The Indo-Sri Lanka International Webinar, 2021 (ISW-21) conducted under the Indo-Lanka joint research program, was successfully held on the 8th and 9th March 2021. The webinar was organized collaboratively by Prof. Anushree Malik of the Centre for Rural Development and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, India, and Dr. Thilini U. Ariyadasa of the Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka. The theme of the webinar was “Global trends in Algal Research: Environmental Restoration, Biomass Valorization and Sustainability”.
The inauguration of the event was graced by Prof. Shantha Walpalage, Head, Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka; Prof. Sunil Khare, Dean, Research and Development, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, India; Prof. Nalin Wickramaarachchi, Dean, Faculty of Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka; and Prof. Ajith de Alwis, Dean, Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka.
The event included lectures and interactive discussions with the participation of experts specializing in algal technology, which included 17 renowned keynote speakers from the Netherlands, USA, Australia, South Africa, Sri Lanka and India. In addition, a special round of oral presentations was held with the participation of 13 young scholars working in the domain. Rahul Jain, Niyam Dave and Hasara Nishshanka were awarded the winner, runner’s up and second runner’s up of the oral presentations.
The webinar also commemorated women scientists for their contribution to the field with a dedicated session on “Women in Algal Research/Technologies” on the International Women’s Day (8th March). Moreover, the “Young Researchers Conclave” provided a platform to budding and enterprising researchers to showcase their potential in heralding a sustainable environment through algae mediated waste reduction and biomass utilization for greener ecological solutions.
The webinar received 290 attendee registrations, representing academia, industry stakeholders and students. The webinar provided valuable insight and collaboration opportunities for both local and international participants interested in algal research.
