Saurashtra University: International Conference on Nanostructuring by Ion Beams (ICNIB 2025) brings together 8 global scientists and 250 researchers
Rajkot becomes the centre of global scientific collaboration
Rajkot’s Saurashtra University has become the focal point of global scientific discussion this week as it hosts a three-day International Conference on Nanostructuring by Ion Beams – 2025 (ICNIB 2025). The event is being organized jointly by Saurashtra University and the Inter-University Accelerator Centre (IUAC), New Delhi, as part of India’s growing momentum in the semiconductor sector — a vision driven by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Semiconductor Mission.
With two major semiconductor manufacturing companies already setting up bases in Sanand and Dholera, this international conference aims to strengthen India’s scientific capabilities in the field of ion beam research and nanostructuring technologies, which are crucial for semiconductor innovation.
Grand inauguration at Saurashtra University
The conference was inaugurated at the Saurashtra University campus, led by Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Utpal Joshi and IUAC Director Dr. Avinash Pandey, who jointly chaired the opening ceremony.
Eight eminent scientists from across the world have arrived to guide and interact with over 250 researchers and students from India and abroad. The event marks the first true international scientific conference to be hosted by Saurashtra University in nearly a decade, making it a proud moment for the institution and the entire Saurashtra region.
Day 1: Lecture by Spanish scientist Prof. Rodolfo Cuerno
The conference opened with an enlightening keynote address by Prof. Rodolfo Cuerno from the University of Carlos III, Madrid (Spain). He shared his deep insights into ion beam applications in nanostructuring, explaining how these technologies can revolutionize materials science and semiconductor manufacturing.
According to Vice-Chancellor Dr. Utpal Joshi, the response to the conference has been “extraordinary,” with more than 250 participants from 45 institutions and seven countries registering for poster and oral presentation sessions. After a strict evaluation process, 130 participants were selected to present their research to the global scientific community during the three-day event.
A proud moment: ICNIB held in Gujarat for the first time
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Avinash Pandey highlighted how ion beam research plays a transformative role in innovative fields such as quantum computing, lab-grown diamonds, and bio-inspired materials. He encouraged young researchers not just to stop at publishing papers, but to push their innovations toward product development and real-world applications.
Prof. (Dr.) Utpal Joshi, who has been personally involved in ion beam research for many years, extended a warm welcome to all scientists, experts, and students. He noted that hosting ICNIB 2025 in Gujarat for the first time is a matter of immense pride and a testament to the region’s growing contribution to global scientific progress.
Keynote sessions feature top international scientists
Following the inaugural session, several distinguished scientists delivered lectures on advanced research topics:
- Prof. Jae-Sung Kim – Sook-Myung Women’s University, Seoul, South Korea
- Prof. Rodolfo Cuerno – University Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Dr. Tapobrata Som – Institute of Physics, Bhubaneswar, India
- Dr. Subhendu Sarkar – Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam
- Dr. Sushil Kumar Singh – Solid State Physics Laboratory, India
The discussions covered a range of subjects including ion beam modification of materials, nanostructure fabrication, and potential applications in the semiconductor and defense industries.
Table: International Scientists Participating in ICNIB 2025
| Scientist | Institution / Country |
|---|---|
| Prof. Rodolfo Cuerno | Universidad Carlos III, Madrid – Spain |
| Prof. Jae-Sung Kim | Sook-Myung Women’s University, Seoul – South Korea |
| Prof. Shin-Ichiro Sato | National Institute for Quantum Science & Technology – Japan |
| Dr. Lars Brewer | University of Duisburg-Essen – Germany |
| Prof. Caroline Frank | Universität Duisburg-Essen – Germany |
| Dr. Vikas Sharma | The Hebrew University of Jerusalem – Israel |
Also read: Saurashtra University to Host International Conference on Ion Beam Technology from October 7-9
Team effort behind ICNIB 2025
The success of ICNIB 2025 owes much to the tireless work of Saurashtra University’s faculty members, 50 research scholars, and M.Sc. Physics students, who played key roles in event organization, logistics, and coordination. Their combined efforts have created an environment where science meets collaboration and innovation.
The university’s Department of Physics has been at the forefront of preparing for this international event, ensuring that visiting scholars and participants experience not only academic enrichment but also the warm hospitality of Gujarat.
A platform for young Indian researchers
This conference has emerged as a powerful platform for India’s next generation of scientists, allowing them to engage with global experts, present their work, and receive valuable feedback. By hosting such international collaborations, Saurashtra University is helping bridge the gap between Indian researchers and the world’s leading scientific institutions.
Through ICNIB 2025, young scientists are learning how ion beam research can drive technological innovation — from creating next-gen semiconductors to advancing materials for clean energy and medical technologies.
Saurashtra University: Rising as a global hub for research
With ICNIB 2025, Saurashtra University has not only showcased its academic strength but also reinforced Gujarat’s potential as a hub for high-end scientific and industrial research.
As India continues its mission to become a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing, initiatives like this international conference provide the much-needed scientific foundation for innovation, skill-building, and collaboration.
The success of the event reflects Prime Minister Modi’s vision of transforming India into a research-driven economy — where education, science, and technology merge to create global impact.
In summary, the International Conference on Nanostructuring by Ion Beams (ICNIB 2025) at Saurashtra University represents a major step forward for India’s scientific ecosystem. Bringing together world-class minds, cutting-edge research, and young talent under one roof, it stands as a symbol of India’s commitment to progress, innovation, and global scientific leadership.
