The department of Chemical Engineering at National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli inaugurated a six-days AICTE ATALs online Faculty Development Programme (FDP) on Recent Progress in Process Modelling, Simulation, and Process Controlon 07.01.2024.The FDP is a great opportunity for faculty members to enhance their knowledge and skills in these areas. It's impressive that the program attracted more than 140 participants from 14 states across India. It's wonderful to see such a diverse group of experts coming together to share their knowledge. This FDP features 13 technical sessions led by 10 distinguished speakers from India and 2 international experts from Canada and Spain.
Prof. (Dr.) T. K. Radhakrishnan, Coordinator of the Programme, Department of Chemical Engineering, NIT Trichy, delivered the welcome address and highlighted the real-world importance of the FDP. He has welcomed Prof. (Dr.) G Aghila, Director NIT Trichy for being here as Chief guest. Further, he welcomed Dr. M. Arivazhagan, HOD/Chemical Engineering, National and International experts, faculty members, research scholars, participants from various institution across India. Dr. Radhakrishnan briefed about the FDP theme with highlighting the importance of chemical process modelling and process control in process industries. This topic deals with representation, analysis through its essentiality in process industries to optimize process operation by reducing cost and improving environment sustainability.
Following him, Prof. (Dr.) M. Arivazhagan, Head of the Department, Chemical Engineering, shared introductory remarks about the department and its activities. Adding further, he talked about the importance of process control in regulating process variables such as temperature, pressure and concentration in chemical process. Further, he stated that with the help of process control, the production rate can be increased and thereby production cost be reduced. He also added that it leads to safe and economical operation for the industry. With these words, the HOD appreciated the coordinators of this FDP. Finally, he highlighted that It's always inspiring to see leaders emphasizing the practical applications and significance of such programs.
Prof. (Dr.) G. Aghila, Director of NIT Trichy, emphasized the importance of government initiatives in promoting research and innovation through educational organizations. She highlighted the critical role of artificial intelligence in process automation by 2047. It's encouraging to see the focus on AI and its future impact on process automation. She requested the participants listen to each session carefully and ask questions without any delay. She highlighted that the experts and keynote speakers will definitely fulfil your learning thirst and clear your doubts to shine in your research career. Adding further, she mentioned about sustainable development through smart systems. She mentioned that the chemical engineers will be the data informatician to provide data in chemical engineering section. It will be nice to hear that the speakers will highlight the importance of artificial intelligence in process modeling and automation. This will clearly show the growing recognition of AI's potential to revolutionize industries by improving efficiency,accuracy, and decision-making processes. Acknowledging the participants’ engagement is also crucial—it not only validates their efforts but also fosters a collaborative and enthusiastic learning environment. It sounds like a very impactful and inspiring event. Finally, she quoted that this FDP will be covering both basic and advances in process modelling, simulation and process control and wished the participants to have wonderful sessions.
The inaugural event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. K. Sankar, Assistant Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering. He thanked the AICTE Training and learning Academy (ATAL) for funding the FDP. Further, his thanks giving extended to the chief guest Dr. G. Aghila, Director NIT Trichy, the HOD Chemical Engineering, the National and International experts the faculty and staff members, and the participants for making this FDP a fruitful one. This FDP serves as a pivotal step in capacity building India’s automation initiatives. Empowering educators and researchers through such programs are crucial for advancing sustainable technologies and achieving long-term goals.