Technology is an offspring
of science and represents its application in a practical form. The time
between a scientific discovery and its application is becoming shorter
and shorter and thus it is very important to be familiar with today's
science to solve tomorrow's problems. Moreover, the experimentation and
observation at the frontiers of science sometimes requires technical
means beyond the capabilities of available technology. Therefore, a
scientist is forced and often succeeds in extending the technological
frontiers itself.
An important aspect of the
colleges have been the emphasis on the interaction of physics with
technology while at the same time providing some of the excitement of
what is happening at the very frontiers of physics. The aim of INSC is
to emphasize both basic and applicable aspects of physics. During the
First College, Dr. J. Milford made following interesting points and
illustrated them with examples:
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As the scientific base
for the technology
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Through the application of the
scientific method, and
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Through the direct
contribution of physicists and other scientists to technology.
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In order to contribute
significantly, it is essential to have a broad and sophisticated
understanding of technological needs.
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Organizational and institutional
arrangements are important in developing and sustaining a sound
relationship between science on the one hand and technology and
industry on the other.
Two aspects of the
important field of physics in industry were highlighted during 12th
College. Professor B.G. Silbernagel discussed the role of physics in
petroleum industry. It was very informative to learn that physicists are
playing an equally important role along with chemists and chemical
engineers in solving the problems which arise at the exploration,
extraction and refining stages of petroleum. Remote sensing, seismic
surveys as well as logging extensively use the physical concepts and
principles of optics, sound and electricity and magnetism. Even the
recent and rather exotic concept of fractal geometry is finding
applications in the secondary recovery of oil. Sophisticated techniques
such as NMR, ESR, UPS and ESAFS and NEXAFS are routinely used to study
and understand the properties of complex catalysts in petroleum refining
and cracking. Professor H.C. Kim discussed role of acoustic emissions in
NDT.
In a panel discussion on "
Science Organisation ", Professors S.R.J. Brueck, J.P. Correrade, R.
Freeman, C.R. Stroud and H. Welling summarized their experiences in
conducting scientific research in their respective countries and
laboratories. The problems of interfacing basic and applied research
were discussed during this session. It was pointed out that scientific
research not only contributes to human culture and helps n education,
but also provides a base for the industrialization and modernization of
the society.
