Sushanta K. Mitra
Sushanta K. Mitra, University of Waterloo, CANADA
Title: Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology (WIN): Solving global challenges by bridging across the length scales
Biography
Biography: Sushanta K. Mitra
Abstract
WIN, with its 86 faculty members, is the global centre of excellence in nanoscience and nanotechnology. The unique feature about WIN is its ability to bridge the entire length scale from Å – mm and solve key challenges in terms of energy, water, and public health. At the atomic scale, researchers are exploiting the quantum phenomena, followed by harnessing the advantages of two-dimensional materials like graphene and developing new nanomaterials with tunable functional properties. This enables researchers to build nano-meter scale molecular machines. Such bottom-up approach in materials research and their fundamental understanding lead to development of new micro-sensors based on NEMS/MEMS technology. By integrating ICT platform, real-world devices are built, which range from integrated sensors to wearable gadgets. Currently, there is also a significant endeavor in utilizing machine learning and artificial intelligence coupled with Internet-of-Things for nanotechnology. WIN has charted its new mission in bolstering its four thematic areas – Smart and Functional Materials; Connected Devices; Next Generation Energy Systems; and Theranostics and Therapeutics. The discoveries by WIN scientists and engineers are fundamentally changing our world and helping solve some of humanities most pressing issues and at the same time driving Industry 4.0 agenda.