Prof. Santanu Das of IIT(BHU) Varanasi

Prof. Santanu Das will deliver an interactive session introducing students to the fascinating world of science, engineering, and innovation. Through engaging discussions and live demonstrations, he will explain fundamental scientific concepts with a special emphasis on the properties of light, optics, and simple scientific phenomena that students encounter in their daily lives. Hands-on demonstrations and easy-to-understand experiments will be used to stimulate curiosity, encourage critical thinking, and illustrate how scientific principles translate into real-world technologies.

In the career counselling session, Prof. Das will inspire students to develop a scientific mindset and cultivate a passion for learning. He will discuss the importance of setting academic goals, building strong fundamentals in mathematics and science, and developing problem-solving skills from an early age. Students will be introduced to the exciting opportunities available in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), including careers in research, engineering, medicine, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, space science, and emerging technologies.

Drawing upon his own academic and research journey, Prof. Das will encourage students to dream big, remain curious, work with dedication, and pursue excellence. He will also interact with students by answering their questions, providing guidance on preparing for future competitive examinations, and helping them understand the educational pathways that can lead to successful and fulfilling careers. The session aims to motivate young learners to become future innovators, scientists, engineers, and responsible global citizens.

Biography:

Dr. Santanu Das is an Associate Professor in the Department of Ceramic Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi. A dedicated educator and pioneering researcher, his work bridges fundamental materials science and cutting-edge technological applications.

His research is centered on the synthesis and engineering of functional nanomaterials, including 2D materials (e.g., graphene, TMDs), quantum dots, and nano-hybrids, for use in next-generation electronic and energy devices. At IIT (BHU), he has established a state-of-the-art research laboratory focused on nanotechnology and thin films, fostering innovation in areas such as energy storage, electrochemical sensors, electrocatalysis, and optoelectronics.

Dr. Das is a prolific Principal Investigator, having led or co-led over 15 national and international research projects. His leadership is exemplified by his role as a lead PI for a major international hydrogen consortium funded by the Research Council of Norway.

His contributions have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including the National Award of “Best Innovation 2022” from the Government of India's Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and the “Best Teacher Award 2022” at IIT (BHU). His other accolades include an Outstanding Ph.D. Dissertation Award, the McCARE Award from the American Ceramic Society, and the Early Career Research Award from SERB.

An accomplished author and inventor, Dr. Das has published more than 125 high-impact research articles, which have garnered over 5,200 citations. He has also authored a book and holds 16 patents, with two granted in the U.S. He is a Fellow of the Indian Institute of Ceramics and the Indian Chemical Society, and a Senior Member of IEEE.

Committed to translating research into real-world impact, Dr. Das has successfully transferred several technologies from the laboratory to start-up industrial scales, contributing to the development of indigenous products in India. He remains an active leader in the scientific community through his editorial work and committee memberships.

Email:

Address:VARANASI, India, 221011

Mr Sumit Pratap Singh of IIT(BHU), Varanasi

Mr. Sumit Pratap Singh, Ph.D. scholar under the guidance of Prof. Santanu Das at IIT (BHU) Varanasi, will conduct an engaging science demonstration session for students of Classes VI and VII. Through simple, hands-on experiments and interactive activities, he will explain fascinating scientific concepts related to light, optics, magnetism, electricity, and everyday science. The session is designed to encourage curiosity, develop scientific thinking, and help students understand how basic scientific principles are applied in real life. Students will be encouraged to ask questions, participate in demonstrations, and experience the excitement of learning science through observation and experimentation.

Email:

Address:IITBHU, Room # CR-215, Ceramic engineering, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India, 221005

Email:

Address:IIT(BHU), Varanasi, Room # CR-215, Ceramic Engg, VARANASI, Uttar Pradesh, India, 221005