The International Student Science Conference (ISSC) 2024 began today at The Doon School, Dehradun, uniting young minds from across the globe under the theme "Breaking Boundaries: Global Collaboration in Science and Technology." Running from December 3 to December 8, the conference is set to be an extraordinary celebration of innovation, scientific exploration, and cultural exchange.
Opening Day Highlights:
The conference was inaugurated by Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri awardee Dr. Anil Joshi, a renowned environmentalist, green activist, and founder of the Himalayan Environmental Studies and Conservation Organization (HESCO). In his keynote address, Dr. Joshi emphasized the critical role of science in environmental conservation and encouraged students to harness their knowledge for global sustainability.
Director of Academic Research and Training, Uttarakhand, Bandana Garbyal, and IT faculty Ramesh Badoni were guests at the event. Garbyal highlighted the immense opportunities this platform offers, particularly to the 150+ government school students from Dehradun participating in the event. She remarked, "This platform is a life-changing opportunity for our students to engage with global peers, learn innovative ideas, and embrace a culture of scientific inquiry." All students will have opportunity to interact with Dr. Uday Maitra Scientist from IISc.
Remarks from the Conference Coordinator
The conference is being skillfully coordinated by Mr. Anand Kumar Mandhian, who played a pivotal role in organizing this prestigious event. Reflecting on the significance of ISSC 2024, Mr. Mandhian stated, "ISSC is not just a conference; it’s a movement to inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators. Our goal is to provide a platform where students can exchange ideas, foster global collaboration, and find solutions to the challenges of the future."
A Global Celebration of Science
This year’s conference boasts participation from over six countries, making it a global hub for innovation and cultural exchange. The inaugural day featured vibrant cultural performances, research presentations, and interactive workshops on sustainable soap and detergent-making, along with a science exhibition showcasing innovative projects by The Doon School students.
Eminent Guests and Visionaries
On 5th December : Dr. Uday Maitra: An Expert in Chemistry and AI
One of the key speakers at ISSC 2024 is Dr. Uday Maitra, a highly acclaimed scientist from IISc, Bengaluru. A recipient of the prestigious Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award—India’s highest multidisciplinary science honor—Dr. Maitra is celebrated for his groundbreaking work in chemistry and artificial intelligence.
At ISSC, Dr. Maitra will conduct an interactive session titled "Chemistry is Fun!" where he will showcase the wonders of chemistry through engaging experiments and discussions. His work bridges the gap between traditional scientific research and modern technological advancements, particularly in artificial intelligence, offering students a glimpse into how interdisciplinary approaches can solve real-world challenges.
Transformative Impact on Students
The ISSC serves as a groundbreaking opportunity for students, particularly those from Uttarakhand’s government schools, to develop critical thinking, creativity, and global networking skills. With strong support from the CEO of Dehradun, schools have been directed to complete online registrations to ensure maximum participation.
A Vision for the Future
Conference Coordinator Anand Kumar Mandhian expressed his optimism about the long-term impact of the event: "This conference is a seed we are planting today, which will grow into a tree of innovation, global cooperation, and scientific discovery."
As ISSC 2024 unfolds, it promises to leave a lasting legacy of innovation, collaboration, and cultural unity, empowering the next generation of global leaders to shape a brighter future.