Indian Science Congress

The Indian Science Congress is the annual gathering of researchers in India. It is organized by ISCA (Indian Science Congress Association), headquartered in Kolkata, West Bengal. This professional body established in 1914 falls under the Science and Technology Department of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India.

The Indian Science Congress 2021, scheduled to be held in January 2022, has been postponed to 2023. The Congress was originally going to be held during January 3-7, 2021, at Symbiosis International University (SIU) in Pune. However, it was postponed to 2022 due to the Covid-19 situation.

This might be the first time in over 100 years that the Science Congress has been called off for two consecutive years. The 2021 Congress would mark the 108th edition of the event. The theme for the event was 'Sustainable Development with Women Empowerment.

Indian Science Congress Association-Genesis

The Indian Science Congress Association is the brainchild and initiative of two British Chemists, Professor J. L. Simonsen and Professor P.S. McMahon. They believed that the annual meeting of researchers could stimulate scientific research in India. The meeting in India is held on the lines of the Association for the Advancement of Science held in Britain.

The first gathering of the Indian Science Congress was held in 1914 at the premises of the Asiatic Society in Calcutta. Since then, the conference has been held in the first week of January every year. The meeting is graced by prominent Indian and foreign scientists and Nobel laureates each year.

Indian Science Congress 2020 - Facts

• Indian Science Congress 2020 marked the 107th edition of the meeting.
• It was held at the University of Agricultural Science, Bengaluru, from 3rd to 7th January 2020.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Congress.
• The 107th Indian Science Congress theme was 'Science and Technology: Rural Development.' With this theme, Congress aimed to bridge the gap between tech-innovators and farmers.
• PM Modi launched the Indian Science Technology and Engineering facilities Map Portal (I-STEM). The portal is designed to assist the researchers in locating specific facilities for their research work.

Indian Science Congress: Significant Milestones

• Foreign Scientists Participation

India began seeing the participation of foreign scientists and academics since the 34th annual session of the Indian Science Congress. The event was held in 1947 with the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru as the General President. The trend of inviting foreign representatives continues to date.

• Introduction of Focal Theme

The General President of ISCA in 1976 introduced the focal theme of national relevance in the Association. The theme is now discussed in every section, committee, and forum during the annual session. Further, several plenary sessions are organized around the theme.

• Young Scientist's Award Program

The Association introduced the program for young scientists from the 68th session held in 1981. Young scientists present their research work and exchange ideas through the program. The candidates making the best presentation are awarded prize money and a certificate of merit.

FAQs on Indian Science Congress

Q.1) When was the first Indian Science Congress held?

Ans: The first Indian Science Congress was held in 1914.

Q.2) What theme was the Indian Science Congress 2021 based on?

Ans: The theme of the Indian Science Congress 2021 was 'Sustainable Development with Women Empowerment.'

Q.3) What theme was the Indian Science Congress 2020 based on?

Ans: The theme of the Indian Science Congress 2020 was 'Science and Technology: Rural Development.'