Report on National Science Day Lecture 2024
Topic: Raman Spectroscopy: A Journey Towards Modern Biology
Mode of Lecture: Online
Date: 28 February 2024
West Bengal Academy of Science and Technology (WAST) invited Dr. Nakul C. Maiti, FAScT, Senior Principal Scientist, Structural Biology and Bioinformatics Division,
CSIR Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, to deliver the National Science Day Lecture.
The Lecture was held on 28th February 2024, at 7 PM through online mode. The program was streamed live on the YouTube channel of the WAST and is now available in the channel playlist. Prof. Ranjan Ganguly introduced the speaker to the audience.
Several WAST Fellows, post-graduate students, research scholars, and faculty members attended the Lecture.
The Lecture on "Raman Spectroscopy: A Journey Towards Modern Biology" delivered by Prof. N.C. Maiti was a comprehensive exploration
into the revolutionary role of Raman spectroscopy in biological sciences. The Raman Effect, discovered by Sir C.V. Raman in 1928,
has found remarkable applications in understanding the molecular composition, dynamics, and interactions within biological systems.
The Lecture commenced with an overview of the Raman Effect, a phenomenon where light interacting with molecules results in a shift
in the wavelength of the incident photons, providing a unique fingerprint of the molecular vibrations within a sample.
Beyond the confines of laboratory settings, Raman spectroscopy has practical applications in different sectors.
The Lecture touched upon how it can be used to detect, analyze and help patient suffering from diseases like Parkinson,
Alzheimer and Diabetes.
The speaker highlighted certain challenges such as the need for enhanced sensitivity, resolution, and the development of user-friendly instrumentation.
The speaker also introduced the Raman Spectroscopy Facility installed at CSIR-IICB. The facility is designed and built entirely
(except the optics) using indigenous technology, which shows the appropriateness of 2024 National Science Day theme:
"Indigenous Technology for Viksit Bharat". The Lecture on "Raman Spectroscopy: A Journey Towards Modern Biology" provided a captivating
insight into the diverse ways this spectroscopic technique is revolutionizing biological sciences. From cellular imaging to disease
diagnosis, drug development to environmental monitoring, Raman spectroscopy stands as a powerful tool at the intersection of physics,
chemistry, and biology.
An intense interactive session followed the illuminating talk. Prof. Sivaji Chakravorti, President WAST, thanked the speaker for his enlightening talk.
Prof Pradeep Sengupta appreciated the interesting content of the Lecture. Prof. Maitrayee Dasgupta, Secretary WAST, offered a formal
vote of Thanks.