Science Congress: Why its glory days are over

The Prime minister addressing the 108^th Indian Science Congress, the country’s largest gathering of scientists and students, has mentioned an urgent need for reforms in the scientific research and development of the country.

Background:

• • With a history dating back to 1914, the Science Congress is a one-of-its-kind event in the country, bringing together scientists and researchers not just from the premier institutions and laboratories but also science teachers and professors from colleges and universities participate.
• Edition: It was the 108th edition of the Indian Science Congress held after two years of COVID.
• Location: It took place in
• Organised by: The event is organized by the Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA), an independent body functioning with the support of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) in the central government.
• Fund allocation for the event: For organising the Science Congress, the government provides an annual grant, which has been increased to Rs.5 crore from this year, it used to be Rs.3 crore earlier.

• Held on: It is an annual five-day event from January 3 to 7, 2023.
• Inaugurated by: Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He reiterated his call for harnessing scientific knowledge for societal needs and making India self-reliant.
• Significance: It offers a platform for their interaction with students and the general public on matters related to science.
• Points discussed:
  • Areas of priority: The priority areas like disease control, management of natural disasters, space applications, waste management, new materials, and semiconductor research have been considered.
  • Declining glory of congress: In more recent times, the event has attracted attention for all the wrong reasons — lack of serious discussion, the promotion of pseudoscience, outlandish claims by random speakers, and the absence of useful outcomes.
  • Reasons highlighted: Leading scientific institutions and laboratories only have a token presence, if at all. Most attendees are from colleges and universities with limited scientific credentials.

Highlights of the event:

• A special programme to showcase the contribution of women in science and technology will also be held with lectures by renowned women scientists.
• The event will also see a Children's Science Congress, organised to help stimulate scientific interest and temperament amongst children.
• The Tribal Science Congress will showcase as a platform for the scientific display of indigenous ancient knowledge systems and practices and will focus on the empowerment of tribal women.