1. Prof. Yogesh Gianchandani (University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA), invited by Dr. A. R. Upadhya under the Subcommittee for International Relations, gave talks in IISc and M. S. Ramaiah Institute of Technology on July 6th, 2017. He also interacted with faculty and students of Bengaluru engineering colleges.
  2. A One- day workshop on Medical Devices was organized at IISc on 4th July 2017. This one-day workshop provided an overview of the end-to-end process of medical devices from identifying the need to creating a marketable product. Academicians, clinicians, industry experts, and entrepreneurs will shared their views and experiences. An inclusive tutorial on how to develop medical devices was the highlight of the workshop. A book entitled “Inventing Medical Devices: A Perspective from India” was included as part of registration.
  3. A meeting of faculty from several Engineering Colleges in Karnataka was convened at the Dept. of Aerospace Engineering, IISc, on 4th April 2017. The main aim of the meeting was to reach out to the institutes across the state and create awareness about ISSS and its activities. Another key motivation was to seek inputs from the colleges to render ISSS more relevant and useful to these colleges. Several ISSS governing council members briefed about ISSS activities such as the International conference to be held in July, 2917, textbook authored by ISSS members, newsletter Sukshma, ISSS Journal, now part of Springer, workshops conducted, creation of NMDCs, INUP programme. Suggestions and guidance on how to start MEMS course in engineering colleges were also provided. A tour of the Center for Nanoscience at IISc was also arranged to provide an exposure to the attendees. In the concluding feedback session, there was discussion on various related topics. Few important points were discussed as below.
    • In the first year, students can be briefly exposed on applications of MEMS based sensors followed by introduction to design of sensors in second year which can culminate in innovative projects in their final year.
    • Formation of ISSS nodal centers across the state, region wise
    • Internship to students under ISSS banner
    • Creation of a MEMS training kit and manuals for hands-on session on MEMS devices
    • Faculty training to handle MEMS course institutes by ISSS
    • The points suggested were well received by ISSS governing council. Prof. Aatre suggested that some of the points can be considered by ISSS Governing Council for implementation in the near future.
  4. An “Industry-Academia Interactive Meet on Micro and Nano Systems Technologies” was held at Tezpur University, Tezpur, Assam, on March 3-4, 2017. This two-day workshop was organized jointly by ISSS and AICTE NEQIP. The workshop highlighted advances in Micro and Nano System technologies with hands-on sessions using state-of-the-art design tools.
  5. A MEMS Laboratory was inaugurated on 26, Nov., 2016, at Alva’s Institute of Engineering and Technology, Moodbidri, Karnataka. Prof. V. K Aatre and Dr. Prakash D. Mangalgiri, Dr. M Mohan Alva, Chairman, Sri Vivek Alva, Managing Trustee, Dr. Peter Fernandes, Principal, Dr. D. V. Manjunatha, HoD, E&CE Dept., & Sri. Praveen J., Dean (Academics) graced the occasion. Prof. Aatre and Dr. Mangalgiri gave technical talks highlighting the importance of MEMS and Smart Material Systems.