Indira Barros, a young and promising physicist from Goa, has been awarded the Best Poster Award at the globally renowned 9th International Soft Matter Conference (ISMC) held in Greece. This conference is widely acknowledged as the world’s largest gathering dedicated to the field of soft condensed matter research.
Currently pursuing her PhD in Physics at BITS Pilani, Goa campus, Barros presented her advanced research focusing on micron-sized colloidal particles — minuscule materials whose behaviors differ drastically from their larger-scale counterparts. Her award-winning presentation drew attention for its innovative approach and strong potential in the future of applied physics.
The research, carried out under the guidance of Dr. Indrani Chakraborty and in collaboration with Sayanth RC, explores the development of micro-scale machines — or “microbots” — that can be externally controlled to perform precise and potentially life-saving tasks.
“These microbots could one day revolutionise areas such as targeted drug delivery, advanced diagnostics, and environmental cleanup,” Barros shared, adding that her work aims to merge theoretical physics with real-world applications.
Her recognition at ISMC not only shines a light on her individual excellence but also highlights the world-class scientific research emerging from Goa’s academic institutions. As science and technology continue to blur boundaries, the global impact of local talent like Indira Barros becomes increasingly significant.
This accolade is a proud moment for the Goan scientific community and serves as an inspiration for young researchers across the country.
In a significant step towards strengthening inter-institutional ties in higher education, DCT’s Srinivassa Sinai Dempo College of Commerce and Economics (Autonomous), Goa, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with KLS Gogte Institute of Technology (GIT), Belagavi. The formal signing took place during a special function hosted in Belgaum, bringing together key academic leaders and faculty members from both institutions.
The objective of this collaboration is to enhance academic exchange, research collaborations, and promote knowledge-sharing practices that benefit students and faculty alike. This MoU marks the beginning of a strategic partnership that leverages the strengths of both institutions to co-create innovative educational and research opportunities.
Dempo College was represented by Prof. (Dr.) Manoj S. Kamat, Principal; Prof. Sangeeta Chakrabarty, Vice Principal and Head of I.T. Department; and Prof. Deepali Churi, Head of Economics Department. On behalf of KLS GIT, the delegation was led by Dr. M. S. Patil, Principal, along with Dr. H. N. Shivaprasad, Dean; Dr. Sanjay Deshpande, Associate Professor; Dr. Vanishri Hundekar; and Dr. Rekha Birje, Assistant Professor.One of the key initiatives discussed as part of the collaboration is the planning of an International Conference to be hosted in Goa. Themed ‘Driving the Future: Innovation, Technology & Sustainability in a Changing Business Landscape’, the conference will
M.E.S. Vasant Joshi College of Arts & Commerce organized an International Conference on “Innovations in Social Sciences: Interventions, Challenges & Future Trends” in association with IQAC and the RDI Cell of the College, on 16th April 2025. The event, held in a hybrid mode, witnessed an impressive gathering of distinguished academicians, researchers, and students from across India and abroad, making it a vibrant platform for intellectual exchange.
A special highlight was the release of the book titled, Innovations in Social Sciences: Interventions, Challenges & Future Trends with an ISBN number comprising select papers presented at the conference. Dr. Manasvi M. Kamat, Dr. Freda Cota e Pereira, Convenor of the conference and Dr. S. Susan Deborah, Organising Secretary of the conference served as the editors of the volume.
The volume consisting of 33 articles brings together a wide range of scholarly inquiries that reflect the dynamic intersections of society, technology, environment, and human well-being in contemporary times. The collection serves as a confluence for voices from diverse disciplinary backgrounds, offering critical insights into both local and global concerns—from digital transformation in India’s financial inclusion efforts to climate consciousness among senior citizens, from theatrical portrayals of widowhood to cooperative learning models in education.
The book was released at the hands of the Chief Guest, eminent botanist and academician Prof. M. K. Janarthanam, the Keynote Speaker Lakshmi Subramanian, a Retd. Professor of History, and the President of the Inaugural Function, Ms. Lalita Joshi, alongside the Principal, the Convener of the conference and the organising secretary of the conference.
Panaji, Goa – February 2025: The Indian Association of Life Skills Education (IALSE), in collaboration with the Nirmala Institute of Education, is set to host the 10th International Conference on Life Skills Education (ICLSE 2025) from February 27 to March 1, 2025, in Panaji, Goa. This prestigious event will bring together educators, policymakers, researchers, and practitioners from across the globe to explore the theme, ‘Life Skills Integrated Learning and Living: Pathways for a Sustainable Future.’
At the press conference held on 25th Feb 2025, Dr. M. N. Musthafa, President of IALSE proudly stated, “It is with immense pleasure and delight that we announce that the Government of Goa received this concept with cent percent dedication. Today, the propagation of life skills within society is reflected in the NEP as well as the various policies and guidelines of the University Grants Commission (UGC) under the term ‘Jeevan Kaushal’. We hope that this conference will be a turning point in the educational landscape of the country where more than 100 experts will be sharing their expertise. Education must not move to a materialistic view. The value system of human kind has degraded and deteriorated and that has led to all kinds of problems like depression, disappointment, suicide, communalism, corruption, nepotism etc… Life skills education is a retake on what was there in the true educational process, including the nurturing from the family.”
The convenor of the conference, Dr. Delia Antao said, “It is a privilege for NIE to organise this international conference in association with IALSE, Chennai. This conference will give good exposure to teacher-trainees as well as to school students in Goa. During the conference, we will be having parallel sessions in schools.”
The conference will feature a series of symposiums, panel discussions, plenary sessions, thematic paper presentations, and interactive workshops covering critical topics such as:
• Life skills for personal growth and global competence
• Community empowerment and economic sustainability
• Education policies and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• Life skills in adolescent reproductive and sexual health education
• Addressing gender bias and inclusivity
• The role of artificial intelligence in digital well-being
Esteemed speakers from India and abroad, including academicians, government officials, social entrepreneurs, and NGO representatives, will share insights on how life skills education can shape future-ready individuals and communities. The event will also provide a platform for networking and collaboration among experts and stakeholders working in this field.
In addition to academic discussions, the conference will feature student-led sessions, cultural programs, and a dedicated NGO Conclave showcasing innovations in life skills education. The event will culminate with a Think Tank session focused on the implementation of life skills education under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 framework.
Dr. Russell D’Souza, Principal of Nirmala Institute of Education confidently claimed, “At Nirmala Institute of Education, we’ve always kept the core value of how can we contribute to society?” There are a lot of societal forces that influence the self-concept but how do we tide over all these difficulties? How do we problem solve, nurture certain abilities?”
Participants can register for the conference through the official IALSE website (www.ialse.net) before February 24, 2025. Late and spot registrations will also be available.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Ms. Pratiksha Shirodkar
Assistant Professor, Nirmala Institute of Education, Panaji, Goa
