March 16, 2018
The 105th edition of the Science Congress was held at the Manipur University in Imphal over March 16-20th with the theme of “Reaching the Unreached through Science and Technology”
Apart from the general sessions covering 14 distinct disciplines, separate sessions were held - Children’s Science Congress, Women’s Science Congress and Science Communicators meet
PM Modi stressed on the need to redefine ‘R&D’ as research for the development of the nation; He called upon scientists to employ the best of science in furthering human progress and welfare
The 106th edition of the Indian Science Congress will be held at Barkatullah University in Bhopal over January 3-7th, 2019, with the central theme of “Future India: Science & Technology”
The 105th edition of the Indian Science Congress was held at the Manipur University campus in Imphal over March 16-20th with the theme of “Reaching the Unreached through Science and Technology”. The prestigious event, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is an annual conclave of the best and the brightest in the Indian science and innovation sphere. This year the event focussed on translational science across a wide range of disciplines for promotion of affordable sustainable innovation. Discussions at the event concentrated on science for all, Science and Technology Fostering Inclusive Societal Development and Science & Society: Bridging the Gap through Innovations. The platform also held a technology based startup conclave that attracted leading innovators and entrepreneurial researchers.
The Science Congress 2018 conferred the best young scientist award to the 14 best research papers submitted at the event, among other accolades. It is held by the Indian Science Congress Association, which has a member strength of over 30,000 scientists. Apart from general sessions covering 14 distinct disciplines, separate sessions were held – Children’s Science Congress, Women’s Science Congress and Science Communicators meet. The annual event has emerged as a premier platform for interactions between Indian and foreign scientists as well as academic and research bodies. In an effort to boost this cooperation, the Indian Government plans to set up clusters of excellence for scientific research and innovation centering around eminent organisations across the country to drive new innovations.
The Government has also involved a variety of stakeholders to upgrade more than 110 “aspirational districts” across the country with focus on basic infrastructure, water and sanitation, health and nutrition, skill development and job creation. The best and the latest in science and technology will help in deployment of this programme. Over the last decade, a steady rise in deployment of scientific measures in the betterment of lives has led to an over 250 per cent rise in the Government’s contribution to scientific research to US$13.1 billion. At the event, PM Modi stressed on the need to redefine ‘R&D’ as research for the development of the nation. He called upon researchers and scientists to employ science in making a difference in the lives of others, furthering human progress and welfare.
PM Modi added that science and technology has the solution to achieve the Government’s aim of providing “Ease of living” for the masses, covering sectors such as health, housing, nutrition, clean energy. PM Modi also said that there was a need to aptly communicate India’s scientific achievements to the masses. This would not only help open up business opportunities in the sectors but also inspire people to contribute to future research. The rising interest comes as India is currently preparing to launch Chandrayaan-2, the second lunar exploration mission, this year. The 106th edition of the Indian Science Congress will be held at Barkatullah University in Bhopal over January 3-7, 2019 with the theme “Future India: Science & Technology”.