The study of Liquid Crystal - an intermediate phase existing at the boundary of an isotropic liquid and an anisotropic crystal -  has emerged as one of thrust areas in the experimental and theoretical physics since their discovery by Reinitzer in 1888 due to the involved experimental ingenuity, theoretical complexity and technological versatility.  A large number of compounds with rod-like, disc-like and bent-core shapes are known to exhibit liquid crystalline phases.  Presently, the research in liquid crystals is not only confined to chemistry and physics, but it has also transcended into other areas of scientific pursuit, namely biology, medical science and engineering.

The most common  applications of thermotropic liquid crystals is in display devices (black & white  and  color) having their utility in every walk of life right from our house hold appliances to space technologies, such as in computers , mobiles, aircraft cockpits  and satellite etc. The other emerging uses of liquid crystals are in optical computing, nonlinear optics, spatial light modulators, optical encoding, decorative, visual arts, spectroscopy, chromatography, sensors etc. In addition, the role of thermotropic liquid crystals in controlling and altering chemical reaction of dissolved solutes is of great relevance for medical science. They are also used for detection of tumors, skin defects, diagnosis and investigation of circulatory disorder using thermal mapping.

The Lyotropic Liquid Crystals have potential applications in food industry, oil recovery, stabilizing emulsion, foams, microemulsion and also as a medium for preparation for nonpolymeric materials etc. Further, the biological fluids conforming to liquid crystal structure are considered to be important for the present understanding of biomembrane fluidity and phase transitions in biomolecules. The liquid crystal behavior of biomolecules is also important for the study of protein folding, biological membrane network formation, propagation of nerve action potential, anesthetic action and fat digestion etc.

Thus, the aim of 16th National Conference on Liquid Crystals is to bring together young and senior scientists from national and international Institutes as well as Universities working in different areas of liquid crystals and to provide them a platform for discussing the recent advances as well as emerging trends and decide the key issues to be pursued in the future. In addition to exposing the young participants to the forefront of liquid crystals research, this Conference will contribute to the advancement of scientific and technological knowhow of researchers engaged in different fields of liquid crystals, namely physics, chemistry, biology, medical science and engineering. The final objective is to provide a common platform to the researchers of the academic institutions, universities and the industrial R&D laboratories to strengthen their interaction through national and international collaboration and exchange programmes.