India International Science Festival (IISF): Objectives and Importance

Category: Science and Technology

UPSC Notes

The India International Science Festival (IISF) is an initiative designed to promote scientific awareness, public participation in science and communication between researchers and society.

It brings together scientists, students, innovators, science communicators, institutions and the public.

Major objectives

  • Promote scientific temper and evidence-based thinking.

  • Make scientific knowledge accessible to the general public.

  • Encourage young people to pursue scientific research.

  • Showcase Indian scientific achievements and innovations.

  • Strengthen interaction among academia, research organisations, industry and citizens.

The festival has been organised through collaboration among Indian scientific institutions and government departments, with the Department of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Earth Sciences among the associated institutions in its history.

Key Pointers for UPSC

  • IISF focuses on science popularisation and public engagement.

  • It is different from a scientific journal or a research-grant programme.

  • Useful themes include innovation, indigenous technologies, STEM education and scientific communication.

  • The host city, edition number and theme change over time; verify these details for the specific current-affairs edition.