GUWAHATI, Sept 26 - Dr Sunandan Baruah, a scientist engaged in nanotechnology research, is of the opinion that research on nanotechnology is not just for rich labs but that it can be done in small labs as well through innovation.
Dr Baruah, who is currently the Head of the Department of Electronics & Communication Engineering of the Assam Don Bosco University, has been trying hard to motivate researchers from Assam and the Northeast to explore the fascinating world of nanotechnology and develop innovative products.
�Nanotechnology deals with materials at sizes in the range of one-billionth of a meter, which exhibit properties unique from the bulk. Research in nanotechnology is not only for the rich labs. Even small labs can carry on good research through innovative ways,� Dr Baruah said while talking to The Assam Tribune.
Dr Baruah, who has over 75 research publications and two patents to his credit, also has a few more innovations ready for patenting. He had earlier worked in one of the best laboratories in Europe � The �ngstrom Laboratoriet of the 538-year-old Uppsala University � the varsity which has produced eight Nobel laureates.
�We are trying to do what we call as �Poor man�s Nanotechnology�. I am ready to assist institutions from the Northeast in setting up small nanotechnology labs. It is not expensive instruments that generate good research output; rather it is out-of-the-box thinking that does,� Dr Baruah said.
Dr Baruah�s research group has started building up their own instruments for synthesis and characterisation of nanomaterials and devices. He has started research collaborations with numerous institutions of repute like the Uppsala University, North Dakota State University, Tezpur University, IACS, Kolkata, AIT and the Bangkok University of Thailand, NEHU, SN Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences, Kolkata, ICAR Pune, etc.
Dr Baruah said he was also trying to popularise nanotechnology and young researchers by holding workshops.
