Nanoscience and Nanotechnology in India: A broad perspective

Abstract

Nanoscience and nanotechnology created a multidisciplinary platform for the researchers in India to address various critical issues in the area of energy, healthcare, cosmetics, manufacturing, defence and materials engineering. In recent years, various initiatives have been taken by Government of India to attract young talents to start their research in the interdisciplinary domain of nanotechnology and other allied disciplines. Indian researchers are supported under various schemes through multiple departments of Government of India to create basic and advanced infrastructure facilities, manpower development, fellowships and awareness activities. The initiatives have created a common platform to attract researchers (faculty and students) from physical, chemical, biological, mathematical, computational and engineering sciences to exchange their ideas and develop collaborations across the globe to overcome demographic as well as infrastructural limitations. In last two decades, many Indian researchers have come up with various important outcomes to create a shining place in global research map. In this paper, initiatives and outcomes in the area of nanoscience and nanotechnology will be projected which will be a ready reference for the young researchers, early career scientists, PhD students and aspirant for research (UG and PG students). The outcomes of support from Government in the area of nanotechnology will be discussed and the role of participating organizations in various initiatives will be presented.