Chennai: The curtain raiser for the India International Science Festival (IISF) 2025 was held at the CSIR-Structural Engineering Research Centre (CSIR-SERC) here on Thursday, formally launching nationwide celebrations for the upcoming festival. The event spotlighted the IISF 2025 theme, “Vigyan Se Samruddhi: For Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” underscoring India's progress in science, technology, innovation and societal development.

Scientists and researchers from CSIR-SERC and students from PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya, Meenambakkam, participated in the programme.

In her welcome address, Dr N. Anandavalli, Director, CSIR-SERC and Coordinating Director, CSIR Madras Complex, highlighted the role of science in everyday life and said learning science should be an enjoyable experience.

Chief guest Dr S. Gomathinayagam, former Director General of the National Institute of Wind Energy, said science is driven by curiosity and emphasised the need for fundamental research and sustainable innovations. He urged students to utilise the vast availability of information to strengthen their scientific knowledge.

Two technical lectures were delivered as part of the event — Dr C. Bharathi Priya spoke on “Shakes & Shapes: Earthquake and Structures,” while Dr M. Keerthana presented a lecture on “Wind Effects on Structures.”

Dr S. Maheswaran, Senior Principal Scientist, CSIR-SERC, outlined the objectives and planned activities of IISF 2025 and stressed its role in fostering scientific temperament and youth participation. A promotional video on IISF 2025 was also screened.

Students later visited the Advanced Seismic Testing Research Laboratory and the Wind Engineering Laboratories. The curtain raiser set the tone for nationwide engagement and outreach in the run-up to IISF 2025.