Curtains fall on science fest

Hyderabad will host 93rd edition of ISC

The 92nd session of the Indian Science Congress (ISC) concluded here today with 24 young scientists from 14 different sections being felicitated.

The 93rd session of ISC will be held at Acharya, N G Ranga Agricultural University, Hyderabad, with the theme being 'Integrated Rural Development : Science and Technology'.

The 93 session will be held during January 3 to 6, 2006 under the general presidentship of A V Subha Rao, said S P Singh, general secretary, Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA).

"We have achieved our target to take health and technology to people. This science congress brought together the best medical experts from different parts of the world who gave direction to fight dreading diseases like malaria, cholera, HIV / AIDS, TB, diabetes, coronary heart disease amongst others. I am sure the conference has helped the general public and experts present," said N K Ganguly, general president, 92nd session, ISCA.

Among other achievements, Science Congress recommended creation of science cadre. It was emphasised that it can be created with the help of strong universities, which would be able to provide high quality science education. The scientific community recommended that centre of excellence in science education must be developed.

Singh made a remark on the awareness of the ISC, which needs to reach smaller cities and villages, particularly among students in order to fulfill the basic objective of the establishment of ISCA.

"A database of experts in frontier areas of science such as nanotechnology, genetic engineering, telemedicines and awareness of patent laws needs to be prepared," said Singh.

Around 6,000 delegates including scientists, science managers, policy makers and science students attended the 92nd session of ISC held at Nirma University and Science campus. Total 146 renowned scientists and technologists addressed various plenary and sectional sessions and delivered the lecturers throwing lights on research and development in their respective fields.

As part of the 92 session of ISC, the 'Pride of India Expo' was also held at Nirma University. More than 80 participants from various research and development (R&D) labs, major corporates, government institutions amongst others took part in the exhibition.

The expo got an overwhelming response from the public and around 1.5 lakh people visited the exhibition.