LPU to host world's largest science meet

Touted as the world's largest science meet, massive preparations are being made by the Lovely Professional University (LPU) near here for the Indian Science Congress beginning on its campus on January 3.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the ISC-2019 by addressing nearly 30,000 delegates at the inaugural ceremony at the LPU campus.

The delegates will include Nobel Laureates, union ministers, eminent scientists, science policymakers, administrators, young researchers and school children from across India and other countries.

Over 100 conferences and events of scientific and technology-linked themes will be held during the five-day (January 3-7) Congress. This is the 106th edition of the ISC.

Scientists and experts from leading institutions like DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation), ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation), DST (Department of Science and Technology), AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences), UGC (University Grants Commission), AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education) and universities from US, UK and other countries will participate in the event.

Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA) president Manoj Kumar Chakrabarti said the ISC-2019 "will be a milestone for the future development of India since it is going to provide a great platform to exchange ideas and innovations among young minds".

"The event will play a pivotal role in stimulating scientific research effort and raising the scientific temperament in the country and the world," Chakrabarti said.

Nobel Laureates who have confirmed their participation include German-American biochemist Prof. Thomas Sudoph (2013 Nobel Prize in Physiology/Medicine for work on vesicle trafficking); Hungarian-born Israeli biochemist and Nobel laureate in Chemistry Prof. Avram Hershko and physicist Frederick Duncan Michael Haldane (2016 Nobel Prize in Physics).

Union Science and Technology Minister Harsh Vardhan and Textile Minister Smriti Irani will also attend the event, an LPU spokesman said on Sunday.

LPU Chancellor Ashok Mittal said: "Lovely Professional University is proud to be one of the first private universities in the country to host the Indian Science Congress. I am confident that this edition of the Science Congress will set new benchmarks for scientific discourse in India."

Mittal said that a special 'Solar powered Multi-Seated Driver-Less Bus' has been designed and created by LPU engineering students which will ferry the Prime Minister to the ISC venue.

Since the ISC's first session in 1914, it is only the second time for a university in Punjab to organise the science congress.

The ISC-2019 will also have a 'Children's Science Congress', which will target children of 10-17 years age group, to carry forward innovation and research in science to a next level.

"Nearly 150 science projects, finalised by the DST, will be showcased and children will also have the opportunity to interact with eminent scientists and Nobel Laureates," the spokesman said.

The ISC will also have a 'Science Communicators' Meet' and a Women's Science Congress'. The latter will showcase the contribution of women in science, technology and the society.

A 'Pride of India' Expo will also be organised separately during the event.

--IANS

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