Jamia in cutting-edge nanotechnology research, says official

New Delhi, April 20 (IANS) The Jamia Milia Islamia here is at the forefront of path-breaking research in nanotechnology, which could change the lives of people for the better, a university official said Saturday.

A sophisticated process machine has been installed in the Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology here, and was recently inaugurated by vice-chancellor Najeeb Jung, the official said.

"The end product of the process, the single-wall carbon nanotube, has the potential to change the way we live. It is envisaged that its application in medicine, energy conservation, electronics and security systems can radically alter our lives," he said.

According to Jamia, this is the first facility of its type, anywhere in the country.

The single-wall carbon nanotube is a fraction of the weight of steel, but hundred times stronger. The technology development programme was sponsored by the department of electronics and information technology, union ministry of communications and information technology, at a cost of Rs 3.81 crore.

The Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology was established in December 2011, once the University Grants Commission accepted the project proposal of the university, worth Rs.30 crore. Of this, Rs.10 crore has already been received.

"The centre is entering into collaboration with institutions in the US, Germany, South Korea, and with National Physical Laboratory, IIT Delhi and other institutions in the country, to foster exchange of ideas," said Mushahid Husain, director of the centre.

He said a multidisciplinary faculty drawn from within the university and other organisations like the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is being developed.

"The laboratory is on its way to becoming the best facility for nano research in the country," he added.