IIT Mandi hosts International Conference on 60 Years of Density Functional Theory (DFT): Advancements in Theory & Computation
This landmark event celebrated six decades of Density Functional Theory
MANDI : In the realms of Physics and Material Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, in collaboration with IIT Ropar and IIT Guwahati, hosted the “International Conference on 60 Years of Density Functional Theory (DFT): Advancements in Theory & Computation” from 21st to 26th July 2024. Organized by the School of Physical Sciences, this conference marked the 60th anniversary of DFT, a crucial tool in quantum mechanical modeling.
Density Functional Theory (DFT) has been a cornerstone in the advancement of theoretical and computational chemistry and physics, offering invaluable insights into the electronic structure of atoms, molecules, and condensed matter. This conference celebrated the remarkable journey of DFT, highlighting the latest advancements and applications in the field.
Speaking about the event, Prof. Arti Kashyap, Convener of the conference said, “The conference was unique in its two-part structure. The first part covered the fundamental, basic concepts of the journey of Density Functional Theory (DFT) and its current standing. It also highlighted how machine learning is shaping the field of materials physics. In the second part, research work from various groups was presented by faculty members from different institutes. About 100 students showcased their work through posters at the conference. The event saw participation from across India, with a diverse array of speakers and students. The free-flowing discussions and interactions between students and faculty from different institutes fostered potential collaborations. Overall, the conference was a huge success in terms of learning and the exchange of ideas among the DFT scientific community.”
The event featured a series of engaging sessions that covered a broad spectrum of topics, including:
- Machine Learning for Materials Science
- Topology in Quantum Materials
- Exotic Quantum Effects
- Spin-Orbit Related Phenomena
- Magnetism in 2D Materials
In addition to these focal areas, the conference provided a comprehensive overview of various other topics related to the application of DFT, ensuring a thorough exploration of the current state and future directions of this essential theoretical framework.
A major highlight of the conference was the special lectures and the initial School/Workshop sessions, where students were introduced to the fundamental concepts of complex methods. These sessions demonstrated how these methods are being applied to understand the properties of materials for various applications, offering participants a unique opportunity to delve into the intricacies of DFT.
This landmark event not only celebrated the past achievements of DFT but also paved the way for future innovations and applications in the field, reinforcing IIT Mandi’s position as a leader in scientific research and education.
Further details of the event can be gathered from: