With the theme ‘Science and Technology Public Outreach in Amrit Kaal’, the ninth edition of the India International Science Festival (IISF) 2023 will be held at the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) and the Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB) of Department of Biotechnology, Faridabad, Haryana from 17 to 20 January, 2024.
The theme of the ninth edition of IISF aims to provide a platform to inspire the public at large and individuals with diverse levels of interests like students, educators, scientists, researchers, industry professionals, entrepreneurs and science communicators.
At the curtain raiser ceremony of the IISF in New Delhi, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh said, “India’s global supremacy will be determined by its scientific prowess. The recent twin achievements of Chandrayaan-3 and Covid vaccine have placed India’s scientific community at par with international benchmarks.”
“The IISF is an outreach festival for those who could get benefitted by Science, Technology and Innovation. The role of science & technology has permeated in every aspect of our lives as almost all ministries and departments have STI applications for sectoral development. In the last nine years under the government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, scientific breakthroughs have been used to bring ‘Ease of Living’ for the common man,” added Dr Singh, who is also MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space.
IISF 2023 shall have 17 themes to showcase scientific achievements offering diverse benefits to participants and the general public. The event holds interface among all stakeholders through various activities such as seminars by national and international experts, interactions with speakers, exhibitions, competitions, workshops, knowledge-sharing activities, technology shows, etc.
One of the star attractions in every IISF is the ‘Science, Technology and Innovation Exhibition’, which attracts maximum footfall.
The ‘IISF Challenge’ will be a unique event wherein a new record will be created and put up at global level as a challenge. This year nearly 500 Satellites (WeMoSat) will be developed by a team of students. All such meteorological satellites will measure pressure, temperature, humidity etc. up to the height of 200 meters.
During the curtain raiser event, Prof Ajay Kumar Sood, principal scientific advisor to the Government of India, said, “IISF will kindle the spirit of entrepreneurship in our young people and provide an opportunity to showcase the marvels of science around us through exhibitions and Startup conclave”.
Added Dr Abhay Karandikar, secretary, Department of Science and Technology, “In this IISF, besides the participation of more than 10,000 school children, 500 young researchers will deliberate on new initiatives and cutting-edge technologies. More than 100 Startups will exhibit their achievements. It is expected that over 12,000 delegates will be a part of this grand event”.
The previous editions of the IISF were held twice in New Delhi, followed by Chennai, Lucknow, Kolkata, Panjim and Bhopal. The 2020 edition was held on virtual mode.
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