The High Energy Material Research Laboratory (HEMRL), part of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is hosting the XVIII International Workshop on High Energy and Special Materials (HEMs-2023) in collaboration with Tomsk State University and the Federal Research & Production Centre, Russia. The event is taking place on November 2 and 3, 2023, at the APJ Abdul Kalam DRDO Auditorium in Pashan, Pune.

The workshop was officially inaugurated by Samir V Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO.

This marks the first time that India is hosting this international workshop, providing a platform for scientists, technocrats, and researchers to exchange knowledge, experiences, and recent technological advancements. Approximately 250 delegates from various countries, including Russia, Germany, France, and India, are participating. The workshop has drawn the participation of multiple DRDO and ISRO laboratories, academic institutions, and industries.

The main focus of HEMs-2023 is to facilitate discussions and knowledge-sharing regarding recent developments in High Energy Materials and related technologies. The workshop's theme is 'Emerging Trends in High Energy and Special Materials.' Its primary goal is to strengthen global collaboration among scientists and researchers working on innovative applications of high energy and special materials.

During the workshop, there will be discussions and deliberations on key areas such as the synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of new energetic materials for various applications. The research into insensitive and environmentally friendly high-energy materials will also be addressed. 

The International Workshop on High Energy Materials has been an ongoing series since 2004, initially organized by Russia in collaboration with international partners, including Politecnico di. This year's workshop is set to promote international cooperation and the advancement of high-energy materials and special materials research.