International Conference on Nano Science and Nano Technology (ICONSAT)

Context: The International Conference on Nano Science and Nano Technology (ICONSAT) under the aegis of Nano Mission,
Department of Science and Technology (DST) is being held at Kolkata focusing on the recent advances in this frontier
research field.
Mission on Nano Science and Technology (Nano Mission):
• Launched in 2007.
• It is as an "umbrella capacity-building programme".
• The Mission's programmes will target all scientists, institutions and industry in the country.
• It will also strengthen activities in nano science and technology by promoting basic research, human resource development,
research infrastructure development, international collaborations, among others.
• It will be anchored in the Department of Science and Technology and steered by a Nano Mission Council chaired by an
eminent scientist.

Outcomes and significance of the mission:

• As a result of the efforts led by the Nano Mission, today, India is amongst the top five nations in the world in terms of
scientific publications in nano science and technology (moving from 4th to the 3rd position).
• The Nano Mission itself has resulted in about 5000 research papers and about 900 Ph.Ds and also some useful products like
nano hydrogel based eye drops, pesticide removal technology for drinking water, water filters for arsenic and fluoride
removal, nanosilver based antimicrobial textile coating, etc.
The Nano Mission has thus helped establish a good eco-system in the country to pursue front-ranking basic research and also
to seed and nurture application-oriented R&D, focused on useful technologies and products.