Dec 20:- The 69th Department of Atomic Energy Solid State Physics Symposium was formally inaugurated today at the Convocation Hall, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, reaffirming India’s long-standing commitment to excellence in solid state physics, advanced materials, and frontier scientific research.
The prestigious symposium is being held from December 19 to 23, 2025, and is organised by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre Mumbai, with sponsorship from the Board of Research in Nuclear Sciences Department of Atomic Energy Government of India. IIT Roorkee is hosting the event as part of its continuing role in advancing national and globally relevant scientific research.
The inaugural session was attended by senior leadership from India’s premier scientific institutions. The programme featured Prof. Kamal Kishore Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee; Dr. S. L. Chaplot, Former Director, Physics Group, BARC; Dr. D. V. Udupa, Associate Director, Physics Group; BARC; Dr. D. Bhattacharyya, Convener, 69th DAE-SSPS 2025 and Head, Atomic & Molecular Physics Division, BARC; Dr. V. K. Aswal, Head, Solid State Physics Division, BARC; Prof. Vivek Malik, Local Convener, 69th DAE-SSPS 2025; Prof. G. D. Varma, Department of Physics, IIT Roorkee; Prof. Ramesh Chandra, Institute Instrumentation Centre, IIT Roorkee; and Dr. Himal Bhatt & Dr. Niranjan S. Ramgirs, Scientific Secretaries, 69th DAE-SSPS 2025.
In his inaugural address, Prof. Kamal Kishore Pant highlighted the national and global importance of the symposium, “The DAE Solid State Physics Symposium is one of India’s most respected and enduring scientific forums, shaping the nation’s capabilities in materials science and condensed matter physics for nearly seven decades. Hosting the 69th edition at IIT Roorkee reflects our commitment to advancing fundamental research that underpins national priorities such as quantum technologies, clean energy, advanced electronics, and strategic systems, while also contributing meaningfully to global scientific progress.”
The Keynote Address was delivered by the Chief Guest, Dr. S. L. Chaplot, Former Director, Physics Group, BARC, who reflected on the evolution and future direction of solid-state physics research in India, “Advances in solid state physics have consistently driven technological transformation, from energy and electronics to emerging quantum technologies. Platforms such as the DAE-SSPS play a vital role in nurturing scientific talent, fostering collaboration, and ensuring that India remains at the forefront of fundamental and applied research.”
Dr. D. Bhattacharyya, Convener of the symposium, underscored its legacy and scientific relevance, “The DAE-SSPS has played a pivotal role in nurturing generations of physicists and building strong linkages between national laboratories and academic institutions. The 69th edition continues this tradition by providing a rigorous platform for presenting cutting-edge research and fostering collaborations that are essential for India’s scientific and technological leadership.”
The 69th DAE Solid State Physics Symposium will feature plenary and invited lectures, contributed talks, and poster presentations across key domains including quantum and functional materials, superconductivity and spintronics, nano-scale systems, energy and radiation-resistant materials, and materials for strategic and nuclear applications.
The symposium brings together senior scientists from BARC and other DAE laboratories, along with faculty from leading academic institutions, to examine the role of advances in solid state physics in supporting national missions and addressing global challenges in energy, sustainability, and next-generation technologies.
A strong emphasis is placed on engaging young scientists, doctoral scholars, and early-career researchers, providing them with opportunities for mentorship, scientific exchange, and integration into India’s advanced research ecosystem.
With a legacy of over 175 years, IIT Roorkee continues to strengthen its position as a leading centre for advanced research in physics, materials science, and emerging technologies. Hosting the 69th DAE-SSPS reinforces the Institute’s role in shaping national scientific discourse and contributing to the global knowledge economy. The symposium is expected to catalyse new research directions, strengthened collaborations, and sustained excellence in fundamental and applied sciences.