Chief Patron
Rev. Bro E.V Miranda c.f.c
(Principal)
President
Dr. M.L Purkayastha
(Head, Department of Chemistry)

Convenor
Dr. Prashant Sarkhel
(Department of Chemistry)

Joint Convenor
Mr. Samrat Adhikari
(Department of Biotechnology)

Coordinators
Dr. S. Nandy Mazumdar
(Department of Chemistry)
Mr. Sumit Deb.
(Department of Chemistry)

Advisors
Dr. M.C. Paul.
(Head, Department of Botany)
Dr. Abhijit Deb Roy
(Head, Department of Biochemistry)
Mr. W. Passah
(Head, Department of Electronics)
Mr. Abhijit Choudhury
(Head, Department of History)

Members
Mr. Subroto Purkayastha.
(Department of Chemistry)
Mr. Subro Choudhury.
(Department of Chemistry)
Mr. Dipanker Deb.
(Department of Mathematics)
Ms Jasmine T. Sawian
(Department of Environment Science)
Ms Biakmenlang Manners
(Department of Biotechnology)
Mr. D. Syiemiong
(Department of Botany)
Mr. Amit Mazumdar
(Department of Economics)

Introduction
The accumulation of potentially toxic heavy metals is a serious issue so far as environmental pollution is concerned. Such effects are often exacerbated by the interaction of heavy metals in our day to day life. Heavy metals such as Lead (Pb), Mercury (Hg), Arsenic (As), Thallium (Tl), Cadmium (Cd) etc. are often linked to human poisoning whereas other heavy metals viz. Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Chromium (Cr) etc. are required by the body in small amounts, but can be toxic in larger doses.
The harmful health hazards include reduced growth and development, cancer, organ damage, nervous system damage, and in extreme cases, death. Exposure to some metals, such as mercury and lead, may also cause development of autoimmunity, in which a person’s immune system attacks its own cells. There exists a general belief that the major environmental threats faced by mankind can be corrected with some changes in the technology and manufacturing practices. The seminar intends to make a sincere effort for generating consciousness among the people about the random use of toxic chemicals in our day to day life.

Objectives
The seminar intends to meet the following objectives:
A To generate awareness about the deleterious effect of heavy metals in our everyday life.
B. To enlighten people about the available methodology for minimizing the effects of heavy metal contamination.
C. To invoke research interest among students in the field of toxicity.
D. An interactive session of the participants with the experts would be given top priority.

Sub Themes
The seminar intends to cover the following thrust areas.
A. Metal toxicity.
B. Use of biosensors for detecting toxicity.
C. Environmental toxicity and bioremediation of toxic chemicals.
D. Radiation Hazards – its effects and remedies.

Scientific Sessions

The two day conference will invite delegates from all over the country which include guest speakers, faculty, research scholars, professionals from various Government and non governmental agencies, post graduate and undergraduate students.
The scientific sessions will comprise of two parts:
A. Popular Lectures.
B. Article/Poster Presentation
The popular lectures would be presided over by eminent scientist from India. The article/poster sessions would be presented by the delegates, research scholars and students.

Call for Papers

Papers based on research, experience or promising ideas focusing on any of the stated objectives and sub themes of the seminar are heartily invited for presentation/poster at the conference.

Call for articles/posters

The abstract for article/poster containing a gist of the topic, are invited for presentation in the form of posters.

Guidelines to authors and submission details

Full paper based on original research work written in English using MS-WORD, I – format, single space 11pt, Times New Roman with 1” (2.5cm) margins. The abstract of the articles/posters should be restricted to one page written in English using MS-WORD, single space, 12 pt, Times New Roman with 1” (2.5cm) margins.
The full paper/abstract should be submitted in A4 size paper containing the title of the paper in bold, names of the author (s), their affiliation and the main text. The abstract will be accepted after thorough review by the expert committee. Authors are requested to send their abstract by the stipulated time as mentioned below. Authors would be informed personally by their email/postal address.
The paper (s) accepted will be presented by one of the authors (in case of joint paper) either orally or thorough posters. Presentation by students/research scholars in the form of posters would be highly appreciated. A soft copy of the abstract can be mailed to

sarkhel2000@yahoo.com
OR
samratadhikari@rediff.com

Important date

Last date of receiving full paper/abstract:
28th Aug, 2008.

Last date for receiving complete registration
form and the fee:
5th Sep, 2008
The Place and Climate

The National Science Seminar will be held in the Seminar Hall of St Edmund’s College, Shillong on 16th – 17th October, 2008.

Shillong, also known as “Scotland of East”, the capital of Meghalaya is located at an altitude of 1496 meters above sea level. It is blessed with abundant rainfall, sunshine, virgin forest, high plateaus, tumbling water falls, Crystal Rivers and meandering streamlets. Autumn here is pleasant with temperatures ranging between 15 – 22o C. Light woolen cloths are recommended.

Destination Shillong

Shillong is connected to Guwahati by National Highway - 40 (NH40) and it takes 3-4 hours to cover the distance of 103 kms.

The nearest airport is the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport, Guwahati, which is connected by major airlines from all around the major cities in the country. Taxis from Guwahati airport to Shillong are available.
Guwahati is also well connected by trains with major cities of the country. Rail passengers can commute to Shillong by Buses, Sumos & Taxis.

Accommodation

Delegates from outside Shillong would be provided boarding and lodging in the hotels, Guest houses in & around Shillong. The accommodation shall only be provided to only those delegates who have enclosed the Registration fee in advance. The accommodation committee will inform the delegates regarding their place of stay where the delegates are expected to reach on their own.

Registration Fee

Demand draft (DD) may be drawn in favour of “The Principal, St. Edmund’s College, Shillong”, payable at Shillong.
Click here to download the Seminar registration form