The field of Raman spectroscopy is the result of the work of Sir C V Raman, based on his discovery of the Raman effect for which he received the Nobel Prize in 1928. His research suggested that when a beam of monochromatic light passes through a transparent substance, a substance which allows light to pass through it, the beam is scattered. Raman spent a long time in the study of the scattered light.On February 28, 1928, he observed two low intensity spectral line corresponding to the incident mono- chromatic light. These were his years of labor had borne fruit. It was clear that though the incident light was monochromatic, the scattered light due to it, was not monochromatic. Thus Raman's experiments discovered a phenomenon which was lying hidden in nature.
Once in two years, the event is organized world wide. Last time in India, it was organized in 1978 and the event of 2012 is known as ‘HOME COMING EVENT’ as it arrives in Bangalore, where Raman had left his legacy behind. Since that time there have been ICORS meetings in Africa (1998), Europe (2002), Australia(2004), Asia (2006), Europe (2008) and USA (2010). The meeting now returns to Bangalore after almost three decades and it was prestigious moments welcomed all delegates back to the home of Raman spectroscopy. The inauguration was done on the 13th August by Prof C N R Rao, FRS, and the function was presided by Prof P Balaram, Director, Indian Institute of Science. This conference shall bring together over 350 leading international Raman spectroscopists from 46countries.
The opening plenary lecture by Professor Robin Clark on contributions of four scientists - Rayleigh, Ramsay, Rutherford and Raman. The summary of the contributions on a all scientists were beautifully explained by him. This was followed by plenary lecture by Hiro-o Hamaguchi on how the landmarks of raman spectroscopy had helped the scientific research and also threw light on his past research work. There were several plenary lectures delivered and hundreds of presentations by expert scientist all over the world which report exciting recent developments in diverse areas of Raman Spectroscopy. In addition, there are hundreds of contributed oral and poster presentations.
The conference highlighted the recent space research through lectures by scientists involved in MARS ROVER, ASTRO BIOLOGY, LIFE in MARS, etc. Medical research lectures were given by scientists on applications to many biomedical problems, such as,cancer, etc. Security Detection lectures on stand off detection of explosives, forensic research, etc. Chemical and Biological reactions – Follow movement of molecules at the speed of a thousand millionth of a second during the reaction.
Various topics covered in the event were Raman and resonance Raman spectroscopy ,biological and biomedical applications, Materials– nano material, graphene and solid state ,Forensic, art, archeological and detection of materials, Terrestrial and planetary applications ,Surface enhanced Raman Spectroscopy ,Coherent Raman microscopy, Instrumentation techniques and new developments , X-ray Raman, Theoretical development and computation, Raman optical activity.
However, I cannot judge in either case, because presumably it was the Nobel Committee who made the decision to award the prize to the senior person(s) only.