Coimbatore Institute of Technology (CIT), in collaboration with Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL), Norway, inaugurated the 4th International Conference on Advanced Materials for Clean Energy and Health Applications (AMCEHA 2026) at its campus on Wednesday. The three-day conference, scheduled from June 3 to 5, has attracted over 300 delegates from India, Norway, Sri Lanka, South Korea, the United Kingdom, the United States and several other countries.
The conference serves as a global platform for researchers, academicians, industry experts and policymakers to deliberate on the latest advancements in materials science, clean energy technologies and healthcare applications.
The event was inaugurated by Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), who lit the ceremonial lamp, released the conference proceedings and delivered the inaugural address. The inaugural session was presided over by Santossh, Chairman and Correspondent of CIT Institutions, and Prof. Gunnar Yttri, Rector of HVL, Norway. The programme commenced with a Bharatanatyam performance, followed by a welcome address by Dr. Rajeswari, Principal of CIT.
Providing an overview of the conference, Prof. Dhayalan Velauthapillai, Chair and Coordinator of AMCEHA 2026 and Professor of Physics and Nanotechnology at HVL, highlighted the growing academic collaborations between India, Sri Lanka and Norway. He emphasized the need for stronger international partnerships to address future energy challenges and promote sustainable energy solutions.
In his presidential address, Santossh underlined the crucial role of higher educational institutions in driving innovation and research. Prof. Gunnar Yttri noted that the partnership between CIT and HVL has generated meaningful academic and research outcomes while strengthening bilateral ties between India and Norway.
Dr. Anandharamakrishnan, Director of CSIR-NIIST, highlighted Dr. Kalaiselvi’s pioneering contributions to lithium-ion battery technology and her role in establishing India’s first lithium-cell manufacturing facility in Chennai. Dr. Alamelu, Chief Academic Officer of CIT, called for transformational and solution-oriented research, particularly in the field of green energy.
Delivering the inaugural address, Dr. Kalaiselvi stressed the importance of international scientific collaboration in a rapidly evolving geopolitical environment. She observed that advanced materials are central to modern life and are critical for ensuring technological, energy and national security. Referring to the vision of Viksit Bharat, she urged researchers and institutions to work collectively towards societal progress and global scientific advancement.
She also encouraged participants to explore emerging energy domains such as white hydrogen, describing it as a promising complement to existing green hydrogen initiatives. Addressing students, she emphasized the broader societal impact of scientific research.
A major highlight of the inaugural session was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between HVL and CSIR to strengthen cooperation in research, innovation and academic exchange. The conference will also feature strategic roundtables, leadership panel discussions and Innovator Showcase 2026, providing opportunities for collaboration, technology transfer and recognition of outstanding innovations in clean energy, advanced materials and healthcare.