Department of Geology, Jagannath Barooah College (Upgraded to Jagannath Barooah University), in collaboration with the Georgia Institute of Technology, USA; Western Washington University, USA and the US National Science Foundation, successfully hosted a two-day international workshop on Fission Track Methodology from March 25 and 26, 2025.  It provided an invaluable platform for students and researchers from the region to gain deep insights into this advanced dating technique that was guided by eminent geologists Dr. Karl Lang, Assistant Professor, Georgia Institute of Technology and Dr. Paul Betka, Assistant Professor, Western Washington University.

The event started with a formal inaugural meeting at the New Conference Hall at 9:30 AM. The proceedings began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, followed by the rendition of the college song. The welcome speech was delivered by Dr. Raktim Ranjan Saikia, Head of the Department of Geology, who extended his warm greetings to the distinguished guests and participants. The Vice Principal, Dr. Surajit Sharma, officially inaugurated the event, and Dr. Utpal Jyoti Mahanta, Principal of Jagannath Barooah College, delivered a welcome address emphasizing the academic importance of the workshop and its broader implications for geological studies. The keynote speakers and resource persons for the workshop Dr. Betka, and Dr. Lang, had delivered introductory speeches that highlighted the relevance of Fission Track Methodology in geological studies after the warmth felicitation program. The session was further graced by the presence of Dr. Deepa Bora, Former Head of the Department and Mr. Sankar Kumar Das (Controller of Examination), who added to the significance of the occasion.

Following the inaugural session, a prize distribution ceremony was conducted by Mr. Sarat Konwar, faculty of the department, to felicitate the winners of the Inter Departmental Poster-competition (organized on the occasion of National Science Day, 2025), essay competitions (organized on the occasion of International Geomorphology Week, 2025) and poster presentation competition amongst the 4^th semester departmental students. The winners of the Inter Departmental Poster Competition (First- Prabhash Chandra Roy, 4^th sem, Department of Geology; Second-Abhishek Saikia, 4^th Sem, Department of Economics; Third- Gargi Dutta (Handmade), 6^th Sem, Department of Assamese and Tuhina Kundu, 4th sem, Department of commerce); poster presentation competition (First- Basundhara Das, Mausom Bora, Sunakshi Gogoi, Madhurjya Gogoi, Prabhash Chandra Roy; Second- Anurag Hazarika, Aplan Neog, Sourav Gogoi, Priyam Saikia, Avigna Saikia) were presents certificates and medals. However, the winner of the essay competition (Abir Ranjan Bhuyan, Class-VIII, Holy Flower School, Teok, Jorhat) have been presents with a Dr Milan Rakshit Memorial certificate and cash prize. Dr. Aisilin Reynolds, President’s Postdoctoral Fellow, Georgia Institute of Techonology, USA sent a heartfelt video message, extending her best wishes for the workshop and congratulating the four students namely Snigdha Dutta, Parishita Buragohain, Debasish Borah and Bhargav Gogoi for selecting NSF funded prestigious Student Exchange Program. A formal vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Chaitra Dhar Taye, faculty of the department, who expressed gratitude to all contributors and participants for making the event a success. The session ended with the Nation Anthem. The entire session was adeptly moderated by Mr. Digvijay Das, who extended a warm welcome to all attendees and offered a thoughtful introduction to the guest speakers.

The workshop witnessed vibrant participation from a diverse academic cohort, representing Ph.D. scholars from Georgia Institute of Technology, USA, Undergraduate & Postgraduate students from Western Washington University, USA, Faculties from Pragjyotish College, Guwahati, Scholars from Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Gauhati University, Amity University, Uttar Pradesh, and students of Department of Geology. The resource persons and participants also visited the Department of Geology and explored the Geology Museum and expressed admiration for its rich and diverse collection.

Each day of the session started with a keynote talk by Dr. Lang and Dr. Betka followed by hands on training session in the afternoon session. In addition, Mr. Rabindra Kumar Patel from the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology presented an insightful lecture on significance of thermochronology by giving Western Himalayan case study. The practical exercise sessions commenced in Conference Hall 1, where Dr. Karl Lang delivered a comprehensive lecture on the principles, applications, and methodology of Fission Track Dating. This was followed by an engaging hands-on practical session utilizing the FiJi application, providing participants with real-time experience in processing and analyzing geological data from sample slides. Another insightful presentation made by Dr. Paul Betka, where he elaborated on advanced aspects of Fission Track Analysis, offering participants a deeper understanding of its implications in structural geology and tectonic reconstruction. The sessions concluded at 5:30 PM on each day.

In the hands-on session the HeFTy software, an advanced tool used for analyzing Time-Temperature histories of geological samples were demonstrated. Under the expert guidance of Dr. Karl Lang, students learned how to interpret and graphically evaluate complex geological models using modern computational techniques. The workshop also enriched with student interaction from different universities and in-house participants. They also shared their feedback, expressing their appreciation for the knowledge gained and the opportunity to engage with experts in the field.

The event culminated in a vibrant cultural program, showcasing performances by students of the department where international participants also actively participated and bringing the two-day workshop to a memorable close. The International Workshop on Fission-Track Methodology seamlessly integrated theoretical insights with hands-on experience, offering participants—both students and researchers—a holistic and in-depth understanding of this pivotal fission track technique.