CSIR-NPL Hosts Annual Dr. K.S. Krishnan Memorial Lecture, Commemorating International Year of Quantum Science and Technology
New Delhi, June 16, 2025 - The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research's National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL), a premier national research institute, organised its annual Dr. K.S. Krishnan Memorial Lecture on Tuesday to honour the legacy of its founder-director, Dr. Krishnan. The event also marked the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (2025).
Inaugurating the ceremony, CSIR-NPL Director's representative, Dr Nita Dilawar, paid tribute to Dr. Krishnan's pivotal contributions to Indian science and technology, highlighting his instrumental role in shaping the nation's scientific landscape. She drew attention to the critical role of metrology in industrial development, international trade, and societal progress.
The annual lecture series, held since 1965, has been a testament to Dr. Krishnan's commitment to celebrating pioneering scientists who have made significant contributions to science globally. This year's Chief Guest was Prof. Ganapathy Baskaran, Distinguished Professor at IIT Madras, Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, Canada, and Matscience, Chennai.
Prof. Baskaran's keynote address titled "Prediction of Room Temperature Superconductivity in Graphite, K.S. Krishnan's Favourite Mineral" paid homage to Dr. Krishnan's legacy, exploring his seminal work on light scattering, magnetic susceptibility, quantum mechanics, thermionics, thermal conductivity, and alloy resistivity. The professor elaborated on the unique properties of graphite and carbon-based materials, discussing the physics driving their superconductivity using the Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer (BCS) and Resonating Valence Bond (RVB) theories.
The CSIR-NPL also hosted a "Workshop on Quantum Metrology, Materials and Technologies" on June 10, showcasing research presentations from scholars and student interns. Thirteen outstanding participants were awarded best presentation awards for their work, further celebrating the institution's quest for scientific excellence.
The event commemorates not only Dr. Krishnan's enduring legacy but also highlights CSIR-NPL's ongoing commitment to exploring cutting-edge technologies that shape modern metrology and societal progress.