Science is as old as the Universe itself. Understanding ‘Science’ can be attributed to the ‘Sixth’ sense. However, communication of science lagged behind even after language developed. Collective progress takes a country selectively ahead. Science, until it reaches masses, is as good as no science. Scientifically aware society shuns ignorance and thereby superstition. Dissemination of scientific information in modes and means understandable by masses is the key. Science communication has been the backbone of man’s progress since beginning. Efficient and speedy communication of scientific information as well as its instant access has been crucial for overall development of mankind. Inculcation of scientific knowledge to the masses, in other words “scientific temper”, has broken many cultural, social and religious dogmas that were otherwise hindering the progress of the human civilisation. Acquisition of scientific temper is must for any society to progress and those who failed to acquire lagged behind in time and space.
Scientific temper is an indigenous discourse rich with potential for cross cultural, gender and environmental sensitivity and laden with a continuous struggle against the ill effects of technology on one hand and extra scientific belief systems on the other. It is necessary for people to deal rationally with every mundane issues of the society. In India, the notion of scientific temper was well articulated by the first Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Disseminating science is constitutional obligation.
This International Conference on Science Communication for Scientific Temper intends to have a conceptually clarity and develop indicators to benchmark the scientific temper. It proposes to bridge the two disciplinary domains- science communication and public understanding of science. It is also aimed at nucleating new groups in India and in countries where science communication and public understanding of science research is in nascent stages. About 200 delegates from 20 countries are attending this International Conference. This gathering will provide an opportunity to share the experience between the developing and developed world, and to inspire young and trans-disciplinary researchers to bring their fresh perspective and experience from other fields of research with similar concerns.
Organisers
CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources (NISCAIR), a constituent establishment of CSIR is a premier institute in Science Communication and publishing promoting science to diverse constituents at all levels, using appropriate technologies. It provides formal linkages of communication among the scientific community in the form of research journals in different areas of S&T, information on plant, animal and mineral wealth of the country; Science popularization; Harness IT applications in information management with particular reference to science communication and modernizing libraries; Act as a facilitator in furthering economic, social, industrial, scientific and commercial development by providing timely access to relevant and accurate information; Develop HR in science communication, library, documentation and information science, and S&T information management systems and services, IPR, herbarium techniques, etc. The institute also offers wide range of information products and services ranging from production of S&T publications, translation & interpretation from foreign languages to English (scientific documents). NISCAIR also undertakes projects in its area of activities.
Vigyan Prasar (VP), established in 1989 as an autonomous organization under Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, takes up large-scale science popularization tasks/activities, to promote and propagate scientific and rational outlook, to act as a resource-cum-facility centre for S&T communication. VP develops and disseminates and market a variety of software on S & T popularization in different Indian languages (Audio, Video, Radio, TV, Print, Learning packages, Kits, Toys). It organizes training programmes on use and dissemination of software produced.
National Council for Science & Technology communication (NCSTC) is an Apex Organization under the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India that endeavors to communicate Science and Technology, stimulates S&T temper, and coordinates and orchestrate such efforts. Main objectives of the council are: to create excitement concerning advances in Science & Technology, to enable informed decision-making at the grass roots level, and to encourage intelligent debate on development issues.
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