“Marching Towards Amrit Kaal with Science, Technology and Innovation”: the theme of IISF 2022 that took place between 21-24 January 2023 in Bopal, India. ICGEB contributed to the event under the auspices of the Indian Presidency of the G20.
ICGEB New Delhi was present at the the India International Science Festival 2022, at MANIT, in Bhopal. Hosting a stand at the Mega Expo Department of Biotechnology, India pavilion (which received the best pavilion award for IISF 2022), the team showcased the Goals of Science videos highlighting research projects for Sustainable Development from the component. Running daily Science Quizes and awarding prizes, the team held Foldscope workshops, showcased the diagnostic kits that have been developed at the ICGEB and the cutting edge research and Fellowship opportunities available at the Component.
Dr. Neel Sarovar Bhavesh, Group Leader, Transcription Regulation lab, was one of the organisers this year, coordinating the Science Communication event VIGYANIKA (Science Literature Festival) and taking part in the scientific discussion on Mentoring & Counselling on the Scope of Biological Sciences (Medicine, Clinical, Biomedical, Lab Technology, Paramedical, Physiotherapy, Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics) and Biotechnology. The Festival promotes inclusivity in science with events held in 15 languages, and 3D displays for those who are sight impaired.
The Vigyanika showcases India’s rich legacy of promoting science and instilling scientific culture in the public through multilingual scientific literature, science poetry, science drama, puppet show and folk art (including a puppet show); seeks to promote discussions on challenges and provide a roadmap for future effective communication of scientific knowledge.
This year’s Festival was organised by the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology, and Vijnana Bharati and the inaugural event was held in the presence of Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Chief Minister, Madhya Pradesh, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Earth Sciences; PMO, PP/DoPT, Atomic Energy, Space, Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhle, Secretary, DBT, Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Secretary, DSIR & Director General, CSIR and Dr. Shekhar C. Mande, President, Vijnana Bharati & Former Director General, CSIR (member of the ICGEB Council of Scientific Advisers).
Amrit Kaal is a term describing the period for achieving the highest human potential, and IISF aims to engage the public with science and demonstrate how science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) provide solutions to improve our lives.
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