Chennai: The curtain raiser for the 10th India International Science Festival (IISF) 2024 took place at CSIR-Structural Engineering Research Centre, Chennai, on November 7, 2024. IISF 2024, organized by the CSIR, will be hosted at the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati from November 30 to December 3.

This year's theme, "Transforming India into a Science and Technology-Driven Global Manufacturing Hub," aims to foster India's innovation landscape.

The event was presided over by Dr. N. Anandavalli, Director, CSIR-SERC, with Prof. R. Velraj, former Vice Chancellor of Anna University, as the chief guest.

Dr. Anandavalli encouraged widespread participation in IISF, stressing the joy of celebrating science, the importance of STEM education, and careers in science. She highlighted the role of science in everyday life and CSIR-SERC's contributions.

Gopal Parthasarathy from VIBHA discussed the genesis of IISF and detailed IISF 2024's programs, such as "The New Nalanda," "Nari Sakthi," and "The Gurukula," which encourage student and teacher involvement.

Prof. Velraj emphasized the significance of youth innovation for a developed India by 2047.

The event concluded with lab visits, where students explored ongoing research at CSIR-SERC.