Panjab University Hosts Launch Event for Royal Society of Chemistry’s Book on Chemometric Methods in Forensic Science

Koral ‘Purnoor’, Demokratic Front, Chandigarh  –   December:

Panjab University’s Honourable Vice Chancellor Prof. Renu Vig, presided over the unveiling of the book “Chemometric Methods in Forensic Science,” edited by Dr. Vishal Sharma from the Institute of Forensic Science & Criminology. Published by the Royal Society of Chemistry (UK) and co-edited by Prof. Simon Lewis and Dr. Georgina Sauzier from Curtin University, Perth (Australia), the release ceremony saw the presence of key figures like Prof Harsh Nayyar (Director RDC), Prof. Navdeep Goyal (Dean Faculty of Science), and Prof. Rajat Sandhir (Professor Biochemistry & Former Coordinator Forensic Science Department). Foreworded by Max M. Houck, Ph.D., FRSC, from Florida International University, USA, the book is celebrated as a vital milestone supporting scientific understanding and criminal justice system across the globe.

Dr. Vishal Sharma expressed that after more than three years of meticulous effort, the book presents chemometric methods specifically designed for professionals in forensic science. Addressing a literature gap, it outlines the application of these methods in forensic casework, their limitations, and emerging trends. The book is structured into sections covering the background, types, basic understanding of Chemometric methods and its applications in various forensic disciplines like in Trace evidence analysis, Environmental Forensics,Illicit Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Analysis, Fire and Explosions Investigation, Food Forensics, Cosmetics and Personal Hygiene Products, Questioned Document Examination, and Biological Materials. Offering detailed discussions on their advantages, limitations, and efficiency, it serves as a valuable resource for Forensic Science students.

The rising popularity of chemometrics in forensic applications, particularly in multivariate statistical tools, is highlighted. With relevance across various forensic disciplines involving chemical analysis, the book provides essential knowledge for students, researchers, practitioners, and other stakeholders. The aim is not only to promote the application of chemometrics in forensic casework but also to encourage further research and critical discussions. The book is envisioned to contribute significantly to advancing forensic science by enhancing the validity and integrity of forensic evidence, thus strengthening the criminal justice system.

Koral ‘Purnoor’, Demokratic Front, Chandigarh  –  15 December:

The University Institute of Chemical Engineering and Technology (UICET) at Panjab University, Chandigarh celebrated the Energy Conservation Day on 14-12-2023 in collaboration with the Institutional Innovation Counci l(IIC), The Catalysis Society of India (CSI) Chandigarh Chapter and Panjab University Alumni association (PUAA). The event featured an enlightening talk by Mr. Sharad Sharma Project Manager at PEDA and expert from the field of energy conservation.

The faculty members, research scholars of the Institute and University, members of IIC and students participated in the event. In his talk Mr, Sharad Sharma deliberated about the various projects undertaken by the Punjab Energy development agency (PEDA) in the last few years in Punjab and Chandigarh with schools, industries, and various institutions. PEDA got 3^rd prize for Energy conservation this year and was ranked first in the year 2021. He also discussed schemes and measures to be adopted by institutes, students and public for energy conservation. The faculty and students interacted with him and asked their queries related to energy conservation, EV transformation, rural sector growth, green hydrogen production and energy conservation and energy auditing.

The Honorary Director Energy Research Centre and Chairperson Dr. SSB UICET honoured the expert with a memento and thanked him for his valuable and informative discourse on the topic and measures adopted by PEDA for energy conservation.

Koral ‘Purnoor’, Demokratic Front, Chandigarh  –  15December:

Today, Prof. Renu Vig, Vice Chancellor, Panjab University, Chandigarh honored the winners and participants of Photography Competition with cash prizes and certificates, organized by Department of Public Relations, Panjab University, Chandigarh. Kamalpreet Singh, Raja Vikrant Sharma, Gurmehak Singh got Ist, 2^nd and 3^rd prize respectively in the theme ‘Shadows of PU Campus’. Whereas, Arun Bansal, Ravkaran Singh and Vishnu Verma got Ist, 2^nd and 3^rd prize in the theme ‘PU Structure’.

Prof. Renu Vig while congratulating the winners/participants, appreciated the talent and creativity of the photographers. She also appreciated the efforts taken by the Department of Public Relations and advised to make it an yearly practice.

Earlier, Prof. Namita Gupta, Director, Public Relations shared that the competition received a tremendous response and the department received around 170 photographs in both the categories.