The 1st International Research Conference of the Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Moratuwa, ChemEICon 2024, was successfully held at the Centre of Excellence for Water and Sanitation (CEWAS), Ratmalana. The event centred around the theme "Chemical and Process Engineering for a Sustainable Future: Transformative Pathways for Circular Economy," attracting experts, researchers, and industry professionals from all over Sri Lanka as well as overseas.
The conference featured three primary tracks:
- Environmental Biotechnology and Waste Treatment
- Process Technology and Innovation
- Renewable Energies, Resource Recovery, and Upcycling
These tracks emphasized the importance of developing sustainable technologies and processes to promote a circular economy, addressing pressing environmental and industrial challenges.
Renowned keynote speakers, Prof. William Chen Wei Ning (Nanyang Technological University, Singapore) and Prof. Maheshi Danthurebandara (University of Peradeniya), delivered insightful presentations, sharing their expertise and innovative solutions in the field. Their speeches highlighted cutting-edge research and practical applications in sustainable chemical and process engineering.
In conjunction with ChemEICon 2024, the department's Industrial Forum and Career Fair were also held at the same premises. The event provided a platform for industry leaders, academics, and students to discuss emerging trends, industry needs, and career opportunities in chemical and process engineering, while Dr. Kishu Gomes (Dreamron Group of Companies) and Mr. Janaka Gammanpila (Silvermill Group) shared inspiring insights with the audience as the keynote speakers for the forum. The programs facilitated valuable networking opportunities that enabled participants to forge connections and explore potential collaborations.
ChemEICon 2024 was a collective effort of the conference chair, Prof. P.G. Rathnasiri, head of the department, organizing committee, staff, and students of the Department of Chemical and Process Engineering. The event concluded with a call to action for continued research and innovation in sustainable engineering practices, ensuring a greener and more resilient future for all.
