IIT Kharagpur to host global meet on surface engineering
The Statesman | 20 January 2026
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur in collaboration with the Birla Institute of Technology Mesra (BIT Mesra), will organise an international conference on Frontiers in Surface Engineering and Additive Manufacturing (FSEAM 2026) from 21-23 January at IIT Kharagpur.
Speaking on the occasion, Professor Indranil Manna, Vice-Chancellor of BIT Mesra, said the conference aims to bring together leading experts from academia, industry and research organisations to deliberate on recent advances and emerging trends in surface engineering and additive manufacturing. He said the event would provide a common platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration in cutting-edge manufacturing technologies.
Highlighting the focus areas of the conference, Prof Manna said global professionals in surface engineering and additive manufacturing are increasingly concentrating on advanced materials, including high-performance alloys, composites, ceramics, advanced steels and smart coatings. “These materials are driving innovation and efficiency across key sectors such as aerospace, defence, automotive and energy,” he said. The conference will be held under the patronage of Professor Suman Chakraborty, Director of IIT Kharagpur. It is expected to feature technical sessions, keynote lectures and interactive discussions on emerging technologies, hybrid processing techniques and future manufacturing challenges.
Several eminent scientists, technologists and industry leaders are scheduled to attend the event. Among them are Dr Shivaji Chakraborty, president of the West Bengal Academy of Science and Technology (WAST India); Dr Narendra B. Dahotre, Regents Professor at the University of North Texas; Dr S. Somnath, former Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO); Mr J. D. Patil, President of the Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE); and Professor B. S. Murty, Director of IIT Hyderabad.