CSIR-NPL Hosts Dr. K. S. Krishnan Memorial Lecture 2025 to Mark International Year of Quantum Science

New Delhi, June 16- The CSIR–National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL), New Delhi, organized the prestigious Dr. K. S. Krishnan Memorial Lecture 2025 on June 16, in honor of its visionary Founder Director, Dr. K. S. Krishnan. This annual lecture series, initiated in 1965, pays tribute to his pioneering work in the field of science and technology, and has over the years featured renowned scientific leaders and Nobel Laureates from around the world.

This year’s event was especially significant as it also commemorated the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology 2025. The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Ganapathy Baskaran, Distinguished Professor at IIT Madras, the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics (Canada), and Matscience (Chennai), who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Nita Dilawar, representative of the Director, CSIR-NPL, emphasized Dr. Krishnan’s lasting impact on Indian science and the essential role that metrology plays in industrial development, global trade, and societal progress. She highlighted how quantum science continues to transform modern metrology, and spoke of CSIR and CSIR-NPL’s sustained contributions to national technological advancement.

Prof. Baskaran delivered a thought-provoking lecture titled “Prediction of Room Temperature Superconductivity in Graphite, K. S. Krishnan’s Favourite Mineral.” He reflected on Dr. Krishnan’s groundbreaking studies in quantum mechanics, thermionics, light scattering, and alloy resistivity. The lecture explored the superconductive properties of graphite and carbon-based materials, explaining theories like Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer (BCS) and Resonating Valence Bond (RVB), and how these help interpret potential room-temperature superconductivity in doped graphene.

Quantum Workshop and Student Recognition

Ahead of the lecture, on June 10, 2025, CSIR-NPL hosted a Workshop on Quantum Metrology, Materials and Technologies, with Prof. T. Ramasami, Former Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology and Chairman of the K. S. Krishnan Memorial Trust, as the Chief Guest. The workshop saw active participation from CSIR-NPL research scholars and school internship students, who presented their ongoing research projects.

In recognition of outstanding academic efforts, 13 young scholars and students were awarded the ‘Best Presentation Awards’ during the memorial event, acknowledging their promising contributions to the scientific community.