who attended as Guests of Honour.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Romshoo reaffirmed IUST’s commitment to advancing research and innovation in areas of strategic importance for the nation. He highlighted the university’s consistent efforts towards strengthening research and academic initiatives in emerging fields that can contribute to technological advancement, sustainability and national development. He emphasised that focused research, interdisciplinary collaboration and the development of specialised human resources are essential to addressing future challenges and building a more sustainable and technologically self-reliant nation.
Welcoming the guests and participants, Dr. Romana Yousuf, Coordinator, CoESQM, IUST, highlighted the significance of creating an academic platform for advancing research and collaboration in strategically important areas of science and technology. She emphasised the need to strengthen interdisciplinary engagement and connect scientific research with emerging technological applications.
Prof. Sheikh Ajaz Bashir, Dean Academic Affairs, IUST, underscored the importance of aligning academic programmes and research priorities with the rapidly evolving technological landscape. He highlighted the role of universities in preparing future-ready graduates and researchers through advanced scientific learning, interdisciplinary research and meaningful engagement with emerging technologies.
Prof. Pragati Kumar, Vice-Chancellor, SMVDU, highlighted the growing significance of advanced materials and emerging technologies in shaping the future of scientific research and technological innovation. He stressed the importance of academic collaboration and capacity building in these strategically important fields.
Sharing his experience in semiconductor research and manufacturing, Prof. H. S. Jatana, former Scientist-G and Group Head, Design and Process Group, SCL Mohali, highlighted the challenges and opportunities associated with semiconductor manufacturing in India. He emphasised the importance of developing specialised expertise, strengthening indigenous capabilities and nurturing a skilled workforce to support the country's semiconductor ambitions.
Shri Asim Khan, Director, STPI Srinagar, highlighted the importance of strengthening the technology ecosystem and fostering closer linkages between academic institutions, industry and technology-driven enterprises. He emphasised the role of collaborative efforts in translating research and innovation into practical technological applications. Dr. Farooq Hussain, Dean, School of Sciences, IUST, delivered the vote of thanks.
The inaugural session was followed by three technical sessions covering key developments in semiconductor materials and fabrication, quantum materials, and semiconductor technologies, devices and manufacturing. The first session featured Prof. H. S. Jatana speaking on semiconductor manufacturing challenges and opportunities for India, while Prof. Monica Katiyar of IIT Kanpur delivered a lecture on OLED display technology and its journey from invention to commercialisation.
The second session explored quantum materials and their applications in quantum technologies through an online lecture by Prof. Rajendra Singh of IIT Delhi, followed by Dr. Vinayak B. Kamble of IISER Thiruvananthapuram, who discussed the role of lattice symmetry and anharmonicity in controlling thermoelectric transport. The third session focused on semiconductor technologies, devices and manufacturing, featuring an online lecture by Prof. Ravi Kumar of NIT Hamirpur on the role of artificial intelligence in transforming semiconductor chip design, and a lecture by Dr. Ambika Prasad Shah of IIT Jammu on ion-irradiation-induced modifications in the electronic and magnetic properties of RVO₃ thin films.
