The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Mohali celebrated its 19th Foundation Day on September 27, 2025. The foundation stone of IISER Mohali was laid on this day in 2006 by the then Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh. Since its inception, IISER Mohali has established itself as one of India’s premier science institutes, fostering cutting-edge research and nurturing the next generation of scientists.
This year’s Foundation Day coordinated by Dr. Vishal Bhardwaj was marked by an open day event, where students from schools across the tricity and neighboring areas visited the campus for an exciting day of science demonstrations and competitions. The exhibits featured a diverse array of topics, from observing model organisms under a microscope, detecting pH on the paper indicator stripes prepared from red cabbage extract, life cycle of fruit fly and many more in biology.
They witnessed the bending of the electric field and science behind the musical sound in physics, oscillatory reactions in chemistry and exploring fossils in the archaeology zone. Students also experienced innovative quartz based biosensor, and gained insights on interesting mathematical concepts.
A panel discussion was organized in which IISER Mohali faculty was engaged in a scientific discussion with our students. School students participated actively in the “ask a scientist” session, where they asked interesting questions to the scientists. The best three questions were selected and respective students were awarded.
Approximately 500 students and their teachers participated in these activities, with the primary objective of igniting curiosity and offering a glimpse into the world of science. The day culminated with the 19th Foundation Day Lecture, delivered by the Chief Guest, Professor Vikram Mathews, Director of CMC Vellore. His lecture, titled Targeting AML Metabolism: Strategies and Challenges, captivated the audience. He highlighted an inspiring story of the use of Arsenic Trioxide in the treatment of APL, which is a variant of Leukemia.
Ms. Vini Mahajan, Ex-Chief Secretary, Government of Punjab was the Guest of Honour. Professor Anil Kumar Tripathi, Director of IISER Mohali, presented the institute's annual progress report. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Sunil A. Patil, Associate Dean of Research & Development at IISER Mohali, acknowledging the efforts of everyone involved in making the day a success.