Inspiring Young Minds: IASST’s Outreach Programme, Curtain Raiser of IISF 2025.
As a prelude to the eagerly anticipated 11th India International Science Festival (IISF) 2025, the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST) organized a day-long Outreach Programme for school students, offering them a glimpse into the world of cutting-edge scientific research and innovation. Held on November 20, the event left an indelible impression on the young participants, igniting curiosity and enthusiasm for science.
Prof. Ashis Kumar Mukherjee, Director of IASST, extended a warm welcome to the Chief Guest, Dr Dinesh Ch. Goswami, a former Senior Scientist and Advisor to the Director of the North East Institute of Science and Technology (NEIST), Jorhat, is an eminent Assamese popular science writer and recipient of the Sahitya Akademi’s Bal Sahitya Puraskar (2014). He also welcomed Mr. Rajeev Sharma, Secretary of Vigyan Bharati (VIBHA), North East Region, along with media representatives, students, teachers from local schools of Guwahati, scientists, and Team IASST members who participated in this curtain-raiser event.
In his inaugural address, Prof. Mukherjee highlighted the importance of nurturing scientific curiosity and temperament among young minds. He emphasized that engaging students in the world of science is essential for fostering innovation and ensuring the nation’s progress.
During the enlightenment session, Secretary VIBHA provided a comprehensive overview of IISF, underscoring the significance of this national science festival in promoting scientific culture and public engagement.
Dr Goswami, the Chief Guest, presented an enlightening talk on popular science, followed by an interactive session with school pupils and research scientists. The program included a series of scientific demonstrations and model presentations by IASST scientists and researchers, who exhibited their ingenuity, technical proficiency, and research skills.
Serving as an essential pre-event initiative for IISF 2025, the outreach programme successfully bridged the gap between science and society, introducing students to the state-of-the-art research being conducted at IASST. The event aimed to inspire and motivate young learners to pursue scientific exploration, setting an encouraging tone for the 11th edition of IISF, scheduled to be held from December 6 to 9, 2025, at Panjab University.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr Diganta Goswami, Registrar, IASST, who acknowledged the contributions of all participants, guests, and organisers.
