The scientific community across India is buzzing with excitement as preparations intensify for the upcoming India International Science Festival (IISF) 2025. In a significant prelude to this major national event, the National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS) in Pune organized a special curtain raiser event on Thursday, November 13, 2025, designed specifically to ignite scientific passion among the next generation.
Sparking Scientific Curiosity Among Students
The primary objective of this initiative was to introduce school and college students to the dynamic world of scientific research and the spirit of IISF. Participants received a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in modern bioscience, discovering the groundbreaking research and innovative technologies currently under development at one of India's premier scientific institutions.
Shreeprasad M K, zonal organising secretary of Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA), Paschim Kshetra, elaborated on the festival's purpose and evolution during his address. He emphasized the importance of cultivating a scientific temperament rooted in curiosity, logic, and systematic inquiry among young minds.
"While not every student in our country can attend the main IISF event, they should certainly be aware of its significance," Shreeprasad stated. "We organized this curtain raiser to spark curiosity about science and provide exposure to the kind of advanced research happening at institutes like NCCS. Our fundamental aim is to inspire students and help them develop a genuine, lasting interest in scientific fields."
Encouraging Careers in Scientific Research
Professor Sharmila Bapat, director (additional charge) of NCCS, reinforced this message by actively encouraging students to consider pursuing careers in science. After providing a comprehensive overview of the Department of Biotechnology's BioE3 initiative, she motivated participants to engage with the DBT's D.E.S.I.G.N for BioE3 challenge.
This monthly competition aims to empower young innovators to develop solutions for critical contemporary issues, providing a practical platform for applying scientific knowledge to real-world problems.
Exclusive Laboratory Tours and Demonstrations
Following the inaugural session, the visiting students and teachers embarked on guided tours through NCCS's state-of-the-art research facilities. The educational journey included exploration of multiple specialized units, giving participants unprecedented access to working scientific environments.
Students visited the National Cell Repository, Bioinformatics and Flow Cytometry laboratories, Bioimaging facility, Proteomics and DNA Sequencing units, and Microbiology exhibits. These interactive sessions allowed direct interaction with scientific experts, providing valuable insights into real-time laboratory operations and the process of scientific discovery.
The India International Science Festival represents an annual nationwide celebration of scientific achievement, jointly organized by various science ministries and departments in collaboration with Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA). The 2025 edition, coordinated by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, is scheduled to take place at Panjab University in Chandigarh, continuing its mission to make science accessible and exciting for all Indians.
