The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata (IISER Kolkata) celebrated its 21st Foundation Day as Institute Open Day at its campus on 10 July 2026 from 10.00 AM to 4.30Â PM. Around 700 students from nearby schools and colleges and from the adjoining districts visited IISER Kolkata, engaging in a day of scientific discovery and inspiration and soaking in the vibrant academic and research environment. Insight into cutting-edge research facilities, interactions with young researchers, students and professors, interesting experiments, exhibitions, models, displays, popular talks and poster presentations were the highlights of the programme.
Prof. Gobardhan Das (Member, NITI Aayog, Government of India & Former Director, IISER Bhopal) graced the occasion as our Chief Guest and delivered the Foundation Day lecture titled “Nation Buildingâ. His brilliant talk inspired the students to become strong architects of a strong India. Dr Suvrokamal Dutta (Distinguished International Conservative Political, Economic and Foreign Policy Expert) was present as the Guest of Honour and delivered a talk titled “Mission Sonar Bangla towards Viksit Bharat 2047â, which truly served as a source of inspiration and encouragement to the large number of young students visiting our campus.
Our chief guest, Prof. Gobardhan Das, inaugurated the much-awaited new Central Instrumentation Facility amidst big applause from everyone. Prof. Das took a keen interest in the various scientific displays and poster presentations as well and interacted with students present. He lauded the efforts of IISER Kolkata for organising such a well-planned event that connects todayâs students to the core of science in a very interesting manner. It was indeed a momentous occasion for the entire IISER Kolkata fraternity. Â
Prof. Sunil Kumar Khare, Director, IISER Kolkata, emphasised popularizing science among the young minds and unveiled a visionary agenda of organizing such events every year on the occasion of the Instituteâs Foundation Day as a part of the Instituteâs outreach activities on a grand scale. The Director thanked Prof. Debasish Koley, Dean, International Relations & Outreach, and Prof. Anirban Banerjee, Associate Dean, International Relations & Outreach, for their relentless efforts in making the event a great success. The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, an Institute of National Importance established by the Ministry of Human Resource Development in 2006 and presently under the aegis of the Ministry of Education, is mandated to conduct world-class research and impart undergraduate and postgraduate education in a research environment and further ignite curiosity and foster a passion for science among young learners. We are glad that our institute is now contributing in big ways to the world of knowledge.
