National Workshop on Science Communication Concludes at CSIR-IHBT, Palampur

Palampur– A two-day national workshop titled “Communicate to Connect: Science for All” was successfully held at the CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur, from 14 to 15 October 2025. The event was organized jointly by the CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR), New Delhi, and CSIR-IHBT, Palampur. It brought together eminent scientists, communicators, and innovators to discuss strategies for effective science outreach and inclusive public engagement.

The workshop commenced with a series of addresses by distinguished speakers. Dr. Geetha Vani Rayasam, Director of CSIR-NIScPR, highlighted the importance of informing students and various stakeholders about ongoing scientific research across India, including work from remote regions like Palampur.  C. B. Singh, Chief Scientist & Head of the Popular Science Division at CSIR-NIScPR, elaborated on the workshop’s objectives of fostering collaboration within the scientific community and explained the institute’s ongoing programs.

Balendu Dadhich, Director, Microsoft India, emphasized the urgent need to democratize science communication, counter misinformation, and ensure fact-checked scientific content reaches the public, particularly in the era of artificial intelligence.

Dr. Manoj Kumar Patairiya, Former Head & Adviser, NCSTC, DST, stressed that the conflicting information during the COVID-19 pandemic underlined the need for trained science communicators. He advocated for a two-way knowledge flow between labs and the general public, saying, “There should be a continuous flow of knowledge both from the land to the labs and from the labs back to the land.”

Dr. Sudesh Kumar Yadav, Director of CSIR-IHBT, Palampur, highlighted that science is intertwined with every aspect of life and bridging communication gaps is crucial. He noted, “Scientific understanding combined with empathy and feelings represents the true spirit of science.”

The chief guest, Prof. K. G. Suresh, Director of India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, underlined the importance of fostering scientific temper and integrating science communication across governance, not just within science departments. Drawing lessons from the polio vaccination campaign, he emphasized the impact of engaging local influencers and medical practitioners to dispel myths and promote public participation.

The workshop included interactive sessions on science popularisation, the evolving role of media, women’s participation in science communication, and outreach to underserved communities. Key contributors were Dr. Chandra Mohan Nautiyal, Hasan Jawaid Khan, Dr. Suman Ray, and Dr. Manish Mohan Gore.

Day two featured student-scientist interactions, popular science writing sessions, and participant presentations, highlighting the importance of diverse communication channels including social media, science fiction, poetry, and digital platforms.

The event underscored CSIR’s commitment to fostering an informed, inclusive, and rational society. Recommendations included enhancing public participation, feedback mechanisms, and empowering marginalized communities to strengthen science communication nationwide.