ASEAN, SAARC students participate in IIIT-A’s fifth Science Conclave

The fifth annual Science Conclave, which opened with a grand ceremony at the Indian Institute of Information Technology-Allahabad (IIIT-A) on December 8, has students and researchers from ASEAN nations, SAARC and African countries participating for the first time.

Apart from the presence of a congregation of Nobel laureates, the week-long conclave also features eminent scientists, executives and students from Jammu and Kashmir and the North-Eastern states.

Robert F Curl, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1996 for his contribution in the field of chemistry, said in his inaugural address that everyone can win the coveted prize by keeping their eyes and ears open all the time, reports to a leading daily.

Speaking at the inaugural session, Padmashri Govardhan Mehta, FNA, FRS and Chancellor, explained the importance of the science conclave. He said the objective of the conclave is to popularise science in India by encouraging the youth to pursue a career in this field.

IIIT-A director Dr M D Tiwari said in his welcome address that the conclave marks the collaboration of Nobel laureates, eminent scientists, executives and students for the promotion of science -- an occasion that, he says, is not just rare but memorable.

The Science Conclave is inspired from Germany’s Lindau Conclave.