Under the aegis of the Ministry of Science and Technology and Ministry of Earth Sciences, Govt of India, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) inaugurated the 10th edition of India International Science Festival 2024 (IISF 2024) on 30 November 2024, at IIT Guwahati, in association with Vijnana Bharathi, the nodal institute of the event being CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST), Thiruvananthapuram. This year’s theme for IISF 2024 was “Transforming India into an S&T-Driven Global Manufacturing Hub”.
Dr Jitendra Singh, Hon’ble Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Govt of India and Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Assam, inaugurated the event in the presence of the Smt. Dasanglu Pul, Hon’ble Cabinet Minister of Arunachal Pradesh; Shri Keshab Mahanta, Minister for S&T, Govt of Assam; Dr VK Saraswat, Member NITI Aayog; Prof. AK Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Govt of India; Secretary DSIR & DG, CSIR, Dr N Kalaiselvi; Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, DST; Dr Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary DBT; and Dr Shivkumar Sharma, National Organising Secretary of Vijnana Bharati; Prof. Devendra Jalihal, Director, IIT Guwahati; and Dr C Anandharamakrishnan, Director, CSIR-NIIST.
The Chief Guest, Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, remarked during his address in the inaugural ceremony, “IISF 2024 is a celebration of collective efforts in scientific innovation and collaboration. This festival would not have been possible without the unwavering support of the Honorable Prime Minister. IISF 2024 stands as a grand celebration of scientific innovation and collaboration, featuring numerous innovations catering to a diverse audience. It showcases India’s remarkable achievements, such as Chandrayaan-2, and includes a science expo that highlights cutting-edge research and technology. The festival promises a dynamic exploration of science through events like the Young Scientists’ Conclave, Science Safari, and Tinker Labs, aimed at igniting curiosity and fostering innovation among students.”
Further, he added, “With special features like Nari Shakti celebrating women in STEM, Science Beyond Borders fostering global partnerships, and initiatives like Sagrika and Science Village, IISF 2024 is a true celebration of innovation and sustainability. With India ranking among the top three in scientific research and excelling in startups, we are poised to become a global leader in innovation, supported by being the third-highest producer of PhDs worldwide.”
Delivering the Presidential Address, Dr Jitendra Singh, said, “India’s remarkable growth story is deeply rooted in its advancements in science, technology, and innovation. Over the past decade, under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, we have seen a profound transformation across sectors — from the rise of startups to revolutionary breakthroughs in biotechnology, space technology, and quantum science. The Northeast region, once on the periphery of development, has become a shining example of growth, embodying both economic progress and scientific innovation. As we approach India@2047, empowering youth and fostering innovation are key. Initiatives like the National Research Foundation and the bioeconomy revolution are driving India toward self-reliance and global leadership, with young innovators leading the way.”
A key highlight of the event was Dr Jitendra Singh’s launch of the India Science, Technology & Innovation (ISTI) Portal. With a strong focus on engaging students, scientists, researchers, youth, and the public, the portal will provide access to valuable information on fellowships, scholarships, funding opportunities, and startup initiatives, enabling users to explore and leverage opportunities within India.
The Hon’ble dignitaries also inaugurated multiple exhibitions, highlighting key advancements, such as:
Besides, the day featured several other events that provided opportunities for participants to engage directly with the key stakeholders of the Indian scientific community, including Science Institutional Leaders Meet — Vision Sansad, Science through Games and Adventures — Science Safari, Round Table on India as the Global Manufacturing Hub through S&T, Students Science & Technology Village.
The second and third days of the IISF 2024 were marked by vibrant industry-academia collaboration, knowledge-sharing technical sessions, and initiatives to inspire students and teachers to creative, knowledge-based learning. The event also brought policymakers and scientific leaders together to discuss sustainable practices across science, agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare.
Interacting with school students during “Student Science Interactive Programme — Face to Face with New Frontiers in S&T”, Dr S Somanath, ISRO Chairman, remarked, “As students, you are the torchbearers of the future in science and technology. It is essential for you to grasp the remarkable innovations and advancements taking place in these fields today. By recognising their potential and the opportunities they present, you can draw inspiration to pursue similar paths and contribute to building a brighter tomorrow. Reflecting on our current scientific and technological endeavours, your enthusiastic engagement is pivotal in realising the vision of making India a global leader.”
Another key highlight of IISF 2024 was the lab-to-life initiative, where CSIR signed three technology transfer Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to promote sustainability and technological advancements. Specifically focused on sustainable management, these MoUs underscore CSIR’s commitment to leveraging science and technology for environmental preservation, enhancing industry competitiveness, and driving socio-economic development through innovative and practical solutions. These included:
The four-day mega science festival from 30 November 2024 to 3 December 2024 featured 24 different events during which 7000 delegates and 45000 individuals, including students, participated.
This year, some new events were also added. Sagarika — The Tale of Earth Sciences event, as the name suggests, aimed to engage and educate people on different areas of earth science such as meteorology, oceanography, ecology, etc. Through this event, IISF raised public awareness of environmental issues. The Science Beyond Borders event aimed to foster international collaborations, partnerships, and dialogue exchanges among scientists, researchers, and institutions to address global challenges in S&T. Similarly, Fusion Forum, the Atomic Assembly event, discussed the current perspectives, future benefits, and pressing challenges in implementing nuclear energy in India for various sectors such as power generation, nuclear medicine, agriculture, additive manufacturing, etc.
Another captivating event was the Saga of Science Chronicles, which told the history and recent developments of Indian science and scientists through an LED light show from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm each day of IISF 2024.
Events like the Science Odyssey of the North East addressed the challenges hindering the growth of science and technology in the North East, and also discussed the ways of promoting science and technology in the North East. The Taste of the Hills — North East Food Street showcased the food heritage of the North East and let the people eat and enjoy their traditional food items. The Food Street remained open throughout IISF 2024.
Two significant events in IISF 2024 discussed effective science communication S&T media strategies: Vigyanika and S&T Media Conclave. The Vigyanika event was pivotal in disseminating science in simple language to the masses. Vigyanika and S&T Media Conclave were organised by CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR), New Delhi. These events aimed to bridge the gap between science communicators, scientists, journalists, and media professionals.
IISF 2024 culminated with a valedictory function in which the Chief Coordinator of the event and Director of CSIR-NIIST, Dr C Anandharamakrishnan, proposed the vote of thanks.
In her presidential address, DG CSIR and Chairperson, Steering Committee, IISF 2024, Dr N Kalaiselvi remarked, “We have developed an action plan focused on North East activities in this IISF 2024,” and announced that the winners of the S&T Hackathon will receive support from CSIR.
The Chief Guest, Shri Keshab Mahanta, Hon’ble Minister for Science, Technology and Climate Change, Government of Assam, emphasised the importance of science and technology in driving the nation’s growth.
Shri Mahanta said, “We are working to establish a network for science communication, which includes setting up science centres in 219 development districts. Guwahati will soon have a science city. IISF has provided us with the perfect platform to showcase scientific developments in the North-East region.”
Concluding the IISF 2024 at IIT Guwahati, the Director of the institute, Prof. Devendra Jalihal, expressed gratitude and said that this IISF has exemplified science and technology’s ability to unite and empower. The legacy of IISF will depend on tangible outcomes that provide solutions to the community, fostering a culture of innovation.
