RIST Seminar Series - 2 , Explores Research Frontiers

Dr. Md Raheijuddin Sheikh *

Prof. A. Surjalal Sharma of the University of Maryland, College Park, USA and Director of RIST speaking at the seminar

The Research Institute of Science and Technology (RIST), Imphal organized its second Research Seminars on 25 October 2012 in D. M. College of Science, Imphal. This second event in the RIST Research Seminar Series was focused on science topics that complement those covered by the first seminars held earlier in Manipur University on 5 December, 2010.

The presentation by Prof. Ng. Brajachand Singh, head of Microbiology Department in the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), was an overview of many aspects of HIV and AIDS in Manipur, and highlighted the research conducted at RIMS and collaborations with research teams in USA and UK.

The challenges if HIV/AIDS span many inter-related aspects from socio-cultural factors to laboratory research with highly sophisticated facilities. Prof. Singh made a strong case for expanding the current research activities, especially on the HIV/IDS in Manipur and its potential contributions to the worldwide efforts. He also emphasized the strong interest of young scientists in research and the frustration they face due to the lack of opportunities.

The dynamics of Earth and its environment was the theme of the presentation by Prof. A. Surjalal Sharma of the University of Maryland, College Park, USA and Director of RIST.

The emerging research area of integrated modeling of the Earth system dynamics was presented as a promising way to develop predictions of natural hazards. The sub-himalayan region, with its high occurrence rate of earthquakes, is a compelling case for multi-disciplinary studies of earthquakes and its electromagnetic effects.

Such a study was the main target of the DEMETER mission of CNES, France but it did not yield a conclusive result. The ionospheric data from ground-based GPS receivers and ionosondes at five proposed research stations in the Northeast, combined with data from spacecraft during passes over earthquakes, can provide unique data to determine the possibility of using ionospheric signatures as earthquake precursors.

The frontier research topics in cosmology and high energy physics were presented by Prof. N. Nimai Singh, Head of Physics Department at Gauhati University and Deputy Director of RIST. Many new challenges arising from recent advances were highlighted and these included the outstanding problems in the evolution of the universe, such as due to inflation, dark matter and dark energy. In high energy physics he highlighted the new research stimulated by the recent experiments on the finite neutrino mass and on Higgs boson.

In his talk Prof. Singh directed the attention of the students to the excitement of research in these and other areas, and to the many rewards for scientists.

The concluding part of the seminar series was an open forum on all aspects of RIST, and was moderated by its director. Following an update on its current status the participants were encouraged to express their views and suggestions on the activities of the institute.

The open and lively discussion included suggestions for wider participation by the science community, more frequent activities, motivating young students to pursue science, enhancing awareness among the general public and raising adequate funds for these pursuits. The RIST team expressed sincere appreciation and willingness to bring these on the table for including these and other suggestions in its activities.

RIST also aims at motivating the young students by organizing monthly Science Talks and Science Film Shows on every second Saturdays at 3.30 p.m. at D.M. College of Science, Imphal.

Students who are interested in undergoing research activities in science may contact the
Office of the RIST
at D.M. College of Science, Imphal
or
through e-mail: mrsheikhshamu(at)gmail(dot)com
on or before the first Saturday of every month.