National Science Day commemorates the discovery of the Raman Effect by Nobel Laureate Sir C.V.V. Raman in 1928. At IISER Kolkata, this occasion is more than a tribute—it is a vibrant celebration aimed at fostering scientific curiosity, innovation, and outreach among students and the broader society. The event serves as a platform to ignite young minds, encouraging them to explore the vast world of science through interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, and thought-provoking discussions. By connecting students with leading researchers, the event inspires future scientists, enhances scientific literacy, and promotes a deeper appreciation for research and discovery. IISER Kolkata has been celebrating National Science Day for the past few years, continuously expanding its reach and engagement seamlessly. Over time, it has evolved into a much-anticipated event, drawing participation from schools, colleges, institutes, educators, and research enthusiasts from across the state and beyond.
The highlights of this year’s event are the following:
- Talks by eminent scientists and scholars
- Interactive scientific exhibitions showcasing ongoing research and innovations
Prof. Suman Chakraborty, Director, IIT Kharagpur, chaired the event as the chief guest. chief guest.
and delivered a popular talk titled “Science Without Walls: Convergent Research for a Living, Complex, and Transforming World”. Swami Atmapriyanandaji, Pro-Chancellor, RKMVERI, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour and delivered an interesting talk titled “The Wonder of Science”. Padma Shri Dr Narayan Chakrabarty, former HoD, Department of Chemistry, Maulana Azad College, Kolkata, attended the event as an invited special guest.
Under the strong leadership, patronage, and guidance of our director, Prof. Sunil Kumar Khare, and the unstinted support and continuous efforts of Prof. Debasis Koley, dean of international relations and outreach, and Prof. Anirban Banerjee, associate dean of international relations and outreach, this grand celebration of science witnessed the enthusiastic participation of numerous schools and institutions from various districts across the state, with around 800 students, educators, and science enthusiasts. Their vivacious presence transformed IISER Kolkata into a hub of knowledge, curiosity, innovation, and intellectual engagement, making this National Science Day a truly unforgettable experience.
The institute has launched two new academic programmes – the BS-MS Dual Degree Program in Computational and Data Sciences and the Master of Science in Sustainability Science. With the increasing role of computational methods in scientific research, this programme is structured to empower students with skills in programming, data analysis, machine learning, and high-performance computing while maintaining a strong scientific foundation. Graduates from this programme will be well-equipped to apply their computational expertise to solve complex problems in the natural sciences, making them highly valuable in both academia and industry. The MS Programme in Sustainability Science offered by IISER Kolkata equips science and engineering graduates with advanced scientific and technical knowledge to become professional leaders in addressing sustainability problems in industry and society. The programme will impart knowledge, tools, and skills to pursue careers in academia, industry, non-governmental organisations, and government and become change agents to drive the goals of a more sustainable planet.
Our faculty members and students across all disciplines have received several national and international accolades, recognitions, and awards from prestigious institutions from all over the world. IISER Kolkata has emerged as champions in the Inter IISER Cultural Meet held at IISER Berhampur in Dec. 2025. The IISER Kolkata 2025 team has brought home the gold medal in the iGEM 2025 Grand Jamboree held in Paris, marking a significant victory for the institute. This triumph is particularly noteworthy as it secures IISER Kolkata’s fifth gold in the competition, underscoring the institution’s commitment to excellence in scientific research and education. The key takeaways of the event are enhanced scientific awareness and curiosity among students, exposure to cutting-edge research and interaction with leading experts, hands-on learning experiences through workshops and demonstrations, and promotion of collaborative learning among schools, universities, and research institutions.
