The International Conference on Frontier Areas of Science and Technology (ICFAST 2025) concluded at the National Institute of Technology Calicut (NITC) on Saturday after two days of intense scientific deliberations that successfully bolstered academic ties between India and Japan.The conference, which was inaugurated on Friday by Nobel laureate Yoshino Akira and E.D. Jemmis of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru, stood out for its academic exchange. A major highlight was an outreach programme, ‘Igniting Young Minds’, where Prof. Akira held an interactive session with school students, aiming to inspire the next generation of scientists. The first day also featured plenary talks by experts like Prof. Hiroshi Abe and Prof. A. Jayakrishnan, followed by a cultural evening showcasing Kerala’s heritage.The second day’s proceedings covered a wide spectrum of frontier research. Plenary and invited lectures explored topics ranging from nano-ZnO metagenomics and sustainable catalysis to biomedical innovation and economic security. Key speakers included Prof. Mako Nakamura (Kyushu University), Prof. Nandakumar Kalarikkal (MGU Kerala), Prof. Kaushik Chatterjee (IISc Bengaluru), and Prof. Warisawa Shin’ichi (University of Tokyo). A poster session provided a platform for young researchers to engage directly with senior experts.Published - October 12, 2025 11:10 pm IST