The India International Science Festival 2024 (IISF 2024) continued to inspire attendees on its second and third days with dynamic collaborations between academia and industry, impactful technology transfers, and engaging programmes aimed at students, educators, and policymakers. Held at IIT Guwahati, the festival was organised by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and managed by the National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST), Thiruvananthapuram. The event drew over 20,000 students and showcased a shared vision for advancing science, technology, and sustainable practices in fields like agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare.
Dr S. Somanath, Chairperson of ISRO, addressed students during the “Student Science Interactive Program – Face to Face with New Frontiers in S&T.” He encouraged young minds to explore careers in science and technology, especially in niche areas like space research. Highlighting the significance of innovation and scientific advancement, he remarked, “As students, you are the torchbearers of the future in science and technology. Recognising the remarkable advancements in these fields today can inspire you to contribute to building a brighter tomorrow.”
A major highlight of the festival was the signing of three critical Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) under CSIR’s Lab to Life Initiative, which emphasised sustainable development and technological innovation. Among these was the transfer of biodegradable cutlery manufacturing technology from CSIR-NIIST to Devaki Engineering Enterprises in Bengaluru, featuring the Rotary Bio-Degradable Manufacturing Machine (MUSUROTO). Additionally, CSIR-CRRI collaborated with Rajasthan Technical University to enhance road infrastructure research, while CSIR-IHBT’s Lilium Bulb Processing technology was transferred to the Shansha Cut-Flower Cluster in Lahaul & Spiti, aiming to boost floriculture in the region. Dr C. Anandharamakrishnan, Director of CSIR-NIIST, lauded these initiatives, underlining the importance of young innovators in shaping a sustainable and technologically advanced future.
The festival’s diverse programmes captivated attendees with their focus on learning, innovation, and knowledge sharing. The Student Science Interactive Programme connected over 4,500 school students with leading scientists, including Dr Somanath and Prof Tessy Thomas, through engaging question-and-answer sessions. At the Vision Sansad – Science Institutional Leaders Meet, policymakers and scientists discussed strategies for aligning S&T efforts to strengthen India’s manufacturing landscape, as highlighted in the Guwahati Declaration.
Educators, too, found immense value at the festival. Through the Science Safari, teachers explored innovative methods for teaching science using tools like AI-based kits and interactive experiments, transforming the classroom experience. In the ‘The Gurukula – Aspiring Educators Workshop’, 150 teachers from across the country, including many from the Northeast, were introduced to hands-on experiments and modern pedagogical techniques designed to inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators.
For students, the ‘The New Nalanda – Students Science & Technology Village‘ offered interactive exhibits, STEM challenges, and hackathons, providing a platform for creativity and problem-solving. The programme emphasised innovation, particularly for students from the Northeast and border districts, and recognised innovative ideas that align with India’s vision for development.
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Cultural and literary aspects of science also took centre stage at the Vigyanika – Science Literature Festival. Under the theme “From Folklore to Future,” the event explored the importance of Indian languages in science communication, offering workshops and panel discussions on promoting science in local languages and interactive approaches to science writing.
One of the standout discussions at IISF 2024 was Pragya Bharat, which highlighted advancements in quantum computing under the National Quantum Mission. With milestones such as the 114-qubit experiment, the discussions focused on healthcare, energy, and infrastructure applications, envisioning India as a global quantum leader by 2047.
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