Indian Youth Science Congress starts today

CHENNAI, INDIA: Around 600 young scientists will participate in the second edition of the three-day Indian Youth Science Congress (IYSC) that will start on Saturday at the SRM University near Chennai.

"Around 350 research papers will be presented at the youth science congress jointly organised by M.S.Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) and SRM University. There will be eight parallel and four plenary sessions," M. Parani, head of the university's genetic engineering department, told IANS.

To be inaugurated by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman K.Radhakrishnan, the youth science congress intends to provide a voice to young scientists and scholars on tapping science and technology for India’s development.

The congress will also discuss and deliberate on agriculture, medical sciences, biotechnology, information and technology, space and communication, nanotechnology, physical sciences, chemical sciences, energy research, climate change, biodiversity conservation, traditional knowledge system and linking science and society and self employment.

According to Parani, the age profile of the delegates will be between 18 and 35.

"Participants will be under/post graduates, PhDs and those who have entered service recently," he said.

Cash awards will be given to best papers presented at each session, Parani said.