The 38th Kerala Science Congress will take place at St Albert’s College, Ernakulam from 30 January to 2 February, with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan scheduled to inaugurate the event on 1 February. Organised by the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment, the four-day meeting will focus on “Ocean Science for the Blue Economy and Ecosystem” and will bring together researchers, industry representatives, educators and students.
Kerala Science Congress highlights
The conference will present state government science and technology awards during the opening ceremony, including the Kerala Science Award, the Kerala State Young Scientist Award, the Best Scientist Award and prizes for science literature. Prominent scientists are due to attend, with Professor P. Balaraman serving as the congress chair. The chairman of ISRO, Dr V. Narayanan, is also listed among the speakers and panellists.
Delegates can expect a mix of technical sessions, presentations by young researchers and students, academic–industry dialogues, memorial lectures and a science expo. The programme aims to foster collaboration between academia and industry while promoting public science literacy through outreach activities and displays designed for schoolchildren and the broader public.
Programme and participation
Conference events will include thematic sessions on ocean science and related technologies, poster sessions, panel discussions and lectures by senior researchers. The science expo will showcase applied research, student projects and industry-led innovations. The organisers have emphasised opportunities for early-career scientists to present their work and engage with potential industry partners.
In conjunction with the congress, a science exhibition will be held at St Albert’s Higher Secondary School in Ernakulam. The exhibition is intended to extend the reach of the congress to younger students and local residents, supporting science awareness and encouraging interest in research careers.
Impact and objectives
By focusing on ocean science and the blue economy, the Kerala Science Congress seeks to highlight research that can support sustainable coastal development and marine resource management. Presentations and dialogues aim to identify research priorities, promote interdisciplinary collaboration and encourage the translation of research into practical solutions for industry and policymakers.
Organisers expect the congress to serve as a platform for exchange between the scientific community and stakeholders from government and industry. The event also provides a forum for acknowledging excellence in science through the presentation of state awards, which recognise contributions across research, literature and youth engagement.
As the congress opens, attention will fall on how discussions and collaborations developed at the event feed into regional and national efforts on marine research, innovation and education. With high-profile attendees and a range of sessions and exhibitions, the 38th Kerala Science Congress aims to reinforce Kerala’s role as a hub for scientific dialogue and public engagement in India.
Key Takeaways:
- The 38th Kerala Science Congress will be held at St Albert’s College, Ernakulam from 30 January to 2 February, with the Chief Minister inaugurating on 1 February.
- Themes centre on ocean science for the blue economy and ecosystem, featuring awards, plenaries and a science expo.
- Leading scientists including Prof P. Balaraman and ISRO chairman V. Narayanan will attend; sessions will bring together researchers, industry and students.
