The Indian Institute of Metals (IIM), Jamshedpur Chapter, in association with CSIR–National Metallurgical Laboratory (CSIR-NML), Jamshedpur, organized an expert technical lecture on “Status and Trends in Materials for Nuclear Applications” on August 17, 2026, at the CSIR-NML Auditorium, Burmamines, Jamshedpur. The lecture was delivered by Dr. Komal Kapoor, President, Indian Institute of Metals (IIM), and Chairman and Chief Executive of the Nuclear Fuel Complex (NFC). The programme was attended by Dr. Sandip Ghosh Chawdhury, Director, CSIR-NML; Dr. Atanu Ranjan Pal, Chairperson, IIM Jamshedpur Chapter; Dr. S. Siva Prasad, Chief Scientist, CSIR-NML; Dr. Raghuvir Singh, Chief Scientist, CSIR-NML; Dr. A. N. Bhagat, Past Chairperson, IIM Jamshedpur Chapter; Dr. T. Bhaskar, Chief Technology Officer; and Mr. Tanmay Bhattacharyya, Chief, Project Management & Implementation, Research and Development, Tata Steel Ltd., besides several eminent scientists, metallurgists, engineers, faculty members and students from CSIR-NML, Tata Steel, NIT Jamshedpur and other organizations.

Dr. Atanu Ranjan Pal, Chairperson, IIM Jamshedpur Chapter, delivered the welcome address and outlined the objectives, initiatives and various technical and professional activities undertaken by the Chapter. Dr. Sandip Ghosh Chowdhury, Director, CSIR-NML, introduced the distinguished speaker and emphasized the importance of regularly organizing specialized technical lectures by eminent experts to promote knowledge exchange and foster stronger linkages among research institutions, academia and industry.

In his expert lecture, Dr. Komal Kapoor provided an extensive overview of “Status and Trends in Materials for Nuclear Applications”, drawing upon his rich experience and expertise in the nuclear energy sector. The lecture addressed both fundamental and application-oriented aspects of materials for nuclear applications, with particular emphasis on the role of advanced materials in ensuring the safety, reliability, durability and long-term performance of nuclear systems. Dr. Kapoor elaborated on the materials-related challenges associated with demanding nuclear environments, including extreme operating conditions, structural integrity, radiation exposure, corrosion, high-temperature performance and long-term service reliability. He also highlighted emerging trends and technological developments in nuclear materials and underscored the importance of sustained research, innovation and indigenous technological capabilities to address the future requirements of India's nuclear energy programme.

The lecture provided valuable insights into the evolving materials landscape for nuclear applications and highlighted the critical contribution of materials science and engineering to the development of safe, reliable and sustainable nuclear technologies. The presentation was highly engaging and thought-provoking, generating considerable interest among the participants and offering valuable perspectives to students, researchers, scientists and industry professionals alike.

The event witnessed an enthusiastic participation of more than 200 attendees, comprising scientists and professionals from CSIR-NML and Tata Steel, faculty members and students, as well as researchers and enthusiasts from the broader metallurgical and materials engineering community. The lecture was followed by an interactive question-and-answer session, during which participants engaged with Dr. Kapoor on various aspects of nuclear materials, technological developments and the future of nuclear energy.

The programme was conducted by Dr. Gopi Kishore Mandal, Secretary, IIM Jamshedpur Chapter, who also delivered the vote of thanks. He expressed his sincere gratitude to Dr. Komal Kapoor for sharing his valuable knowledge, experience and perspectives with the audience. Special appreciation was extended to Dr. Sandip Ghosh Chawdhury, Dr. Atanu Ranjan Pal, Dr. Chiradeep Ghosh and Dr. Lalit Meena for their valuable support and contribution towards organizing the programme. Dr. Mandal also conveyed his appreciation to all the distinguished guests, participants and attendees for their enthusiastic participation and contribution to the success of the event.

The expert lecture served as a significant platform for knowledge exchange, technical interaction and professional networking, reinforcing the commitment of the IIM Jamshedpur Chapter towards promoting continuous learning, technical excellence and meaningful collaboration among academia, research organizations and industry in the field of metallurgical and materials engineering.