Thaindian News

New Delhi, Aug 25 (IANS) The 99th Indian Science Congress (ISC), the largest national science event, to be held in Bhubaneswar next year will focus on the role of women in science, an official said Thursday.

The focal theme of ISC to be held Jan 3-7, 2012 would be “Science and Technology for Inclusive Innovation - Role of Women”. It will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, general president of the event Geetha Bali said.

“The Congress aims to salutes the transition displayed by women and their emergence as true epitomes of power and courage,” said Bali, vice chancellor Karnataka State Women’s University, Bijapur.

Special emphasis will be laid on bridging the divide in the society using science and technology to achieve inclusive development - be it economic, geographical or gender based biases.

The event is likely to be attended by around 10,000 participants including Nobel laureates and several eminent scientists from India and abroad, besides students and general public.

“From a humble beginning Indian Science Congress has today emerged as one of the most awaited events on the science and technology calendar across the globe. The event will witness participation from some of the brightest minds in the realm of science from across the globe,” she said.

The five day event will comprise technical sessions, plenary sessions, vision talks, panel discussions, public lectures, pride of India expo, children science congress and women science congress, she said.

There will be special pavilions like ‘World of Women’ (WoW), ‘Edu Vision’, ‘Hall of Pride’ (HoP). WoW will be depicting women in science and science for women, whereas Edu Vision will showcase innovative models by leading educational institutions. HoP shall be a dedicated section designed to raise a toast to the life and works of a prominent scientist and philanthropist.