Organized under the joint auspices of

Centre of Excellence on Soft Computation in Materials Science and Engineering
&
School of Materials Science and Engineering
Bengal Engineering and Science University, Shibpur
Howrah 711 103, India

Recent developments in the materials world demand efficient inference and optimization. The factor limiting the progress in this direction is the complex interdependence of the hitherto known as well as the latent parameters. In this context a wide variety of problems and infinite opportunity in the selection and design of materials go beyond the scope of conventional scientific treatment and calls for soft-computational approach. Neural network, genetic algorithm and other soft computing techniques have emerged as the potential tools in the composition-process-structure-performance paradigm of materials science and engineering.

In this backdrop School of Materials Science and Engineering (SMSE), Bengal Engineering and Science University, Shibpur initiated the dialogue through organizing  an  International Workshop on Neural Network and Genetic Algorithm in Materials Science and Engineering (NGMS 2006) in January 2006. The workshop evoked warm response from experts in the academia, research institutions and the industry from across the globe. In keeping with the recommendation of the participating experts, this University in conformance with the sprit of its 150 years celebration, created a ‘Centre of Excellence on Soft Computation in Materials Science and Engineering’ (COE), as the platform for realizing the mission within the ambience of global participation, on March 2007.

COE and SMSE are now poised to organize second such International Conference on Neural Network and Genetic Algorithm in Materials Science and Engineering (NGMS 2008) in January 2008 to update with the development and address further scope of applications of neural networks, genetic algorithms, fuzzy logic along with other soft computing techniques in the field of prediction and optimization of materials processes and properties. Besides it will provide a unique platform for exchanging newer thoughts and ideas on utilization of these techniques in a more meaningful way.