32nd National Conference on Liquid Crystals (NCLC 2025)
ABOUT THE CONFERENCE:
The National Conference on Liquid Crystals (NCLC) is a flagship annual event organized by the Indian Liquid Crystal Society (ILCS), bringing together scientists, academicians, students, and industry professionals working in the field of liquid crystals and soft matter. The conference aims to promote the exchange of scientific ideas, showcase recent advancements, and foster collaborations among researchers across India and beyond. NCLC features keynote lectures, invited talks, oral and poster presentations, and panel discussions that span both fundamental research and emerging applications. It provides a dynamic platform for young researchers to present their work, receive expert feedback, and connect with peers and mentors. Participants benefit from scientific exposure, networking opportunities, and recognition through awards, while the conference itself plays a key role in shaping the direction of research and innovation in this vibrant field.
About Department
The Department of Physics at BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus is a center of academic rigor and research innovation, offering well-structured undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs. The department is actively involved in frontier research areas such as condensed matter physics, nanomaterials, photonics, liquid crystals, quantum physics, and astrophysics. It has received sustained support from national funding bodies through programs like DST-FIST and UGC-SAP, along with numerous individual research grants awarded to faculty members by premier agencies. With state-of-the-art laboratories and computational facilities, the department fosters a vibrant research environment that encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation. Recognizing its academic and research excellence, the department was placed in the 400-450 global rank band in QS World University Rankings by Subject (Physics & Astronomy) in 2025. The department remains committed to nurturing the next generation of scientists and innovators through a blend of quality education, mentorship, and research-driven learning
About BITS PILANI
Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani is one of India’s most prestigious institutions of higher education, recognized for its academic excellence, cutting edge research, and innovation. Established in 1964 by the visionary industrialist Shri G.D. Birla, BITS Pilani has grown into a world-class, multi-campus deemed university. It has been granted the prestigious Institute of Eminence (IoE) status by the Government of India, acknowledging its commitment to becoming a globally ranked research focused institution. BITS Pilani offers a range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs, and is renowned for its flexible academic structure, strong industry linkages, and the pioneering Practice School program. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, BITS Pilani achieved a global rank of 668, further strengthening its position as one of leading technical institutions in India. With a legacy of producing distinguished alumni and fostering a vibrant research ecosystem, BITS Pilani continues to play a transformative role in science, technology, and nation-building.
Scientific Themes
- Synthesis and characterization of novel Liquid Crystals (LCs)
- Mesomorphic behaviour and phase transitions in thermotropic and lyotropic LCs
- Unconventional chiral and polar LC mesophases.
- Optical, electro-optical, and photonic properties of LCs
- Nanostructured and hybrid systems based on LCs
- Biosensing, biomedical, and diagnostic applications using LCs
- Responsive and smart LC materials
- Applications in displays, photonics, and flexible electronics of LCs
- Polymer-dispersed and polymer-stabilized LC systems
- Soft matter and complex fluids
- Interfaces and confined geometries in LCs
- LCs in biointerfaces and soft robotics
- Theoretical modelling, simulations, and structure–property relationships in soft matter
- Interdisciplinary studies based on LCs
