The Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) recently organized the National Symposium of Research Scholars on Metallurgy and Materials (NSRS-2025). Co-hosted by Material Advantage at IIT Kanpur, the Indian Institute of Metals Kanpur Chapter, and The Materials Science Society, NSRS-2025 saw enthusiastic participation from over 85 students representing institutions across India, facilitating collaboration, idea exchange, and advancements in metallurgy and materials science. 

The event commenced with three pre-conference workshops conducted by eminent researchers, Prof. M.P. Gururajan from IIT Bombay, Prof. Ravi K.R. from IIT Jodhpur, and Prof. Soumya Sridar from IIT Kanpur. These sessions drew significant participation from students and the academic community, setting the stage for an engaging symposium.

The inaugural ceremony, was graced by distinguished dignitaries, including Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director, IIT Kanpur; Prof. Tarun Gupta, Dean of Research & Development, IIT Kanpur; Prof. Kantesh Balani, Head of the MSE Department; and Dr. Arunabh Meshram, Convenor, NSRS-2025. The program commenced with a video presentation highlighting the MSE department’s impactful research and advanced facilities.

Welcoming the attendees, Prof. Manindra Agrawal motivated the participants, encouraging them to leverage the platform for meaningful academic collaborations. Dr. Arunabh Meshram emphasized the symposium’s role in fostering knowledge exchange among young researchers. Prof. Kantesh Balani delivered an insightful address on the significance of materials in the evolution of civilizations and their relevance in contemporary research. Prof. Tarun Gupta highlighted the importance of such symposiums in enhancing research quality and invited scholars to explore post-doctoral opportunities at IIT Kanpur. The session concluded with the unveiling of the NSRS-2025 book of abstracts.

The symposium featured contributed talks, poster presentations, and four plenary lectures by distinguished experts, Prof. M.P. Gururajan from IIT Bombay, Prof. Anurag Gupta from IIT Kanpur, Prof. Ravi Kumar N.V. from IIT Madras, and Prof. Rajiv Shekhar from IIT Kanpur. These sessions delved into diverse topics, including atomistic modelling of deformation, scientific principles behind Indian musical instruments, molecular precursor-based functional design, and the entrepreneurial mindset in research.

The event was successfully executed through the dedicated efforts of Ms. Shruti Agnihotri, Mr. Aman, Ms. Shruti, Mr. Anupam, and other student coordinators, with valuable support from Prof. Shivam, Prof. Niraj, and Prof. Srinu, as well as faculty members, staff, and the institute administration.