“There is a need to convey and showcase the not only the achievements and actions taken by the Indian Science & Technology fraternity and all R&D institutions but also how to bring self-reliance through S&T to the society. India International Science Festival-2020, brings in an opportunity to demonstrate the strength and potential of Indian Science & Technology not only to the people of India but to the entire international community as well”.This was stated by Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister of Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Health & Family Welfare, at a virtual curtain raiser event organized by IIT Kanpur (IIT-K) today. He said, “IISF-2020 is a celebration of Science and Technology by engaging with public from different cross-sections of our society and showcasing how Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) are providing us with the solutions to improve our lives”. He expressed the hope, “I am sure that with use of digital platforms, IISF will be only a click away for the science loving people in the remotest corners of the country”. This will be the first ever virtual edition of this event since its inception in 2015.The Minister appreciated, “Today, IIT Kanpur is a vibrant creative hub, comprising the very best in terms of academic research and outreach practices. While the Institute has created a global impact through its academics and research, it remains firmly connected to the national agenda of development”. “I proudly note the exemplary manner in which you have been working towards Atma-Nirbhar Bharat & Global Welfare in terms of science, technology and innovation”, he added.
This year, IISF 2020 partners with IIT-K, one of the leading educational institutions in the country spearheading tech-infused innovation and research across various sectors and known for pioneering innovation in fields including cognitive sciences, cybersecurity, criminal forensics, sustainability among others. This partnership aims to help India realign with its goals of being ‘Atma-Nirbhar’ (self-reliant) and a global hub of knowledge.Professor Abhay Karandikar, Director, IIT Kanpur; Prof. Sandeep Verma, Secretary, Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB); Shri Jayant Sahasrabudhe, National Organizing Secretary, Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA); Dr. Sunil Misra, Gen. Secretary VIBHA, Kanpur Prant and other distinguished guests attended the programme.The sixth edition of this mega science festival will take place from December 22 to 25, 2020. Celebrating the achievements of India's scientific and technological advancements with students and innovators.This virtual edition of the festival will also engage with the public, showing them how science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) play a pivotal role by providing solutions to improve our lives.IISF 2020 is being organized jointly by Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Earth Sciences, Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in association with Vijnana Bharati. The nodal institution for science festival this year is CSIR-National Institute of Science, Technology and Development Studies (NISTADS), New Delhi.