In News:

The 11th edition of the India International Science Festival (IISF) 2025 commenced in Panchkula, Haryana, reaffirming India’s commitment to science-led national development and public engagement with science.

About IISF

• Launched: 2015
• Vision: Conceived under the guidance of the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India to promote scientific temper, innovation, and public participation in science
• Nature: India’s flagship annual science outreach and collaboration platform
• Aim:
  • Strengthen India’s science culture
  • Highlight India’s position as a global S&T leader
  • Support national goals in research, innovation, and talent development
  • Bridge traditional knowledge systems with modern science

IISF 2025: Key Details

• Edition: 11th
• Venue: Panchkula, Haryana
• Dates: 6–9 December 2025
• Theme:“Vigyan Se Samruddhi: for Aatmanirbhar Bharat”
• Organised by: Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES)
• Coordinating Institution: Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune

Theme Significance

• Emphasisesscience-led prosperity and self-reliance (Aatmanirbharta)
• Aligns science and technology with:
  • Economic growth
  • Indigenous innovation
  • National and global development goals
• Reflects the broader vision: “Innovation. Aatmanirbharta. India for Global Good”

Scale and Participation

• Expected Participants: Over 40,000 from India and abroad
• Sessions: More than 150 technical and thematic sessions
• Stakeholders Involved:
  • Scientists and researchers
  • Students and educators
  • Startups, industry leaders and investors
  • Policy-makers (Union & State Governments)
  • Science communicators and media professionals
  • Women scientists and early-career researchers

Major Thematic Focus Areas (2025)

1. Science, Technology & Ecology of North-West India and Himalayan Region
2. Science for Society and Education
3. Aatmanirbhar Bharat through Science & Technology
4. Biotechnology and Bio-Economy
5. Integration of Traditional Knowledge with Modern Science

Priority domains include:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)
• Quantum technologies
• Gene editing
• Bio-manufacturing and genomics
• Space science (satellites, launch systems, applications)
• Climate and Himalayan science

Key Components of IISF 2025

• Large-scale science and technology exhibitions
• Business-to-business (B2B) meetings
• Competitions, cultural programmes and outreach activities
• Special sessions for:
  • Women in science
  • School students
  • Young entrepreneurs
  • Early-career researchers

Partner Ministries and Institutions

• Department of Science and Technology (DST): Quantum tech, AI, advanced materials
• Department of Biotechnology (DBT): Genomics, health tech, bio-economy
• Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR): Clean energy, materials, aerospace, sensors
• Department of Space: Satellites, launch vehicles, space applications
• Department of Atomic Energy: Nuclear science, radiation tech, medical isotopes
• Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA): Public outreach and student engagement

Evolution and Significance of IISF (2015–2025)

• Hosted across major Indian cities including Delhi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Chennai, Goa, Bhopal, Faridabad, Assam
• Conducted in virtual and hybrid modes during COVID-19
• Known for:
  • Guinness World Records
  • Massive public footfall (up to 10 lakh+ visitors in earlier editions)
  • Introduction of science villages, innovation expos, and science communication platforms
• Continual emphasis on Swadeshi science, indigenous innovation, and societal relevance

Why in the News?

The 9th edition of the India International Science Festival (IISF) 2023 will be held at Faridabad, Haryana from January 17th-20th, 2024.

About the India International Science Festival (IISF):

• The India International Science Festival (IISF) is an annual science festival organized by the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Earth Science, and Vijnana Bharati in India.
• The festival aims to promote science and technology in India and to showcase the latest advancements in these fields.
• The IISF has been held every year since 2007.
• The festival typically lasts for four days and features a variety of events, including exhibitions, seminars, workshops, and competitions.
• The exhibitions feature displays of scientific and technological innovations from India and around the world.
• The seminars and workshops provide opportunities for scientists and technologists to share their knowledge with the public.
• The competitions encourage students to participate in science and technology.
• The IISF is a major event in the Indian scientific community and has been praised for its role in promoting science education and public awareness of science.
• The festival has also been successful in attracting international participation, with scientists and technologists from around the world attending the event.
• The 2022 IISF was held in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, from January 21 to 24.

India International Science Festival (IISF) 2023:

• It will be held at the Campus of Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) and Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB) of the Department of Biotechnology in Faridabad.
• Theme: 'Science and Technology Public Outreach in Amrit Kaal'.
• IISF 2023 will have a total of 17 themes to showcase scientific achievements, offering diverse benefits to participants and the general public.