International Conference on
Advances in Functional Materials and Applications (AFMA – 2025)
20th – 22nd February, 2025
Venue: BITS Pilani, K K Birla, Goa Campus
About AFMA - 2025
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Goals of the Conference:
The primary aim of this conference is to provide a common platform for eminent national and international scientists as well as young researchers to discuss the current state of the art, generate novel ideas, and trigger collaborations in the seminal areas of research in structural and functional inorganic, organic and materials chemistry. Topics will range from catalysis, energy storage, environmental remediation, sensors, therapeutics to smart materials. The conference aims to provide a common platform for young researchers and eminent scientists alike for the dissemination of the most recent important discoveries and developments in the aforementioned areas and to foster discussions and trigger collaborations between research groups from across India and abroad. -
Themes of the Conference:
The conference will focus on (but is not limited to) the following key topics:- Structural Inorganic, Organic, Organometallic and Materials Chemistry
- Catalysis
- Energy Storage and Conversion
- Environmental Chemistry
- Sensors and Smart Materials
- Therapeutics
- Computational Chemistry and Materials Design
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Structure of the Conference:
The conference will be divided into several sessions; each session will focus on a specific theme. There will be plenary lectures (40 mins), keynote lectures (30 mins), and invited lectures (20 mins) in each session. In addition, poster sessions will give ample opportunities to research scholars for the presentation of their recent results. There will be poster competitions and the selected posters of research scholars will be awarded best poster awards in recognition of their research achievements.
Organizers: Department of Chemistry
The department of chemistry at BITS Pilani K K Birla Goa Campus was established in 2004. The department is well known nationally and internationally for its excellence in both academic and research activities. The department is equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation facilities and research laboratories. The department has, over the years, received several grants from national agencies (such as DST, DBT, CSIR, DRDO, BRNS), and international agencies (e.g., The Royal Academy of Engineering). The faculty members across the departments are also engaged in various national and international collaborations. With 22 highly motivated faculty members, the department is actively involved in academic developments and research in conventional as well as emerging areas of chemistry and allied subjects. For more information, please visit the departmental website here.
About Goa
BITS Pilani K K Birla Goa Campus is nested in the lap of verdant hills overlooking the Zuari River. The location of the campus is unique with regards to the surrounding scenic beauty and the panoramic view of picturesque scenery encompassing the Zuari River, hillocks, waterways, and forests. Goa is situated on the western coast of India and is one of the most beautiful states of India. Formerly a Portuguese colony, Goa is a unique cultural blend of the east and the west. It is endowed with various attractions including white sand beaches on the Arabian sea, lush green country-side, churches, temples, forts and monuments. Being straddled by the North Western Ghats rainforests on one side and the Arabian sea on the other, Goa is one of the rare biodiversity hotspots of the world, with diverse flora and fauna making the state their home. With its tropical climate, Goa is a perfect tourist destination for all seasons. This conference will not only provide participants with a platform for intellectual exchange but also offer attendees a unique opportunity to delve into the captivating beauty of the state. Most of the tourist spots, such as the popular beaches (Calangute, Baga, Colva, Palolem), waterfalls, hill-stations, temples, and churches, are reachable within 1-2 hrs (or less) by cabs or local buses. The organizers will be more than happy to help the participants in case of any query related to sightseeing. Help Booth will be available from the organizers’ side for car rentals. For more details, please visit here.
Distinguished Speakers
Important Dates
- Last date of abstract submission: 15/01/2025
- Notification of Acceptance: 01/02/2025
- Last Date of Registration: 15/01/2025
Registration Fee Details (Including 18% GST)*
(Before 15/01/2025)
|
Participants |
Registration Details |
Fee Includes |
|
Academic Professionals |
INR 25000/- USD 400 (International) |
Registration + Single Occupancy Accommodation* |
|
|
INR 20000/- USD 350 (International) |
Registration + Double Shared Occupancy Accommodation** |
|
|
INR 15000/- USD 300 (International) |
Registration without Accommodation*** |
|
Industry Professionals |
INR 35000/- USD 600 (International) |
Registration + Single Occupancy Accommodation* |
|
|
INR 30000/- USD 550 (International) |
Registration + Double Shared Occupancy Accommodation** |
|
|
INR 25000/- USD 500 (International) |
Registration without Accommodation*** |
|
Graduate Students and Postdocs |
INR 8000/- USD 150 (International) |
Registration without Accommodation*** |
*Participants wishing to come along with an accompanying person and wishing to register with accommodation need to register for a Single Occupancy Accommodation. However, the additional charges for the accompanying person will have to be borne by the participant. In such a case, however, the participants are requested to inform the organizers via e-mail regarding the number of accompanying persons. The organizers will pass this on to the hotel.
**Participants who wish to share a room with another participant can register for a Double Shared Occupancy Accommodation. In such a case, the other participant should also register for a Double Shared Occupancy Accommodation, and both the participants should inform the organizers about their wish to stay together.
***Invited speakers, who register without accommodation, and who wish to avail our transportation facility, are urged to book rooms in the hotel options given here. In this case, participants need to share their itinerary with us by email.
***Graduate students/Postdocs, who wish to avail our transportation facility, are urged to book rooms in the hotel option given here. In this case, participants need to share their itinerary with us by email.
- Additional 20% of the fee above will be levied for late/on-spot registrations
- Participants registering with accommodation should bear in mind that the check-in time is 2 PM on 19/02/2025, and check-out is 11 AM on 22/02/2025. Charges for any additional stay will have to be borne by the participant.
- Organizers of AFMA-2025 hope that everyone who registers for the conference will be able to attend; however, under extenuating circumstances, the cancellation and refund policies are as follows:
1. Conference registrations cancelled by dropping an e-mail request to afma2025@goa.bits-pilani.ac.in on or before 10/02/2025 is entitled to 50% refund of the registration fee. However, such requests will be processed only after the conference ends.
2. Registration cancellation requests after 10/02/2025 will not be considered and the participant will not receive any refund as per the cancellation policy.
Procedure for Payment and Registration
Conference Schedule: To be announced soon...
Organizers
Chief Patron
Vice Chancellor, BITS Pilani K K Birla Goa Campus
Patron
Director, BITS Pilani K K Birla Goa Campus
Conveners
BITS Pilani K K Birla Goa Campus
IISER Trivandrum
Co-conveners
BITS Pilani K K Birla Goa Campus
IIT Patna
Chairpersons
HOD, Chemistry
BITS Pilani K K Birla Goa Campus
Organizing Secretaries
BITS Pilani K K Birla Goa Campus
NIT Kurukshetra
Treasurer
BITS Pilani K K Birla Goa Campus
Members
Prof. Amrita Chatterjee, Dr. Kiran Vankayala, Dr. Woormileela Sinha, Dr. Sandip Kumar Nandi, Dr. Subhasish Roy, Prof Ranjan Dey, Prof Rashmi Chauhan, Prof Halan Prakash, Dr. K P Jayadevan, Prof Anjan Chattopadhyay, Prof R N Behera, Prof Sunil Bhand, Prof. Tincy Lis Thomas, Prof. Subhadeep Banerjee, Prof. R. N. Panda, Prof. Sanjay Kumar
BITS Pilani K K Birla Goa Campus
NIT Durgapur
Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University
Jadavpur University
How to reach the venue
Being a popular tourist destination and a haven for relaxation, Goa offers superb connectivity to major cities throughout the country. Nesting in the lap of verdant hills, overlooking the Zuari River, BITS, Pilani K K Birla Goa Campus is spread over an area of 180 acres. The location of campus is unique in the respect of scenic beauty and panoramic view of picturesque surrounding encompassing Zuari River, hillocks, waterways, forests and landscape.
Note: BITS Pilani K K Birla Goa Campus is on the side of a bypass road to NH17B and regular buses will not go via Campus, so avoid taking a local/ city bus.
Accessing BITS Pilani Goa Campus is facilitated through diverse transportation options, guaranteeing convenience for both attendees and visitors.
Air Travel
Goa boasts two airports, namely Goa International Airport (Dabolim), situated approximately 5 km away and Manohar International Airport (Mopa), which is roughly at a distance of 55 km from BITS Pilani K K Birla Goa campus, the venue for the symposium. Goa International Airport, being the closest, is extensively connected to major cities across India, providing a time-efficient air travel option. One can find regular flights to this tropical paradise from cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, and Chennai. The fastest way to reach Goa is often by taking a flight from Mumbai or Bengaluru, with the journey typically lasting around an hour. Air India is recognized as the national carrier. However, travelers can choose among various airlines, including SpiceJet, IndiGo, Air Asia, Akasa Air and Vistara. Upon arrival, pre-paid taxis are readily available to reach the Campus.
Pre-paid Taxi service at the Airports
Pre-paid Taxi counters are available at the airport arrival area.
Goa International Airport (Dabolim) to BITS Pilani K K Birla Goa Campus: ~Rs. 500/- ($6)
Manohar International Airport (Mopa) to BITS Pilani K K Birla Goa Campus: ~Rs. 4,000/- ($50)
One can also avail the ‘Goa Miles’ cab service via the Government certified transportation portal: https://www.goamiles.com.
Note: The rates may vary accordingly and can be higher if not pre-paid. The above rates and information are representative and approximate. Organizers are not responsible for any deviation in prices and information mentioned above.
Rail Travel
Those inclined towards rail travel can commute by train and arrive at Karmali Railway Station, located about 20 km, Madgaon railway station, which is 22 km away or Vasco railway station which is 10 km from BITS Pilani K K Birla Goa Campus. These railway stations have established connections to major cities in the region.
Karmali Railway Station to BITS Pilani K K Birla Goa Campus: ~Rs. 2,000/- ($25)
Madgaon Railway Station to BITS Pilani K K Birla Goa Campus: ~Rs. 2,500/- ($30)
Note: The above rates and information are representative and approximate. Organizers are not responsible for any deviation in prices and information mentioned above.
Road Travel
The campus is easily reachable by road, with well-maintained highways and road networks linking it to neighboring towns and cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune, Hyderabad etc.
Accommodation Details: To be updated soon...
For more Information
Contact:
Dr. Saurav Bhattacharya
Department of Chemistry
Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani
K K Birla Goa Campus
NH - 17B, Zuarinagar
Goa - 403726, India
Email id: afma2025@goa.bits-pilani.ac.in
