International Virtual Conference on Advances in Functional Materials (AFM 2020) concluded on 28th August 2020. The meet was organized by the Department of Physics, School of Applied Sciences (SAS), KIIT Deemed to be University during 26th – 28th August 2020. A Pre-Conference Workshop for Young Researchers was also held.
On the final day, speakers from various countries, including France, India, South Korea, UK and USA added international perspective to the conference. The chief guest, Dr. Ashok Kumar digitally released the AFM 2020 e-Abstract Book at the valedictory session. This was followed by a speech by Dr. Balram Sahoo, IISc, Bangalore, India, who was the guest of honour. Dr. S. K. S. Parashar, Convener AFM 2020 announced the Young Scientist Award (YSA-AFM 2020), which was followed by a showcase of YSA-AFM awardees.
On all three days, more than 1000 researchers from all over the world participated in the conference through Zoom meeting and YouTube live streaming. Experts who deliberated in the four scientific sessions during the day were: Dr. Hari Srikanth, University of South Florida, USA; Dr. Ashok Kumar, CSIR-National Physical Laboratory, Delhi, India; Sri R. L. Shrama, Spel Pvt. Ltd., Pune, India; Dr. Amiya Priyam, Central University of South Bihar, India; Guylaine Poulin-sVittrant, Université de Tours, France; Dr. Somdutta Mukherjee, CSIR-IMMT Bhubaneswar, India; Dr. N.M. Rao, Jeju National University, South Korea; and Dr. Xavier Moya, University of Cambridge UK. The sessions were chaired by Dr. Amiya Priyam, Central University of South Bihar, Gaya; Dr. Swetapadma Praharaj and Dr. Bhavya Bhushan, KIIT-DU.
Among others, Dr. Maya Devi, Dr. Gopal K. Pradhan, Dr. Sutanu Mangal, Dr. Gorky Shaw, and Dr. Dibyaranjan Rout, KIIT-DU also spoke at the valedictory session. Dr. Bhavya Bhushan, Co-Convener AFM 2020 proposed the vote of thanks.