Highlighting the growing importance of data science in the new era of information technology, a three-day international conference titled “MIDAS-25” commenced at Mar Athanasius College, Kothamangalam. The conference is sponsored by the M.A. College Association, the Government of India’s Anusandhan National Research Foundation, and the Kerala Mathematical Association.

The event was inaugurated by Dr. Avinash Chandra Pandey, Director of the Inter-University Accelerator Centre, New Delhi. The inaugural function, held at the college indoor stadium, was presided over by Dr. Winny Varghese, Secretary of the M.A. College Association. The Principal of the college, Dr. Manju Kurian, delivered the keynote address. The conference proceedings were released by Dr. A. Krishnamurthy, President of the Kerala Mathematical Association.

During the ceremony, Maria Peter, an alumna of the college and a recipient of the prestigious Marie Curie Scholarship, was felicitated. Felicitations were offered by Dr. A. Krishnamurthy, President of the Kerala Mathematical Association, and Dr. Uchenna Daniel Ani, Associate Professor at Keele University, UK. Dr. Rajesh K. Thumbakkara, Convener of the seminar, delivered the welcome address, while Dr. Nidhi P. Ramesh, Coordinator, proposed the vote of thanks.

Following the inauguration, expert sessions were conducted on various topics by leading data and quantum scientists, including Dr. Utpal Chakraborty from the Mumbai Ghan Lab, Gijo E. V. from the Indian Statistical Quality Control Division, Bengaluru, and Divya Sindhu Lekha from the Indian Institute of Information Technology, Kottayam.

The seminar features participation from international experts in data science, statistics, and machine learning. Researchers and students from various countries are attending the conference, which will conclude on the 9 January.