- Institute celebrates legacy of Nobel laureate C. V. Raman with a renewed push for transformative, impact-driven research
- Women Force 2026 amplifies leadership, mentorship and representation of women across STEM disciplines
- Cutting-edge work in climate resilience, AI, semiconductors and public health reinforces IITGN’s global research footprint
- Faculty and students champion translational science that moves from laboratory breakthroughs to real-world solutions
- Celebration reinforces scientific temper, interdisciplinary collaboration and the power of curiosity to shape India’s future
NE EDUCATION BUREAU
GANDHINAGAR, MAR 1
The Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar marked National Science Day 2026 with a powerful reaffirmation of its mission to foster inclusive innovation, empower women in STEM and advance research that addresses society’s most pressing challenges.
Observed annually on February 28 to commemorate the discovery of the Raman Effect, National Science Day honours India’s scientific heritage while inspiring future generations to embrace inquiry, discovery and innovation. This year’s theme spotlighted the role of women in science, underscoring the importance of equitable participation and leadership in shaping the future of research.
At IITGN, the occasion became more than a celebration—it evolved into a dynamic platform to highlight interdisciplinary research, translational innovation and inclusive scientific leadership.
Established in 2008, IITGN has rapidly emerged as one of India’s most progressive research-driven institutions, breaking traditional academic boundaries to foster collaboration across engineering, sciences, humanities and public policy. Its pioneering work spans critical domains including climate resilience, advanced materials, artificial intelligence, biomedical engineering, water security and sustainable infrastructure.
Women Force 2026: Celebrating Women Who Redefine Scientific Leadership
In alignment with the National Science Day theme, IITGN hosted Women Force 2026, a three-day national gathering from February 26–28 dedicated to celebrating and empowering women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
The initiative brought together researchers, students, professionals and thought leaders from across the country, creating a vibrant ecosystem of mentorship, knowledge exchange and collaboration. Through talks, discussions and networking, the event reinforced the institute’s commitment to building an inclusive scientific community where women are empowered to lead, innovate and transform.
Science as a Catalyst for Societal Transformation
Speaking on the occasion, Prof Rajat Moona, Director, IIT Gandhinagar, highlighted the institute’s philosophy of curiosity-driven and impact-oriented research.
“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.”
Research That Serves Society and Solves Real-World Challenges
Emphasising IITGN’s focus on translational and impact-driven science, Prof Vimal Mishra, Dean, R&D, IITGN, said: “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 further stressed the importance of partnerships in strengthening innovation ecosystems:
“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.”
Building India’s Semiconductor and Hardware Innovation Talent
Highlighting the importance of experiential learning in advanced technology domains, Prof Manish Jain, Project Investigator, Center for Creative Learning, IIT Gandhinagar, said: “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.”
Nurturing Scientific Temper and Inspiring Future Scientists
Faculty members also underscored the importance of cultivating scientific curiosity and encouraging students—especially young women—to pursue careers in science.
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.”
She further emphasised the importance of empowering women in STEM: “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.”
Reinforcing the broader societal role of science, Prof Sudipta Sarkar, Professor of Physics, IIT Gandhinagar, said: “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.”
Empowering Students as Innovators and Problem-Solvers
Students at IITGN remain central to this culture of innovation, actively participating in research projects, innovation challenges and community-driven initiatives from early academic stages.
With world-class laboratories, global collaborations and a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary learning, IITGN continues to shape scientists, engineers and innovators capable of addressing real-world challenges.
As India accelerates its scientific and technological ambitions, IIT Gandhinagar’s National Science Day celebrations reaffirm a powerful vision: science is not just about discovery—it is about empowering people, transforming society and building a more inclusive, innovation-driven future.
