Kanpur, 21 April 2025: The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK), through its Advanced Centre for Materials Science (ACMS), in collaboration with the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, hosted a one-day mini-symposium on X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Near Ambient XPS. The workshop brought together students and research scholars to explore the state-of-the-art in the field of XPS.

The event commenced with an inaugural address by Prof. Anish Upadhyaya, Head of ACMS and Professor at IIT Kanpur, who highlighted ACMS’s role in fostering advanced material characterization for academia, research institutions, and industry. Prof. Thiruvancheril G. Gopakumar, workshop coordinator, elaborated on the event’s objectives and noted distinguished experts from IIT Kanpur and industry participation. The technical sessions featured impactful presentations by experts such as Prof. Thiruvancheril G. Gopakumar, Prof. Vishal Govind Rao, Department of Chemistry, IIT Kanpur, Prof. Abhas Singh, Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Kanpur, and Dr. Lukas Reith, SPECS Surface Nano Analysis GmbH, Germany.

Prof. Thiruvancheril G. Gopakumar, Coordinator for the XPS facility at ACMS, emphasized the significance of XPS in understanding the chemical nature of materials at the microscopic level, demonstrating its applications and the state-of-the-art capabilities available at IIT Kanpur. He remarked, “At IIT Kanpur, we believe that the XPS facility is not merely a technique but a vital gateway for understanding the chemical nature of materials at the microscopic level. Our commitment is to provide researchers with advanced tools and knowledge necessary to innovate and push the boundaries of materials science, condensed matter, and molecular materials.”

The symposium concluded with a guided tour of the ACMS research infrastructure, where participants explored the cutting-edge characterization facilities available at IIT Kanpur. The valedictory session recognized the efforts of student volunteers and the hardworking ACMS staff, including. Mr. D. D. Pal, Mr. Puneet Kumar, Mr. Govind, Mr. Ashuthosh Yadav, Mr. Ravindra Agnihotri, and many others.

The workshop reinforces IIT Kanpur’s dedication to advances in material and condensed matter research, providing participants with critical insights and capabilities of modern instrumentation techniques. The event played a vital role in fostering innovation and real-world advancements in materials and condensed matter.

About IIT Kanpur:

The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, established in 1959, holds the distinction of being recognized as an Institute of National Importance by the Government of India through an Act of Parliament. Renowned for its excellence in science and engineering education, IIT Kanpur has made significant contributions to research and development over the decades. Its expansive, lush green campus spans 1,050 acres and hosts a rich array of academic and research resources. The institute comprises 19 departments, 26 centers, three interdisciplinary programs, and two specialized schools across engineering, science, design, humanities, and management disciplines. With over 590 full-time faculty members and more than 9,500 students, IIT Kanpur continues to be a leader in fostering innovation and academic rigor.

For more information, visit www.iitk.ac.in.