After 45 years, Mumbai to host science congress

The 102nd Indian Science Congress (ISC) would will be held in Mumbai from January 3-7, 2015, after a gap of 45 years. This time the congress will focus on science and technology for human development.

This is for the fifth time Mumbai is hosting the meet – the earlier being in 1926, 1934, 1960 and 1969. The University of Mumbai would be playing host to the ISC for the second time – the earlier being in 1960.

“It is going to be a grand event,” said University of Mumbai Vice Chancellor Dr Rajan Velukar, adding that as many as eight Nobel laureates and four Nobel-equivalent would be attending the event. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the 5-day mega science event. “We are expecting 12,000 to 15,000 delegates,” said Dr Naresh Chandra, the Pro-Vice Chancellor.

The role of Mumbai in promoting science and technology would also be showcased – and the contribution of organisations like University of Mumbai, IIT-Bombay, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) and Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) would be showcased. A science exhibition, the Women’s Science Congress, the Children’s Science Congress and a Science Communicators Meet would run parallel to the main event.