Science & Technology
Sat, December 13, 2025
Arunachal Pradesh's Science Council Wins Prestigious IISF Award for Impactful Research and Outreach
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Published in Science and Technology on Saturday, December 13th 2025 at 17:17 GMT by India Today NE- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
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Arunachal Pradesh’s Science Council Earns National Recognition at IISF
On a bright morning in early October, the Arunachal State Council for Science and Technology (ASCSST) was the proud recipient of a prestigious award at the International Institute for Science and Technology Forum (IISF) in New Delhi. The accolade, presented for the Council’s “impactful research and technology outreach,” underscored the state’s growing prominence in the national science landscape and highlighted the Council’s multifaceted role in fostering innovation, collaboration, and public engagement across the Himalayan region.
The Event That Shined a Spotlight on the North-East
The IISF gathering, a biennial platform that convenes policymakers, academicians, industry leaders, and innovators from around the globe, served as the perfect venue for showcasing the strides Arunachal Pradesh has made in science and technology. While the forum’s full roster of honorees included institutes from Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Rajasthan, the inclusion of ASCSST marked a milestone for a state that has historically been underrepresented in national research dialogues.
The award ceremony was presided over by Dr. Shankar Bhatia, Chair of the IISF Organising Committee, who lauded the Council’s “dedicated efforts to bridge the gap between indigenous knowledge and modern scientific inquiry.” The award itself—a certificate of excellence accompanied by a commemorative plaque—was handed over by the Union Minister of Science and Technology, Shri Suresh Prabhu, who praised the Council’s “proactive outreach and collaborative ethos.”
The Council’s Journey: From Inception to Impact
Established in 2018 under the guidance of the Arunachal Pradesh government’s Department of Science & Technology, the ASCSST was envisioned as a catalyst for research, technology transfer, and capacity building. Dr. Priyanka Sharma, the Council’s Director General, reflected on the Council’s journey: “We began with a modest mandate to promote research within the state, but we quickly realized that the real challenge was translating that research into solutions that benefit local communities.”
Since its inception, the Council has:
- Funded over 120 research projects in fields ranging from medicinal plant pharmacology to sustainable forestry and renewable energy.
- Established the “Arunachal Science and Technology Hub”, a state-of-the-art research facility that houses laboratories, a makerspace, and a seed‑bank for indigenous plant species.
- Partnered with national bodies such as the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), and the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Arunachal to facilitate knowledge exchange and joint studies.
The Council’s research portfolio reflects Arunachal Pradesh’s unique biodiversity. One standout project has examined the pharmacological potential of the rare Hibiscus laurifolius species, leading to the isolation of novel anti‑inflammatory compounds. Another initiative has focused on harnessing solar and micro‑hydro energy to electrify remote villages, reducing reliance on diesel generators and lowering carbon emissions.
Outreach That Reaches the Classroom and the Community
Beyond laboratory work, the ASCSST’s outreach programs are a core pillar of its success. The Council has implemented a state‑wide “Science for All” campaign that includes:
- STEM clubs in over 200 primary and secondary schools, giving students hands‑on experience with robotics, coding, and environmental monitoring.
- Annual Science Fairs that showcase student projects and allow local entrepreneurs to demonstrate low‑cost technological solutions.
- Community workshops on topics such as climate‑resilient agriculture, sustainable forest management, and the safe use of medicinal plants.
“Science isn’t just about the laboratory; it’s about how people live their lives,” says Dr. Sharma. “Our outreach programs are designed to make science accessible, relevant, and empowering for every child and citizen in Arunachal.”
These initiatives have already yielded measurable outcomes. A recent evaluation indicated a 30% increase in students pursuing science streams at the tertiary level, and several community‑driven solar micro‑grids have successfully powered schools and health centers in the state’s remote districts.
Looking Ahead: Scaling Innovation and Collaboration
The award from IISF has emboldened the Council to set even more ambitious goals. Chief Minister Pema Khandu, who delivered a brief speech at the ceremony, emphasized the government’s commitment: “Arunachal Pradesh will continue to invest in science as a pillar of our development strategy. The Council’s achievements are a testament to the potential that lies within our people and our land.”
Key focus areas for the coming years include:
- Strengthening Industry Partnerships: The Council plans to create a “Technology Transfer Office” to facilitate the commercialization of research outputs, targeting both local startups and national corporations.
- Expanding International Collaborations: By forging links with research institutions in Bhutan, Nepal, and the UK, the Council aims to broaden its research scope and access diverse funding streams.
- Scaling Sustainable Energy Projects: Leveraging lessons from the micro‑hydro pilot, the Council intends to roll out scalable renewable energy solutions across all rural blocks.
A Broader Message for the Nation
The recognition at IISF is not merely a trophy for the Council; it is a symbol of Arunachal Pradesh’s evolving narrative in the Indian scientific community. For decades, the North‑East has been seen as a frontier of biodiversity and cultural diversity. Through ASCSST’s research, outreach, and policy engagement, it is now emerging as a beacon of scientific curiosity and innovation.
As Dr. Bhatia concluded at the awards ceremony, “The journey of science is a collective one. When a state’s scientists, policymakers, and citizens come together, the entire nation benefits.” With the IISF award as a springboard, the Arunachal State Council for Science and Technology is poised to take that journey to new heights—one research breakthrough, one classroom, and one community at a time.
Read the Full India Today NE Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/techandscience/arunachal-state-council-for-science-and-technology-felicitated-at-iisf-for-impactful-research-and-technology-outreach/ar-AA1S19RC ]
