[An International Conference in honor of Govindjee,
Professor Emeritus, University of Illinois, Urbana – Champaign, USA]

NOV, 27 – 29, 2008

Photosynthesis has always been one of the most active areas of plant research due to its importance as the primary process of Bioenergetics for the conversion of solar energy to biochemical form of energy. Efficiency in light harvesting and carbon fixation determines the crop yields under normal environmental conditions. Global changes in the environment such as global warming, ozone depletion and enhancement of solar UV-B radiation affect the primary process of photosynthesis. The present conference will focus on an understanding of photosynthesis in the global perspective especially in terms of changing environmental conditions and enhancement of plant productivity. The present conference is aimed at bringing together Indian and International scientists actively engaged in photosynthesis research. The conference would provide an opportunity to the young scientists and students in India to interact with the established scientists working in the field of photosynthesis in India and abroad. 
The conference would focus on the following broad areas;

1. Photobiology
2. Structure and function of Photosystems I and II
3. Stress response and adaptive mechanism in photosynthesis
4. Photosynthesis and plant productivity
5. Artificial Photosynthesis.

he conference is being organized in honor of Professor Govindjee, Professor Emeritus in the Departments of Plant Biology and Biochemistry and Center of Biophysics and Computational Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana, USA. Professor Govindjee is a prominent scientist of International repute known for his contributions to the understanding of primary processes of photosynthesis. Professor Govindjee was born in India: he graduated from Allahabad University, Allahabad. He was initiated into research by Professor Shri Ranjan. He obtained his M. Sc degree in Botany from Allahabad University in 1954 and then went to Illinois for doctoral studies in Biophysics under Professors Robert Emerson and Eugene Rabinowitch. He joined the University of Illinois as Assistant Professor in 1961 and served in various capacities as a teacher and researcher till 1999.  Through his researches spanning over fifty years, Professor Govindjee has contributed immensely to photosynthesis. His personal and professional attitude towards science has been inspiring for everyone who has come in contact with him.