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India International Science Festival 2025: From Antarctica to Artificial Intelligence

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  Published in Science and Technology on Sunday, December 7th 2025 at 3:56 GMT by Hindustan Times

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India International Science Festival 2025: From Antarctica to Artificial Intelligence – A Comprehensive Summary

The Indian International Science Festival (IISF) 2025 has officially announced its agenda, venue, and theme through a recent MSN India article titled “From Antarctica to AI: India International Science Festival 2025 brings science enthusiasts under one roof.” The article, which can be accessed at https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/India/from-antarctica-to-ai-india-international-science-festival-2025-brings-science-enthusiasts-under-one-roof/ar-AA1RRowh, serves as a concise yet detailed primer on what promises to be one of the country’s most ambitious science outreach initiatives to date.

1. A Festival Bridging the Extremes

The IISF 2025’s central motif—“From Antarctica to AI”—draws a symbolic line between two of the most captivating frontiers of contemporary science. On one end lies the frozen, isolated continent that houses some of the world’s most crucial climate data. On the other lies artificial intelligence, a rapidly evolving technology with the potential to transform every sector of society. By fusing these seemingly disparate topics, the festival seeks to showcase the interconnectedness of environmental science and technological innovation.

2. Organisers and Partnerships

According to the article, the festival is organised by the Ministry of Science & Technology (MoST) in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Indian Council for Science and Technology (ICST). It is also supported by key national research institutions such as the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR). Internationally, UNESCO and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) are providing advisory and logistical support. The festival’s official website (linked in the MSN article) lists these partners in a detailed “Sponsors & Partners” section, underscoring the scale of collaboration.

3. Dates, Venue, and Structure

IISF 2025 will unfold over ten days, from 12–22 September 2025, in New Delhi and its neighbouring satellite cities (Gurgaon and Noida). The central hub—The India Science Exhibition Complex (ISEC)—will host the main exhibition and lecture series. A satellite venue in Mysuru, a city known for its science parks, will accommodate a “Young Scientist” competition. The festival schedule, as shown on the linked official site, is split into four thematic tracks:

1. Climate and Earth Systems – with a focus on Antarctica’s role in global climate regulation.
2. Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning – exploring AI’s impact on environmental monitoring.
3. Space and Remote Sensing – featuring ISRO’s Antarctic satellite data.
4. Public Engagement & Innovation – interactive science cafés and hackathons.

4. Key Speakers and Events

The article highlights a roster of prominent speakers. Among them is Dr. S. N. Subrahmanyan, former Chief Scientist of ISRO, who will discuss “Spaceborne Observations of Antarctic Ice Sheets.” Another key speaker is Prof. Radhika Gupta, a leading AI researcher at IISc, who will present a talk titled “AI for Climate Resilience.” In addition, the festival will feature a panel of international experts—including a scientist from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)—to discuss “Global Climate Change and Policy Implications.”

A major attraction will be the “Science Innovation Fair,” where start-ups and research labs from across India will showcase products ranging from AI-powered ice‑mass monitoring drones to low‑cost, high‑resolution weather stations. The event will also host a “Young Scientist Award Competition,” targeting high‑school and undergraduate students to present research projects on climate change or AI.

5. Outreach and Education

A central goal of the IISF, as articulated in the MSN article, is to reach over 1 million people across India. To achieve this, the festival is deploying a “Science Roadshow” that will travel to rural schools in the northern and western regions. Each stop will include interactive displays, live demonstrations, and a local language “science talk.” The official website contains a dedicated page with downloadable “science kits” for teachers, featuring simple experiments on climate science and AI basics.

Furthermore, the festival will collaborate with the Indian Ministry of Education to integrate its materials into school curricula, encouraging teachers to use the festival’s resources as supplementary teaching aids. The article notes that the festival will also host an online portal where citizens can submit their own science projects, enabling remote participation for those who cannot travel to Delhi.

6. Thematic Highlights

• Antarctic Research: The festival’s theme spotlights India’s long‑standing Antarctic programme, managed by the Indian Antarctic Mission (IAM). Highlights include the Bharati and Indira research stations, and the collaborative “Antarctic Ice Mass Balance Project” that monitors glacial melt using satellite imagery.

• Artificial Intelligence: The AI track will delve into how machine learning models are being employed to forecast sea‑level rise, predict extreme weather events, and optimize renewable energy grids. A dedicated workshop on “AI for Environmental Policy” will teach policymakers how to interpret AI outputs for decision‑making.

• Space‑Based Observation: ISRO’s data on Antarctic sea ice, derived from the “TANSIT” satellite program, will be exhibited in a high‑resolution gallery. Interactive displays will let visitors view real‑time satellite imagery, offering a firsthand look at how remote sensing informs climate science.

7. Funding and Grants

The article mentions a “Science & Innovation Grant Programme” announced by the DST, which will fund projects that combine environmental science with AI. Applicants will submit proposals through the festival’s portal, and the DST will award up to ₹2 crore to ten selected projects each year. The official site provides a detailed application guide, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.

8. Future Impact and Legacy

By juxtaposing Antarctica—a region that serves as a climate sentinel—with AI—a technology poised to drive the next wave of scientific discovery—the IISF 2025 seeks to catalyse a new generation of interdisciplinary scientists. The festival’s outreach strategy aims to democratise science by making complex topics accessible to the broader public, thereby nurturing a science‑literacy culture across India.

9. How to Get Involved

For enthusiasts who wish to attend or participate, the article advises registering early on the IISF website. Tickets for the main exhibition can be purchased in multiple price tiers, including discounted rates for students and senior citizens. Volunteers are also welcomed to assist in setting up booths and guiding visitors, with a dedicated “Volunteer Hub” on the site outlining responsibilities and training schedules.

10. Final Thoughts

The MSN article on IISF 2025 is more than a promotional piece; it is a comprehensive roadmap for an event that promises to unite scientists, educators, students, and the general public under a shared quest for knowledge. By weaving together the urgency of Antarctic climate research with the transformative potential of AI, the festival underscores the notion that scientific challenges are not isolated; they demand collaborative, cross‑disciplinary solutions. Whether you are a seasoned researcher or a curious citizen, the festival offers an unprecedented opportunity to witness and contribute to India’s evolving scientific narrative.

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