Mysuru: Stating that material science lay at the root of all innovations that have driven the ‘Information Age’, vice-president of the Nanyang Technological University, Singapore Prof BVR Chowdari on Monday said, “Without material science, there would no room for the IT age, skyscraper, solar power and the aviation industry. However, most end users do not acknowledge the importance of this field. Study of material science in conjunction with sustainable development will help one focus on the effective use of materials.”Prof Chowdari, who participated in the inaugural ceremony of the international conference on ‘Advanced Functional Materials for Energy, Environment and Healthcare’ organised by the centre for material sciences and technology, University of Mysore at Vignana Bhavana, said that understanding the properties of all materials, coupled with a thorough study of their possible applications, had spurred most of the technological advancements of the last century. “Without silicon , there is no information technology . Similarly, skyscrapers cannot be built with steel girders. Materials have lent their names to epochs in human civilisation, but the critical role they play is seldom acknowledged. There is a need for material sciences and sustainable development to go hand in hand,” said Chowdari.Pointing to the alarming levels of carbon-di-oxide emitted in the past 250 years, Chowdari said that the amount far the total amount of the gas released in 250 million years. “Material waste is either burnt, or buried in landfills. Both of these exercises are extremely dangerous. It is vital that recyclable and bio-degradable substances be used. We need to focus on re-manufacturing of components from used products. Human behaviour is the greatest challenge to sustainable development. Technology alone cannot provide solutions to all problems. Administrators, scientists and policymakers will have to encourage this model of development,” he added.UoM vice-chancellor Prof G Hemantha Kumar and varsity registrar Lingaraja Gandhi and former UoM VC KS Rangappa were in attendance at the inaugural ceremony.

Stay updated with all the Latest Mysore headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.