Overview, Objective and Outcome

Over the past few years, there has been a concerning decline in undergraduate enrollment in Science disciplines across the state. A significant portion of high-achieving students have been opting for Engineering or Medical programs, leaving fundamental scientific studies and application of basic scientific research is somewhat neglected. This trend has been exacerbated by the limited job prospects in the field of Science, pushing talented individuals toward frustration or, in the case of those from more privileged backgrounds, to seek research opportunities abroad.

Recognizing the need to reignite the passion for Science among these promising students, Raidighi College, in collaboration with K K Das College, has established the Computational Materials Modelling Centre (CMMC) on the premises of K K Das College. This Center stems from our acknowledgment of the rising significance of computational techniques in the realm of materials science and our unwavering dedication to nurturing cutting-edge research and educational advancements within our community. Over the past two decades, the field of nano-materials science has witnessed a remarkable surge in the adoption of computational methodologies. This surge has been propelled, in part, by the exponential growth in computational power, evolving from teraflops in 2002 to the extraordinary exaflops by 2022. This substantial computational capability has enabled researchers to tackle progressively intricate challenges in a more realistic and nuanced manner, rendering computational tools not only more appealing but also indispensable in the arena of materials research and development. In parallel with this computational advancement, the evolution of materials theory, mathematics, and numerical methods has laid the groundwork upon which these computational tools are constructed. It has also paved the way for their practical implementation, thereby enriching the landscape of materials science research and opening new horizons for discovery and innovation.

The primary objective of CMMC is to promote advanced research in Physics and Materials Science, with a special focus on computational modelling. This center doesn't just aspire to be a hub for cutting-edge research but also aims to create an environment where students and faculty can collaborate on projects, fostering a culture of continuous learning and discovery. Through CMMC, we hope to rekindle the flame of curiosity and innovation among the brightest minds and reinvigorate the field of Science in our state, ensuring that our students have a promising future filled with opportunities for growth and contribution to society.

The proposed outcome of the CMMC project is multifaceted, aiming to deliver substantial contributions to Materials Science research and education while nurturing a dynamic learning environment. CMMC aims to transform the landscape of materials science research and education by leveraging computational modelling, fostering collaboration, and nurturing a culture of continuous learning and innovation. The proposed outcomes encompass advancements in research, student development, and the creation of a vibrant academic ecosystem that encourages curiosity, innovation, and real-world applications.

Who can join?

In accordance with the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which has been integrated into the Curriculum Credit Framework (CCF2022), undergraduate degree programs in universities have been revamped to include three months of research opportunities for students. As a result, it has become mandatory for students pursuing undergraduate degrees to engage in a project spanning three months as part of their curriculum. This project-centered educational approach mirrors the established practice in MSc programs, which have long required students to undertake six-month research projects for degree completion.

CMMC plays a pivotal role in assisting students enrolled in Physics programs with their research projects, contributing to the partial fulfillment of their degree requirements. Furthermore, the center actively engages PhD scholars, who utilize the computational resources available at CMMC to pursue groundbreaking insights through Materials Modelling.

The spectrum of research experiences offered by CMMC ranges from undergraduate students to research scholars, including those enrolled in MSc programs, thereby progressively increasing the complexity of research problems. Undergraduate and postgraduate students benefit from an approach that breaks down complex issues into manageable research projects, fostering interest, feasibility, and purposeful completion within stipulated time frames required for degree fulfillment. This process enables undergraduate students to acquire foundational knowledge and skills, while MSc students delve deeper into specific problems. PhD scholars, in turn, develop an even deeper understanding and may innovate novel methodologies to uncover new insights into materials science.

The center's core objectives include promoting faculty-student interaction for research collaboration, fostering a culture of problem-solving discussions, implementing rapid prototyping, adopting lean start-up strategies, engaging in open-source projects, and identifying external domain experts to provide guidance and mentorship.

Contact
Dr. Amitava Moitra
Center in charge,
Computational Materials Modelling Center
Garia Park, Baishnabghata Patuli Twp, Garia,
Kolkata, West Bengal 700084
cmmc@raidighicollege.org.in
9123018212