The Department of Applied Chemistry at the Cochin University of Science and Technology, with generous support from the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA), is set to host a prestigious two-day national conference focusing on emerging technologies and advanced materials for renewable energy solutions. Scheduled for 27th and 28th January 2026, the event aims to bring together leading scientists, academicians, industry professionals, and research scholars from across the country to discuss recent advances, current challenges, and future prospects in the field of sustainable energy.

The Department of Applied Chemistry, established in 1976, has played a pivotal role in advancing industrial development within the Greater Cochin area by offering scientific expertise and skilled personnel to local industries as well as contributing to the establishment of new enterprises. Over the years, the Department has grown substantially, now recognized as one of the leading centres for Chemistry in Kerala. It is distinguished by having produced the State's sole Bhatnagar Award recipient in Chemical Sciences (Dr. K.L. Sebastian, 1995). In 2026, the Department celebrates its Golden Jubilee, marking 50 years of dedicated service, academic distinction, and notable contributions to both industry and research. This significant milestone highlights the Department’s longstanding legacy, unwavering dedication to scientific progress, and considerable impact over five decades. The Department is committed to establishing itself as a Centre of Excellence supporting the growth of Chemical Industries in Kerala through provision of highly trained graduates, comprehensive scientific support, consultancy, and analytical services addressing industrial challenges. Promoting research and development tailored to industry needs remains a priority. Selected for the FIST programme by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, and the Special Assistance Programme (SAP) of the University Grants Commission, the Department benefits from funding reserved for select institutions nationally. It is actively engaged in projects and initiatives sponsored by agencies such as UGC, CSIR, DST, STEC, and DRDO. Graduates from the Department have secured positions with prestigious multinational corporations and R&D institutions, with many pursuing careers in research.

The conference is organised as a significant component of the ongoing project titled “ Development of Functional Materials/Systems for Artificial Photosynthesis, ” which is generously funded under the RUSA 2.0 T1C scheme. Established in 2013, RUSA is designed to provide strategic funding to eligible state higher education institutions. Central funding allocations follow a defined structure: 60:40 for general category states, 90:10 for special category states, and 100% for union territories. This funding is determined by established norms and contingent on measurable outcomes. Financial resources are directed through the central ministry, passing via state governments and union territories to State Higher Education Councils before reaching selected institutions. States receive funding following a rigorous evaluation of their State Higher Education Plans, which detail strategies for addressing equity, access, and academic excellence within higher education. RUSA prioritizes enhancing the quality of teaching and learning processes, aiming to graduate students who are employable and competitive at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels.

• Hydrogen Energy
• Solar Cell
• Fuel Cell
  
• Water Splitting
• CO2 Capture and Conversion
  
• Artificial Photosynthesis 
• Catalysis 
• Photocatalysis 
• Electrocatalysis 
• Batteries and Supercapacitors 
• Photofunctional Materials 
• MOFs