Why in the News?

• The Indian Science Congress has been replaced by the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC), with its first edition scheduled for November 2025 in New Delhi.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• ISC (Introduction, Achievements, Issues, etc.)
• About ESTIC (Key Features, Objectives, Significance, etc.)

Introduction

• For over a century, the Indian Science Congress (ISC) has been the premier platform for Indian scientists, researchers, and policymakers to deliberate on national scientific priorities.
• Established in 1914, the ISC grew into a prestigious event inaugurated annually by the Prime Minister, bringing together global and Indian experts.
• However, over recent years, concerns over its effectiveness, controversies in its sessions, and institutional disputes have diminished its relevance.
• In 2025, the government announced a new approach with the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC), scheduled to be held in November.
• This marks a historic transition in India’s science policy ecosystem, signalling a move toward a more structured, innovation-driven forum aligned with national priorities like Viksit Bharat 2047.

Achievements and Issues with the Indian Science Congress

• Achievements

• Platform for Scientific Exchange: The ISC played a crucial role in creating a scientific community in pre- and post-Independence India.
• Global Participation: It hosted Nobel Laureates, international scholars, and top Indian scientists.
• Policy Influence: Many national science policies were shaped through discussions at ISC sessions.
• Public Engagement: It popularised science among school and college students through exhibitions and public lectures.

• Issues

• Erosion of Academic Quality: Over time, the ISC faced criticism for allowing unscientific and controversial statements by some participants.
• Reduced Relevance: Its role as a serious forum for science policy and research exchange declined.
• Institutional Conflict: Disputes between the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA), which organised the event, led to funding cuts.
• COVID-19 Disruptions: After the pandemic, only the 2023 edition was held, with no physical conferences thereafter.

• The growing disconnect between ISC and India’s contemporary science needs created the ground for ESTIC.

The Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC)

• Overview
  • The first ESTIC will be held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from November 3-4, 2025, and is expected to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
  • Organised by the DST in collaboration with all science-related ministries, ESTIC aims to become India’s leading forum for advancing innovation-driven research.
• Key Features

• Thematic Sessions: 11 technical sessions will focus on frontier areas such as space, biotechnology, deep-tech, and renewable energy.
• Innovation Showcase: 75 exhibition stalls will be set up by deep-tech startups.
• Global Participation: Nobel Laureate Andre Geim (Physics, 2010), French space expert Jean-Yves Le Gall, and Japanese biologist Professor Masaru Tomita are among the confirmed international guests.
• Government Involvement: Unlike the ISC, ESTIC will involve direct participation from all science-related ministries, including atomic energy, IT, and space.
• Prime Minister’s Presence: PM’s attendance at the inaugural underlines the strategic importance given to ESTIC.

• Objectives

• To showcase cutting-edge research and technology breakthroughs.
• To align India’s science innovation ecosystem with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
• To provide a serious global platform for scientists and innovators, different from IISF (India International Science Festival), which is designed more as a science popularisation event.

Significance of the Transition

• Replacing ISC with ESTIC represents:

• Policy Modernisation: Moving from a general science gathering to a high-level innovation conclave.
• Focus on Innovation: Prioritising applied research and startup-driven technology ecosystems.
• Global Leadership: Positioning India as a key player in international science and technology networks.
• Institutional Clarity: Shifting control directly to DST reduces friction with external associations like ISCA.