Punjab Engineering College (Deemed to be University), Chandigarh organized an insightful seminar on “Emerging Sustainable Technologies for Healthcare” on 26th September 2025 in the Senate Hall, highlighting the urgent need to integrate sustainability into medical practices and healthcare technology. The event was conducted as part of SSR activities under the DST-PURSE grant received by PEC. The seminar brought together experts from medical and scientific research fields, including Dr. Sidharth Sharma, a renowned Orthopedic Surgeon from PGIMER Chandigarh, and Dr. Kaushik Ghosh, Scientist Fat INST Mohali. 

Dr. Sidharth Sharma focused on advancements in orthopedic implants, specifically plates used in fracture management. He elaborated on the use of materials like 316L stainless steel and titanium, their clinical advantages, and durability. Dr. Sharma emphasized the need to explore sustainable, biocompatible alternatives that reduce long-term medical waste and environmental impact while maintaining patient safety. He also emphasized on the need of real time sensors to detect fracture healing.

On the other hand, Dr. Kaushik Ghosh discussed the development in 2D materials particularly graphene in different fields of science. Firstly, he discussed the use of graphene in the construction of real-time sensors for respiratory diseases such as COPD and asthma. Traditionally costing between ₹1,000 and ₹4,000, Dr. Ghosh presented an innovative approach to manufacture these sensors for just ₹100, demonstrating how affordable, sustainable technology can transform healthcare accessibility. He also highlighted ongoing research on energy devices, further linking healthcare innovation with sustainable solutions. The seminar underlined that sustainability in healthcare is no longer optional. From material selection and energy efficiency to cost-effective solutions, the medical sector must innovate responsibly to meet global environmental challenges while ensuring accessibility and quality care. The research initiative is led by Prof. Vasundhara Singh (Principal Investigator), with Prof. R.S. Walia and Prof. Sandeep Kumar as Co-PIs, exemplifying PEC’s commitment to interdisciplinary research that bridges engineering, healthcare, and sustainability.

The seminar witnessed active participation from students, faculty, and researchers from CRICK institutes, fostering lively discussions on emerging technologies, sustainable medical materials, and affordable healthcare solutions. The event served as a platform for knowledge exchange via lectures and panel discussion, inspiring the next generation of innovators to integrate environmental responsibility with healthcare excellence.