HARYANA, Feb 14 – Dr. Nurhafizah Hasim, from the Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), was recently invited as a guest speaker at a Certificate Program organized by the Department of Physics, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology (GJUST), Hisar, Haryana, India. The event took place on 14 February 2025, under the esteemed leadership of Prof. Dr. Devendra Mohan.
As part of the program, Dr. Nurhafizah Hasim delivered a lecture titled “Self-Cleaning Smart Materials”, focusing on the science and applications of materials engineered to maintain cleanliness without external cleaning efforts. She explained key mechanisms such as hydrophobicity, hydrophilicity, and photocatalytic activity, and how nanostructured coatings can repel water, resist dirt, and decompose contaminants. Drawing from her research, she introduced biopolymer-based systems embedded with silver nanoparticles and phosphate glass matrices, which show promising dual-functionality for self-cleaning and water purification.
Her session effectively bridged theory with practical applications in environmental sustainability, healthcare, and smart construction materials. The audience, including students, researchers, and academic staff had responded with enthusiasm, reflecting the growing interest in smart materials that offer real-world solutions. The talk encouraged further dialogue on emerging material technologies and interdisciplinary collaboration. Dr. Nurhafizah’s contribution significantly enriched the academic program, offering participants valuable insights into the future of functional and sustainable materials.
During her visit, Dr. Nurhafizah had the honor of meeting Prof. Dr. Narsi Ram Bishnoi, Vice-Chancellor of GJUST. In a brief but meaningful discussion, she exchanged perspectives and highlights from the session alongside several prominent members of the academic community, including Prof. Dr. Devendra Mohan, Prof. Dr. Rajender Singh Kundu, Dr. Ravi Bhatia, Prof. Dr. Neetu Ahlawat, and Dr. Vivek Gupta. These exchanges further emphasized the importance of international collaboration and mutual learning in advancing research in applied physics and materials science.
In recognition of her contribution, Dr. Nurhafizah was awarded a certificate of appreciation by GJUST. She expressed her heartfelt thanks for the invitation and the warm hospitality extended by the university, and she commended the organizers for their professionalism and commitment to academic excellence.
This engagement marks a significant step toward fostering collaborative efforts between UTM and GJUST, particularly in the area of advanced materials and applied sciences. Dr. Nurhafizah looks forward to building on this momentum through future joint initiatives and impactful research projects.
The event was also featured in local news media. To read more, visit the official article: Lecture on Self-Cleaning Smart Materials in GJUST: Malaysian Researcher Dr. Nurhafizah Sheds Light (Published on September 25, 2024).
By: Dr. Nurhafizah Hasim, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, UTM