National Science Day celebrations reinforce inclusive research and innovation
Every year on February 28, India celebrates National Science Day to commemorate the discovery of the Raman Effect by Sir C V Raman, a landmark moment that placed Indian science firmly on the global stage. This year’s theme, centred on the role of women in science and innovation, underscores the importance of representation, leadership and equitable participation in STEM.At the Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN), the occasion was marked by a renewed emphasis on strengthening the presence and visibility of women in science, alongside advancing cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary collaboration.Established in 2008, IITGN has emerged as one of India’s fast-growing research-focused institutions, known for breaking disciplinary silos and encouraging innovation at the intersection of engineering, sciences, humanities and social sciences. Its research spans climate resilience, advanced materials, artificial intelligence, biomedical engineering, water security, sustainable infrastructure and public policy.Beyond research metrics and publications, IIT Gandhinagar has consistently worked towards building a more inclusive scientific ecosystem. In alignment with this year’s theme, the institute hosted Women Force 2026 from February 26–28, 2026, a national-level gathering aimed at celebrating women who break boundaries in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.The three-day event, themed around meeting, learning and inspiring, brought together researchers, professionals, students and leaders to spotlight the contributions of women in STEM fields. Through talks, discussions and networking sessions, the initiative fostered mentorship, collaboration and greater participation of women in scientific research and innovation. Such efforts reflect IITGN’s commitment to ensuring that women scientists, researchers and students are empowered to lead and innovate.Speaking on the occasion of National Science Day, Prof Rajat Moona, Director of IIT Gandhinagar, said, “IITGN has consistently fostered an ecosystem where interdisciplinary collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity thrive. Our faculty members and researchers are engaged in pioneering work that addresses pressing societal issues while contributing to the global scientific community. Science thrives on curiosity and courage, the courage to question, to experiment, and to innovate. We view science as a powerful force for societal transformation.”A key strength of IITGN lies in its emphasis on translational research, moving discoveries from the laboratory to real-world application. The institute houses state-of-the-art laboratories and research centres that actively collaborate with industry, government bodies and international institutions. Faculty-led initiatives are closely aligned with national missions and global sustainability goals.Prof Vimal Mishra, Dean, R&D, IITGN, highlighted the importance of impact-driven research. “Scientific research must ultimately serve society. At IITGN, we focus on building solutions that are locally relevant yet globally significant, whether it is in climate resilience, water security, data science, or public health. Our goal is to ensure that research outcomes translate into tangible benefits for communities.”He added, “Strong research ecosystems are built on collaboration, across disciplines, institutions, industry, and government. By nurturing such partnerships, we are strengthening India’s innovation capacity while preparing for emerging global challenges.”“As India advances its semiconductor mission, experiential hardware learning must become central to technical education. At the Center for Creative Learning, IIT Gandhinagar, we aim to integrate hands-on semiconductor training into ITIs and engineering colleges, enabling students to move from understanding a simple NAND gate on a breadboard to designing PCBs, working with FPGAs, and eventually building complete processor-based systems. Our goal is to remove fear, build confidence, and empower students not just to consume technology, but to create it,” said Prof Manish Jain, Project Investigator, Center for Creative Learning, IIT Gandhinagar, on the occasion of National Science Day.On the occasion, faculty members also highlighted the need to nurture scientific curiosity among young learners. The celebrations focused on encouraging students to view science not merely as a subject, but as a pathway to innovation and problem-solving.Emphasising the importance of early scientific engagement among school students, Prof Sivapriya Kirubakaran, Professor, Chemistry, IITGN, said, “To instigate the spark in younger students to take up science as their career and give enough stress that science is interesting and the way to solve challenging questions.”Women are an integral part of our country’s scientific growth, even when their work did not always receive the recognition it deserved. Today, it is important that we create an environment where young women feel encouraged, supported and confident enough to pursue science without hesitation. When more women participate and lead in STEM, it strengthens not just institutions, but the future of innovation in the country,” said Prof Sivapriya.“Science begins by questioning inherited beliefs and examining every claim with disciplined rigor, accepting or rejecting it solely on the strength of evidence. It has reshaped our understanding of the universe through the work of scientists across the world, many of whom overcame social and gender barriers. Our responsibility is to cultivate such scientific temper in society and to build a rational and just social order anchored in the spirit of inquiry,” said Prof Sudipta Sarkar, Professor of Physics, IIT Gandhinagar.Students at IITGN are deeply integrated into this culture of inquiry. Undergraduate and postgraduate scholars participate in funded research projects, innovation challenges and community-driven initiatives from the early stages of their academic journey, a feature that distinguishes the institute within India’s higher education landscape.As India strengthens its scientific capabilities, IIT Gandhinagar continues to invest in its students and young researchers, while ensuring that opportunities in science remain inclusive and accessible. On National Science Day, the institute reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing curiosity, encouraging original thinking and building the confidence to tackle real-world challenges. At IITGN, science is ultimately about people and the problems they seek to solve.