Dimapur: The inaugural session of the International Conference on Chemistry in Multidisciplinary Research (ICCMR–2026), organized by the Department of Chemistry, Nagaland University, was held on February 18 at I. Ihoshe Kinimi Hall, Lumami. The three-day conference will conclude on February 20.
In his message, Nagaland University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. J. K. Patnaik, highlighted the contributions of academic institutions to scientific advancement and initiatives promoting research and innovation. Vice-Chancellor In-charge, Prof. B. Kilangla Jamir, emphasized bridging the gap between science and society through multidisciplinary approaches, while NU Registrar, Dr. Abemo, expressed gratitude to participants, noting the programme as a milestone for the University.
Pro Vice-Chancellor of NU Medziphema Campus, Prof. Dipak Sinha, encouraged students to interact with delegates, highlighting the transition of the conference from interdisciplinary to multidisciplinary platforms. Dean, School of Science, Prof. Santosh K. Singh, stressed the importance of multidisciplinary approaches in addressing global challenges such as climate change and poverty.
Chief guest, Prof. Dr. G. D. Yadav, spoke on the theme “Think of Some Innovations”, suggesting reforms in the academic system and advocating free education for girls up to PhD level. Lifetime Achievement Awards were also presented during the inaugural programme. The event featured addresses by guests of honour, Prof. Virendra M. Tiwari and Prof. Mohammad Mobin, who underscored the role of multidisciplinary research and introduced new academic initiatives. The programme was chaired by Prof. Ambrish Singh, Head of the Department of Chemistry, with introductory remarks by Dr. M. Indira Devi. Felicitation was conducted by Dr. Seram Dushila Devi, followed by a cultural performance and vote of thanks by Dr. I. Tovishe Phucho.
Meanwhile, St. Joseph University, Dimapur, hosted a one-day workshop on “AI for Digital Readiness and Advancement” on February 16, organized by the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication in collaboration with the Media & Publicity Cell. Resource person Dr. Moalemba Jamir, Associate Editor of The Morung Express, introduced students to Artificial Intelligence and its growing relevance in journalism and media practices. He familiarized participants with Large Language Models (LLMs) and AI tools such as ChatGPT, Sora, Notebook, MidJourney, Gemini Veo 3, Perplexity, and ElevenLabs, highlighting their evolution and practical applications.
Discussions also addressed ethical concerns, particularly in sensitive domains such as healthcare and journalism, with Dr. Jamir stressing the importance of human judgment and responsible use of AI. He emphasized the theme “Humans + AI”, reminding students that AI reflects the data and values fed into it, urging future media practitioners to cross-check facts.
The workshop was chaired by JMC PG Semester-II student Rokonguno, with a welcome address by Head of Department, Dr. Naorem Nishikanta Singh, and concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by PG Semester-IV student Gloria V. Zimo.