Professor Ram Chand Paul International Conference on ‘Emerging trends in Chemistry’ organized by the Department of Chemistry, Panjab University, Chandigarh was inaugurated on 11^th  February 2011 in the Chemistry Auditorium of the Panjab University. Prof. B. S. Brar, Dean University Instructions (DUI), Panjab University was the chief guest. Prof. A. S. Ahluwalia, Dean Sciences, Panjab University also graced the occasion. Eminent scientists from academia and industry working at the forefront of chemistry from Germany, USA, Saudi Arabia and distinguished institutes of India like IIT Madras, IIT Delhi, NCL Pune will present their research findings in this two day conference. UNESCO has declared the year 2011 as International year of chemistry. This international conference is aimed to generate enthusiasm among young researchers for a constructive and creative future of chemistry. The conference will provide a platform for researchers to develop cross-disciplinary collaborations, and update them with the latest advances in various research areas of the chemistry including nanochemistry, analytical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, organic chemistry and theoretical chemistry.

            The keynote address was delivered by Prof. S. K. Mehta, who presented a documentary paying tribute to the former Vice-Chancellor of Panjab University, Prof. R. C. Paul, and a well-known personality in the field of chemistry. The documentary also featured achievement of the Department of chemistry. Prof. Paramjit Singh, Chairman, Department of Chemistry, welcomed all the delegates and presented vote of thanks. This is followed by a invited lecture from Prof. G. H. Findenegg from Technical University of Berlin, Germany. Prof. Findenegg enlightened the audience with the growing importance of nanoparticles in everyday life. He elaborated mainly on the surface aggregation of surfactants on silica nanoparticles.  This is followed by an invited lectures, Prof. A.K. Mishra from IIT Madras presented a flouroscence spectroscopic approach for molecular understanding of hydrogels and bile salts, while Prof. P. Bhyrappa from the same institute discussed synthesis of functional porphyrins with tunable properties. Prof. S.K. Srivastava from Central Institute of medicinal and aromatic plants, Lucknow, elaborated separation techniques in the isolation of bioactive molecules from plants. In the evening session Prof. Ravi Shankar from IIT Delhi and alumni of the department of chemistry, Panjab University discussed his findings on two- and three-dimensional organotin coordination polymers. Besides this several oral and poster presentations were made by the delegates.