Date:01/11/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/11/01/stories/2006110114890700.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Indian Science Congress opens on January 3

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: The Indian Science Congress Association will be holding its 94th annual Indian Science Congress (ISC) at Chidambaram from January 3-7, 2007. The even will be held at Annamalai University.

Announcing this at a press conference here, Harsh Gupta, General President, ISC 2007, said the theme of the Congress would be `Planet Earth.' The year 2007 is being celebrated as the International Year of the Planet Earth by the United Nations.

The `Planet Earth' theme has attracted the focus of scientists and researchers worldwide, he said. ``The theme has been chosen as the very survival of mankind depends on how well we know our planet. Even as great scientific advances have been made, the environmental impact due to human intervention can be seen in the huge loss of lives and property due to natural disasters." Over 6,000 scientists from across the country are expected to attend the five-day event. Among others, two Nobel Laureates — Prof. Aaron Ciechanover and Prof. Hartmut Michel — and Prof. Robert C. Gallo, co-discoverer of HIV will deliver public lectures.

The Congress will telecast the inaugural function live worldwide. Apart from the government scientific institutions, private companies and other S&T institutions will be participating in the Congress.

The host State, Tamil Nadu, will be showcasing its technology in the Pride of India exhibition.

The Congress will be open for the public from January 4-7.