Global Conference on Science and Technology Concludes in India

The International Conference on Frontier Areas of Science and Technology (ICFAST 2025) concluded at the National Institute of Technology Calicut (NITC) on March 9, 2025. This two-day event fostered significant academic collaboration between India and Japan, culminating in a series of discussions that highlighted emerging scientific trends.

The conference was inaugurated on March 7, 2025, by Nobel laureate Yoshino Akira alongside E.D. Jemmis from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru. A notable aspect of the conference was the outreach program named ‘Igniting Young Minds.’ During this initiative, Prof. Akira engaged with school students, aiming to inspire future generations of scientists and innovators.

Day one featured plenary talks from prominent experts, including Prof. Hiroshi Abe and Prof. A. Jayakrishnan. The day concluded with a cultural evening that showcased the rich heritage of Kerala, providing a vibrant backdrop to the academic discussions.

The second day expanded on a wide array of topics within frontier research. Plenary and invited lectures covered significant themes ranging from nano-ZnO metagenomics and sustainable catalysis to biomedical innovation and economic security. Key speakers included Prof. Mako Nakamura from Kyushu University, Prof. Nandakumar Kalarikkal from MGU Kerala, Prof. Kaushik Chatterjee from IISc Bengaluru, and Prof. Warisawa Shin’ichi from the University of Tokyo.

A poster session on the final day allowed young researchers to present their findings and engage directly with senior experts, fostering valuable mentorship opportunities. This platform facilitated dialogue and collaboration, enhancing the conference’s focus on nurturing emerging talents in the field of science and technology.

ICFAST 2025 served as a significant milestone for both Indian and Japanese academic institutions, reinforcing their commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and collaboration. The successful exchange of ideas during the conference not only highlighted current research trends but also paved the way for future partnerships in academia and industry.