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NORTH EAST INDIA RESEARCH FORUM
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Dear
CONTENTS
1. THE FORUM 5
2. SCIENCE, R&D News 6
3. RECENT DEVELOPMENTS: In Organic Chemistry 10
4. NORTH EAST INDIANS MADE US PROUD 11
5. EVENT AND NEWS FROM NORTH EAST INDIA 12
6. NORTH EAST INDIA RESEARCH FORUM MEMBERS
IN NEWS, AWARDS / FELLOWSHIP RECEIVED BY MEMBERS 13
7. THE OTHER SIDE OF MEMBERS OF THE FORUM 14
8. VISIT BY MEMBERS 14
9. INSTRUMENT OF THE ISSUE – Inductively Coupled Plasma- Mass Spectroscopy 15
10. ARTICLES SECTION
a) Invited Article
ITER and India's contribution 17
Prof. Dhiraj Bora
b) Is it time to change the track? 20
Dr. Utpal Bora
c) Diluted magnetic semiconductors: making nonmagnetic 21
semiconductors ferromagnetic
Dr. Sasanka Deka
d) A tribute to the legend, F. A. Cotton 23
Dr. Manab Sharma
e) The concept of hydrogen bond 26
Mr. Bipul Sarma
f) The Rietveld Method: A Retrospective View 31
Mr.Binoy K Saikia
g) Human Genome Project: Unfolding The Mystery Of Humanity 33
Ms. Nabanita Bhattacharyya
h) Mycoremediation: An approach to clean up environmental pollutant sites 34
Mr. Mahananda Chutia
i) Computational fluid dynamics (cfd), as a tool in industrial research 37
with a case study of flow of turbulent rectangular jet in cross-flow
Dr. Manabendra Pathak
A system of this kind is the perfect tool If GMR is to work, structures consisting
for reading data from hard disks when of layers that are only a few atoms thick
information registered magnetically has have to be produced. For this reason
to be converted to electric current. Soon GMR can also be considered one of the
researchers and engineers began work first real applications of the promising
to enable use of the effect in read-out field of nanotechnology.
heads. In 1997 the first read-out head
based on the GMR effect was launched
and this soon became the standard
technology. Even the most recent read-
out techniques of today are further
developments of GMR.
Healthcare research
Asia’s first human milk bank:
Albert Fert, presently, a Professor
Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General
at Université Paris-Sud, Orsay,
Hospital (LTMGH) in Sion, is the
France, since 1976 and Scientific
Asia’s first human milk bank, has
director of Unité mixte de physique
created a record of sorts by collecting
CNRS/Thales, Orsay, France, since
924 litres of milk from “mother
1995.
donors”. The milk is collected,
pasteurized at 65 degrees Celsius for 30
and there-fore into changes in the minutes and then frozen at minus 20
current emitted by the read-out head. degrees Celsius. This milk can last six
The current is the signal from the read- months and is a boon for sick and
out head and its different strengths abandoned babies. (Zeenews.com)
represent ones and zeros.
Hope for Diabetic patients: There Says Dr. Trivedi, “Once we get the
is a good news for diabetes patients as permissions, we should be able to treat
there may be a stem cell cure for the the first 10 patients in a month or so."
disease. Dr. H.L. Trivedi and his team
from Ahmedabad claimed that they The institute has decided to use this
have discovered a cell that is present in technique to treat children with diabetes
human fat that can produce insulin, first.
when cultivated.
The treatment will initially cost about
"If we could transplant stem cells which one lakh rupees and doctors hope that
have the ability to cure diabetes, then this will mean the final word in diabetes
it's the final of final and ultimate of treatment.
ultimate as far as cure for diabetes is
concerned,” says Dr. Trivedi, who is the (http://www.cnn-ibn.com/news/stem-
director of Institute of Kidney Diseases, cell-cure-for-diabetes-in-offing-gujarat-
Ahmedabad. docs/47079-17.html)
The miracle stem cell can be Drug’s from Spider’s venom: The
transplanted into the liver, where it not venom of a particular species of spider
can act like natural viagra. According to
only multiplies, but produces insulin as
recent report published in Live Science,
well - much like the islet cells that
a person stung by the Brazilian
produce insulin in the pancreas. With wandering spider Phoneutria nigriventer
the cells present in fat, it would side not only experiences extreme pain but
step the controversy associated with also an increase in blood pressure
embryonic stem cells. In fact, Trivedi resulting in enhanced sexual
feels this could be nature's way of stimulation.
countering insulin.
The research team member Romulo
“There is a strong reason to believe that Leite of the Medical College of
this is a back-up system generated by Georgia: “We are hoping that this will
nature. Nature has stored these insulin eventually end up in the development of
producing cells in our adipose tissue,” real drugs for the treatment of erectile
says Dr. Trivedi. dysfunction.”
The discovery couldn't be more relevant The actual compound was separated and
today, with India considered the dubbed as T X 2.6, a relatively short
diabetes capital of the world. However, string of amino acids (peptide). When
injected with the peptides, rats shoe
if Dr. Trivedi's team manages to
enhanced sexual stimulation.
develop this, it would mean treatment
for a condition that is the 4th leading It may be noted that in the past too
cause of death in the world. some experiments with spider venom on
rats proved to be successful. This has
So what is the next step? raised the hopes of using spider’s
venom for the development of new
To begin with, the team will now seek
drugs.
permission from the Internal Review (Courtesy: Science Reporter, October,
Board of the institute to start using this 2007)
technique on patients.
supersonic jet forms and the sample ions chosen which allows an array of
are passed into the MS system at high different m/z ratio ions to be detected.
speeds, expanding in the vacuum
system. The entire mass spectrometer Detector: The most common type of ion
must be kept in a vacuum so that the detector found in an ICP-MS system is
ions are free to move without collisions the channeltron electron multiplier. This
with air molecules. Since the ICP is cone or horn shaped tube has a high
maintained at atmospheric pressure, a voltage applied to it opposite in charge
pumping system is needed to to that of the ions being detected. Ions
continuously pull a vacuum inside the leaving the quadrupole are attracted to
spectrometer. In order to most efficiently the interior cone surface. When they
reduce the pressure several pumps are strike the surface additional secondary
typically used to gradually reduce electrons are emitted which move farther
pressure to 10-5 mbar before the ion into the tube emitting additional
stream reaches the quadrupole. If only secondary electrons. As the process
one pump were used, its size would be continues even more electrons are
excessive to reduce the pressure formed, resulting in as many as 108
immediately upon entering the mass electrons at the other end of the tube
spectrometer. after one ion strikes at the entrance of
the cone.
Mass Spectrometer (MS): In the first
stage of the mass spectrometer ions are ♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣
removed from the plasma by a pumped
extraction system. An ion beam is BRAIN EXERCISE
produced and focused further into the
actual unit. There are several different
types of mass analyzers which can be
employed to separate isotopes based on
their mass to charge ratio. Quadrupole
analyzers are compact and easy to use
but offer lower resolution when dealing
with ions of the same mass to charge
(m/z) ratio. Double focussing sector
analyzers offer better resolution but are
larger and have higher capital cost.
The ITER project originated when the design and recommended a unanimous
need for a next-step experiment aimed opinion that the design meets the
at demonstrating the scientific and programmatic objective of
technological feasibility of fusion demonstrating the scientific and
energy for peaceful purposes was technological feasibility of fusion.
Al Cotton was scientifically active until Joseph Priestley Medal - the highest
his death and with more than 1600 honor given by the American Chemical
articles in peer-reviewed journals he Society-the Award in Chemical Sciences
made the record of publishing maximum of the National Academy of Sciences
numbers of articles in 130 years of and the highly prestigious Wolf Prize,
history of Texas A&M University. viewed by many scholars as having the
Cotton was immensely proud of his large status of a Nobel Prize. The jury for the
family of academic progeny-graduate Wolf Prize called him the "preeminent
students (around 116 Ph.D. recipients), inorganic chemist in the world." In 2006,
more than 150 postdoctoral fellows, and Cotton received the George Pimentel
many visiting scientists. He was a never- award, the American Chemical Society's
tired researcher. Even one can find his highest recognition for achievements in
paper in "Journal of American Chemical chemical education. He was awarded 29
Society" on the web published issue of honorary doctorates by universities
2nd October 2007. In an interview he around the world, believed to be the
said, "The thrill of discovery and the most in school history.
challenge of finding out something that
perhaps no one has yet-those things are Cotton left behind his wife, Diane
still very, very exciting to me. Maybe I "Dee", and two daughters, Jennifer and
was born with a lot of energy, because I Jane. For Cotton, there will never be any
still love what I'm doing, and seeing my traditional funeral, as he will be forever
students walk across the stage and get with us with his works. He is physically
their degrees still gives me a big kick. unreachable, but chemically will be with
That's the part I'll never get tired of…." us, till the time will go and thus he is
immortal. At the same time, his absence
He had written five text and reference will definitely make an "Ozone hole" in
books that have sold in excess of half-a- the branch of Inorganic chemistry.
million copies, including editions in 40 (N.B. data are collected from Internet
foreign languages. and from his site)
The texts – including
Advanced Inorganic About the author
Chemistry, Basic Dr. Manab Sharma (Ph.D. from North
Inorganic Chemistry, East Institute of Science & Technology
Chemical (NEIST), Jorhat-785006, Assam, is a
Applications of Lady-Davy Postdoctoral Fellow at the
Group Theory, and Department of Chemistry, Technion-
the high school text Israel Institute of Chemistry, Haifa,
Chemistry, an Israel.
Investigative Approach – very simply
convey chemical principles. ♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣
Conclusion
Hydrogen bond
has tremendous
use in various
fields. This
article is a
concept and
overview of
hydrogen
bonding in the
solid state. It
only focuses the
structural
properties. Now
a day it is
related to the
broad spectrum
of fields involving material science,
Hydrogen bonds are non additive. That inorganic and organic chemistry, biology
means n−interconnected hydrogen bonds and pharmacy.
are not just the sum of those of n isolated
bonds. Two principal mechanisms are References
responsible for this non additivity and 1. G.A. Geffrey, An Introduction to
both operate by mutual polarization of Hydrogen Bonding, Oxford
the involved groups, University Press, Oxford, 1997.
(i) σ-bond cooperativity or 2. G.R. Desiraju, T. Steiner, The
Polarization Assisted Hydrogen Bonding Weak Hydrogen Bond in
(PAHB) Structural Chemistry and
(ii) π-bond cooperativity or Biology, Oxford University
Resonance Assisted Hydrogen Bonding Press, Oxford, 1999.
(RAHB). 3. G.R. Desiraju, Angew. Chem.,
1995, 107, 2541-2558; Angew.
If an Xδ-−H δ+ group forms a hydrogen Chem. Int. Ed. Engl. 1995, 34,
bond Xδ-−H δ+···A δ-, it becomes more 2311-2327.
polar. Same also true if it accepts a 4. T. Steiner, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed.
hydrogen bond, Yδ-−H δ+···X δ-−H δ+. 2002, 41, 48-76.
Thus in a chain with two hydrogen 5. J. Kroon, J.A. Kanters, Nature,
bonds, Y−H···X−H···A, both becomes 1974, 248, 667-669.
stronger. This effect is called σ-bond
About the author
cooperativity or Polarization Assisted
Bipul Sarma (born in Nalbari district,
Hydrogen Bonding. X−H groups may
Assam) received his bachelor degree in
also be polarized by charge flow through
1987 to May 1994 a total of 350 papers values up to one part in 1000 can be
were published with reference to or obtained on solid samples without an
using the Rietveld Method, of which internal standard. Additionally, accurate
nearly half used neutron diffraction. cell dimensions can be computed on low
Many more papers on the method have symmetry materials.
appeared with unexpected applications. Accurate Phase Quantification: Scale
factors are refined and are related to
In the day of digitized X-ray diffraction weight percent of each phase. Complex
patterns, Rietveld Analysis has become mixtures with overlapping reflections are
increasingly of interest. This is a "whole quantified with a high degree of
pattern" treatment rather than a limited accuracy (about 1 wt.%)
number of reflections of the X-ray data Crystallite Size and Strain: A
and it gives the type of structural mathematical function is used to model
analysis normally obtained by a single the profiles and to separate diffraction
crystal diffractometer. It was originally peak broadening due to size from that
conceived as a refinement method for due to strain. Size and microstrain values
crystal structures using neutron are derived simultaneously from the
diffraction data. But today it is also used XRD pattern.
for X-ray diffraction. Briefly, the Site Occupancies: Yields quantitative
Rietveld method requires a knowledge information as to the extent of solid
of the approximate crystal structure of solution or isomorphous substitution.
all phases of interest. The input data Atom Positions: Positions of selected
required to calculate a synthetic pattern cations in the unit cell can be computed.
includes the space group symmetry, Rietveld Method has contributed to a
number of atoms, atomic positions, renewed interest in powder diffraction
temperature factor, site occupancies, and techniques, even to the extent that in
lattice parameters. The refinement is some applications it replaces single
conducted by minimizing the sum of the crystal techniques. The method is proven
weighted, squared differences of this to be sound and has given results at least
calculated pattern and the observed as good as single crystal data.
intensities every step in a digital powder
pattern. In a typical refinement, References
individual scale factors (related to the 1. Rietveld, H.M. (1966a). Acta
weight percents of each phase) and Crystallogr., 20, 508.
profile, background, and lattice 2. Rietveld, H.M. (1967). Acta
parameters are varied. In favorable cases Crystallogr., 22, 151-2.
the atomic positions and site 3. Rietveld, H.M. (1969b). J. Appl.
occupancies can also be successfully Crystallogr., 2, 65-71.
varied. Since the method uses all lines,
severely overlapping reflections are not About the author
a problem. The method can be used to Mr Binoy K Saikia a graduate from
obtain the following crystallographic Dibrugarh University obtained his
information: masters degree in Inorganic Chemistry
Lattice Parameters: Since systematic from Cotton College (Gauhati
errors (caused by sample displacement) University) in 2000. He then joined in
are corrected during refinement, accurate North East Institute of Sciences &
Technology (Formerly Regional
relatively less cost compared to the discrete points in time and/or space.
experimental and thus experimental Thus CFD is a highly interdisciplinary
technique is virtually replaced. research area, which lies at the interface
of physics, applied mathematics, and
computer science.
What is CFD
For deriving the basic equations of fluid
Components of CFD technique
flow, the approach of continuum
Four steps are required to apply a
mechanics is applied in which, the
general-purpose CFD technique to solve
existence of molecules is ignored, and
a fluid dynamics problem. First step is
matter is treated as a continuous
the creation of the geometry and
medium. The mapping of the laws of
discretisation or meshing of the flow
mass, momentum, and energy
domain. This involves the constructing
conservation to the continuum results in
the geometry for the problem, which is
field equations that describe the
typically done using a computer-assisted
dynamics of the continuum. These field
design (CAD) like preprocessor. Within
equations, that are derived from the
the geometry of the domain, relevant
conservation laws of mass, momentum,
physics are defined, appropriate models
energy and species set over a physical
are specified, boundary and initial
domain are nonlinear, partial differential
conditions are applied, and solver
equations that can be solved, in
parameters are specified. In CFD
principle, when combined with the
technique the governing non-linear
appropriate constitutive information and
partial differential equations are
boundary conditions. These equations
discretised on the specified geometry. So
are then solved numerically to generate
the domain discretisation must be
the velocity and other scalar fields in the
specified. This process, known as
flow domain. The Navier-Stokes
meshing or grid generation, is the second
equations which are derived from the
step in the CFD technique. In the third
conservation of momentum consist of
step, the equations are discretised over
the nonlinear partial differential
the specified grid, and the resulting sets
equations with an intricate dependency
of algebraic equations are solved. The
on velocity components within the
development of solvers is still an active
system of equations. Apart from some
area of research, the goal being to
specific cases, these partial differential
improve the likelihood and rate of
equations are not solvable using the
convergence. The fourth step, after
mathematical tools. There are only a
satisfactory convergence is obtained, is
very small number of flows that entitle
to interpreting the solution in terms of
one to simplify the governing equations
plots, graph or animation. This step is
in such a way that it is possible to
known as also post processing. The
achieve a theoretical study by analytical
quality of CFD results depends on (i) the
solution. Consequently for most cases,
mathematical model and underlying
one is required to solve the Navier-
assumptions, (ii) approximation type and
Stokes equations numerically using CFD
stability of the numerical scheme (ii)
techniques. CFD is a technique of
mesh, time step, error indicators and
replacing the partial derivatives with
stopping criteria.
discretised algebraic form, which in
turns are solved for flow field value at
Problem formulation
We have considered the flow field of a
heated rectangular jet, discharged from
the rectangular slot in the channel bed
whereupon the channel flow forms the
cross-flow. The velocity ratio of the jet
to cross-flow is 6 i.e. r = 6. The jet is
slightly heated (6.10 c) compared to the
Figure 1: Configuration of a jet in cross- cross-flow. Both the cross-flow and jet
flow. flow are fully turbulent. The 3d, steady
state, reynolds-averaged navier-stokes
equations for the incompressible flow and observed to be lifted upward by the
form the governing equations. Standard jet fluid and to be carried downstream
k-ε model (Launder & Spalding, 1974) is together with it. The vertical penetration
used to resolve the turbulence of the of the jet is more at the central plane (z/d
flow field. The details of the flow = 0) than at the other plane (z/d = 3) due
domain, grids, boundary conditions, to the lateral spread of the jet near the
numerical methods used and code side edge of the jet discharge slot. it is
validations can be found in (Pathak et also observed that the structures and
al., 2006). extent of the reverse flow regions
downstream of the jet are different at the
three spanwise planes,
thereby demonstrating
the three-
dimensionality of the
flow.
Iso-contours of the
mean temperature at
three different
spanwise planes (z/D
Figure 2: Mean velocity vector plots = 0, 5 and 6) are presented in Fig. 3. The
superimposed with streamline at temperature contour shows shapes
different spanwise locations, z/D = 0 and somewhat similar to the well known
3 in x-y plane. Gaussian distribution. The mean
temperature variations of the heated free
Results jet are small (Sherif & Pletcher, 1991).
The predicted non-dimensional mean Therefore all the temperature
velocity vectors superimposed with fluctuations in the cross-flow jet may
streamline plot at two different x-y result from the mixing and the
planes in the spanwise direction are interaction between the jet and cross-
shown in fig. 2. The two planes chosen flow. At the upper part of the jet, the
are the central vertical plane (z/d = 0) distribution of the contour is dense, thus
and planes at z/d = 3. The jet trajectory indicating that the mixing between the
is deflected in the streamwise direction jet and the cross-flow is rather active. In
and the direction of the cross-flow is contrast, relatively sparse contours are
altered as if an obstacle blocks it. developed widely at the inner part of the
However, due to the effect of the jet jet. This originates from a low-velocity
entrainment and the motion of the jet, reverse flow region, which may promote
the flow field of a jet in cross-flow is not the process of thermal spread at the inner
exactly the same as that over a rigid part of the jet. The spread of the mean
obstacle. a wake-like region with a temperature is affected by the mean
complex flow pattern is formed in the velocity field at different spanwise
lee side of the jet. Very close to the locations. At the edge and outside of the
bottom wall, a reverse flow region is slot, the spread of the temperature is less
formed and the cross-stream fluid has compared to that at the centre, which is
been observed to enter this region. After Similar to the case of the mean velocity
entering, the cross-flow travels upstream
field distribution.
solution to color the final wood polymer varieties available hardwoods are being
composite. Increased applications of used mainly for construction purposes.
wood in industries, institutions require Softwoods are mostly used for fuel
wood to be protected from fire. In order purposes due to their poor strength and
to impart flame retardancy, solutions of dimensional stability compared to
flame retardant chemicals are used to hardwoods. These softwoods can have
impregnate into wood under pressure value added by being made into wood
and then dried to obtain retention of suitable for different applications like
chemicals. This process does not furniture, office equipment and in
improve the strength and stability to a construction through proper treatment
large extent. Flame retardancy is such as chemical modification.
generally imparted into woods by Modification through impregnation has
incorporating either chlorine or drawn the attention of researchers in the
phosphorous containing polymer, or the past and studies in this area are still
copolymerization product of these with being pursued with great interest.
more flammable polymers like
polymethyl methacrylate, polystyrene In Tezpur University, in the Department
etc. of Chemical Sciences two of the
softwoods easily available in this region
WPC has many changed and improved mainly rubber wood and pinewood were
physical properties compared with the modified by using styrene and glycidyl
parent wood. Notable are an increase in methacrylate (GMA) followed by in-situ
surface hardness, dimensional stability polymerization in the presence of heat
and the possibility of fine finishing catalyst. GMA contains both glycidyl
without surface coating. In many groups and double bond. The glycidyl
countries like Canada, Finland, Sweden, group and double bond can be exploited
Great Britain, Japan and South America for reaction with hydroxyl group of
researches on modification of wood cellulose present in wood and for
started during 60’s and commercial copolymerization with vinyl or acrylic
amounts of wood-polymer were monomers. We also developed rubber
produced for airport terminals and office wood using styrene as the monomer and
buildings. One of the most popular Diethyl allyl phosphate (DEAP) as a
products is Parquet flooring where the flame retardant monomer to increase the
increased hardness and abrasion flame retardancy by catalyst heat
resistance offered an advantage in high treatment method. Most of the physical
traffic commercial applications. Some and mechanical properties such as
other famous products are Perma Grain dimensional stability, hardness, water
products, Hartco (Tebbles Flooring Co.) absorption, biodegradation, compressive
flooring. A research group at the strength, bending strength, thermal
University of New Brunswick Canada is stability, fire retardancy etc. improved
assisting industry in setting up the more or less.
catalyst-heat process to produce knife
handles and other articles. Some examples of properties modified
after impregnation of wood with
Northeastern part of India is bestowed polymers are shown below
with huge storage of trees. Out of two
References
1. Encyclopedia of Polymer science
and Engineering; 2nd Ed; Wiley
Interscience; 1989; 17, 843.
2. Rowell, R.M. Advances in
Chemistry Series: The chemistry
of solid wood; Washington D.C.;
Am Chem Soc 1984.
3. Meyer, J.A. and Loos, W.E. For
Fig. 1 Weight gain of WPC (rubber Prod J 1972; 19(12), 32.
wood) in water at 300C 4. The Chemistry of Wood
Preservation; Ed. R. Thompson;
Royal Soc of Chem 1991.
5. Chan, K.Y.; Yap, M.G.S.; Chia,
L.H.L. and Neoh, K.G. Rad Phys
Chem 1989; 33 (3), 197.
6. Devi, R.R. Modification of
softwood with impregnation of
polymers, Ph.D thesis, 2006.
7. Devi, R.R.; Saikia, C.N.; Thakur,
A.J.; Maji, T.K. J Appl Polym Sci
Untreated pine wood Treated pine wood 2007, 105, 2461- 2467.
8. Devi, R.R.; Maji, T.K.; Benarjee,
Fig. 2 Decrease in the biodegradation A.N. J Appl Polym Sci 2004, 93,
of pinewood on treatment 1938-1945.
9. Devi, R.R.; Maji, T.K.; Polym.
Composite, 2007,28, 1-5.
Table. Increase in hardness of wood
on treatment About the author
Dr. Rashmi Rekha Devi has been
Type of wood Hardness working as a Scientist at the Defense
Materials & Stores Research &
Rubber 46.6 Development Establishment
(Untreated) (DMSRDE), Kanpur, UP (India).
Rubber (Treated) 69.9
Pine (Untreated) 45.4 ♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣
Pine (Treated) 54.5
"Patent all your ideas, and
There is a wide scope of get yourself a good
modification of different varieties of lawyer."
wood in this region that can be modified
with polymers and industrialization of - Thomas Alva Edison
these wood-polymer composites will
bout Micelles……
.
SEFUL WEBSITES
In April 1997 Dr. Frank Baker, an emergency medicine specialist from the Chicago area,
took part in a clinical trial to test a form of artificial skin for treating insulin-dependent
diabetics whose tissue had been degraded by the secondary effects of chronic high blood
sugar. Baker, who has had diabetes for more than four decades, was in danger of losing a
foot because of hard-to-heal skin ulcers. For him the trial results were close to
miraculous: the laboratory-grown skin didn't just cover and protect his wound, it released
chemicals that caused his own tissue to grow back much faster. As Baker put it, the
artificial skin "saved my foot." The material that worked this medical wonder was
synthesized from polymers.
(http://www.beyonddiscovery.org/content/view.txt.asp?a=203)
Independent young researchers, early in their careers, are encouraged to apply. Doctoral students may apply
only under certain conditions [see section II. (2)].
(2) Tenure of Short-Term Fellowships Short-Term Fellowships are awarded for periods of 2 weeks to 3
months. They will not be awarded for a series of multiple visits to the host laboratory. The length of time
must be justified on the basis of need to perform experiments, learn techniques or to use facilities that are
only available at the host institution. The Short-Term Fellowship must start within 12 months after
notification of the award. The fellowship is not awarded retroactively and applicants cannot start to
work at the host institute before notification of award. The award will be withdrawn if:
a. The candidate starts working in the host institution before receipt of the review
outcome
b. The candidate cannot start the fellowship within 12 months after notification of award
c. The project or host institution is changed without the explicit consent of HFSPO.
(3) When to submit Applications may be submitted throughout the year. Decisions on awards will be
announced approximately 3-4 months after receipt of the complete application. Applicants must provide
adequate time for review of the application before the start of the fellowship.
It is recommended that applicants contact the Secretariat before travelling to the host laboratory, if
they have not received notification of the outcome of the application within that time frame.
The scope of HFSP funding ranges from biological functions at the molecular and cellular level up to
biological systems including cognitive functions. Within this broad area, all levels of analysis are
supported, from studies on genes and individual molecules, intracellular networks, intercellular associations
in tissues and organs, to networks underlying complex functions of entire organisms. However, projects
that involve only large-scale, systematic genome mapping, applied research (e.g. clinical) or pure ‘omics’-
type projects are not eligible to receive HFSP funding.
The HFSP does not support projects aimed specifically at developing methods of treatment and diagnosis.
Studies related to disease are only considered if they allow new insights into fundamental biological
mechanisms. Proposals directly concerned with agricultural or environmental problems (crop yield,
bioremediation) or studies at the population or ecosystem level are not supported. The HFSP views
interdisciplinary approaches as being necessary for addressing the scientific questions that it supports, and
that fellows should receive broad research training. Thus, applicants for Short-Term Fellowships should
obtain training or establish collaborations in a new research field. Individuals working in physics,
chemistry, mathematics, computer science or engineering are encouraged to utilize HFSP fellowships to
obtain training or establish new collaborations in the life sciences.
Eligibility criteria:
1. A scientist from one of the supporting countries (see below) can apply for a Short-Term
Fellowship to work in a research institution in any other country.
A candidate from a non-supporting country may apply to work in a research institution in any
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Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, the Republic of Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Republic of
Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland,
Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom
and the United States of America.
2. Candidates must have obtained or be about to obtain their research doctorate (Ph.D.) or a
doctoral-level degree (e.g. a research based M.D. or medical Ph.D.) with a proven record of
experience in basic experimental research. Doctoral students who submit an application must have
received their degree at the start of the fellowship.
3. Preference will be given to young investigators at an early stage of their careers. Applications
from more established investigators will be considered under exceptional circumstances.
4. Applicants must have at least one first author or joint first author paper published or in
press in a peer-reviewed international journal when submitting their application. In a joint first
author paper the applicant may be listed in second place, even though he/she has played a primary
role. In this case the fact that the first authors contributed equally to the work must be clearly
stated in the published article. Exceptions will be made if the standard publication practice in a
given field or in a particular research institution makes first authorship impossible due to e.g.
alphabetical listing of authors. These circumstances must be explained in detail in section
“Additional Comments” of the application form.
The papers must be written in English. Review papers and patent applications are not taken
into account.
5. Applicants must have adequate language skills to carry out their proposed research at the host
institution.
6. Former holders of HFSP Long-Term/Cross-Disciplinary Fellowships who left the host
country are eligible for a return visit to complete or extend the research with their former HFSP
research supervisor. This can include experimental work or preparing manuscripts based on the
work performed during tenure of the Fellowship.
7. Holders of a HFSP Career Development Award (CDA) or Research Grant may apply for and be
awarded a STF during their CDA or Research Grant.
If you have any questions of eligibility, please contact the Secretariat before submitting your
application. The following are grounds for ineligibility:
2. Applications will not be considered from those who wish to work again with their former
research supervisors, scientific collaborators, or scientists with whom they have already co-
authored publications. Exceptions to this rule are applications from former HFSP Long-
Term/Cross Disciplinary fellows (see above, #6).
4. Applications to move from one laboratory to another in the same country are not eligible.
5. A candidate cannot apply to go to the country of which he/she is a national, even though he/she
has undertaken pre- or post-doctoral studies abroad or if he/she obtained/will obtain the Ph.D. in
another country.
6. The Short-Term Fellowship cannot be held in the same country or at the same institution as that
in which the candidate obtained/will obtain the Ph.D., or in which he/she performed or received
research training associated with the Ph.D., even if the applicant is not a national of that country.
7. The Short-Term Fellowship cannot be held in the same country or at the same institution in
which the candidate already carried out research (e.g. research visits during the Ph.D. or as a
postdoc) or held an independent research position. The goal of the program is to enable
investigators to obtain research experience in a new country.
8. Applications to extend the Ph.D. training are not accepted even if considering a change in
country.
9. The Short-Term Fellowship cannot be used to precede/follow a visit to the host institution, nor
can it be awarded to extend or complement an existing financial support from another source.
10. The Short-Term Fellowship is not intended to enable researchers solely to attend workshops,
courses or symposia. Nor are they intended to provide an opportunity only to write papers, books
or reviews.
11. Individuals are limited to two Short-Term Fellowships each at a different host country.
12. It is not possible to submit parallel applications (for a Short-Term and a Long-Term/Cross-
Disciplinary Fellowship) to work with the same host supervisor or at the same host institution. In
addition, a former Short-Term Fellowship awardee cannot apply for a Long-Term/Cross-
Disciplinary Fellowship to return to work with the same host supervisor or at the same host
institution.
III.
ELIGIBLE EXPENSES Short-Term Fellowships will cover following expenses:
(1) Travel expenses - Round-trip travel expenses (the shortest route, the most economical means of travel)
for only one trip to and from the host institution at the start and end of the fellowship. A copy of the invoice
from the travel agency/airline showing the dates of travel or a copy of the plane/train ticket must be
submitted after notification of award.
(2) Living expenses - A daily living allowance is provided for the days spent at the host institution and for
2 travel days. The allowance varies from country to country (see table below)*:
be generated through the research it sponsors, nor will it become involved in any disputes which may arise
about the ownership of such rights.
VI.
BIOETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS The HFSPO requires that the awardee(s) observe the
highest ethical standards in conducting all research sponsored by the Organization. In accepting this award
from the HFSPO, awardees and host supervisors agree to conform strictly to the codes of practice,
regulations and laws, which govern the ethical conduct of scientific research in their own
laboratories/institutions. They are solely responsible if any of these regulations are infringed. Furthermore
they also agree not to undertake any research jointly with scientists in another country where experimental
procedures which are forbidden in their own laboratories/institutions are permissible.
VII. LIABILITY FOR DAMAGE The HFSPO will assume no responsibility for any damage or
injury to awardees in connection with research conducted under the HFSP Short-Term Fellowship. In
accepting this award from the HFSPO, awardees release the HFSPO of all liability for any damage or
injuries which may occur while carrying out the funded research project.
(2) Each recipient must submit a brief report to the HFSPO within two months after completion of
the fellowship.
(3) The Organization will require reimbursement of part of the award if the duration of the
fellowship is shorter than was originally calculated.
http://www.sciencecartoonsplus.com/galchem
By Ashim J Thakur
Capital of Sikkim, Gangtak: The 8th member Evening look of river ‘Mora Bhoroli’ near
of NE India Tezpur University
PCOMING CONFERENCE
http://www.sciencecartoonsplus.com/galchem
POSTDOCTORAL POSITIONS
The Research Foundation of Stony Brook University/SUNY anticipates the following
postdoctoral positions being available between Spring and Fall 2007.
· CHEMISTRY
Ultra-/nano-filtration/reverse osmosis, water purification, multifunctional copolymers,
polymer inorganic hybrids, polyoxometalates. Ben Chu, WC-R-4257-07-08-S
Polymer synthesis, nanocomposites, ultrafiltration/nanofiltration/reverse osmosis. Benjamin
Hsiao, WC-R-4259-07-08-S
Computational structural biology and biophysics. Carlos Simmerling, WC-R-4258-07-08-S
· COMPUTER SCIENCE
Computer Science, Linguistics, or Economics: News and Blog Data Analysis. Steven Skiena,
WC-R-4260-07-08-S
· GEOSCIENCES
Planetary Science: Chemical/Mineralogical evolution of Martian crust. Scott McLennan, WC-
R-4263-07-08-S
Experimental Material/Mineral Chemistry. John Parise, WC-R-4262-07-08-S
· PHARMACOLOGY
Wnt Signaling in Mouse Development. Ken-Ichi Takemaru, HS-R-4270-07-08-S
Mechanisms of neuregulin signaling in CNS synapses circuits and behaviors. D. Talmage,
HS-R-4269-07-08-S
http://www.sciencecartoonsplus.com/galchem
Moderators:
1. Arindam Adhikari, Ph.D. 2. Jadab Sharma, Ph.D.
Institute of Surface Chemistry, Royal Email: js_in1@yahoo.co.in
Institute of Technology, Stockholm,
Sweden
Email: arindam_tsk@yahoo.com
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/northeast_india_research/
www.neindiaresearch.org