National Conference of Women Scientists to begin on March 8

On the very occasion of International Women’s Day on March 08, the Department of Science & Technology is organizing a National Conference of women’s scientists to display and discuss various scientific developments by women scientists. The two-day conference is schedule to be held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi on March 8-9 with the theme of Showcasing Cutting Edge of Science & Technology.

President of India Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil will grace the occasion along with Minister for Science & Technology Kapil Sibal. The prime objective of this conference is to highlight the achievements of women scientists in various cutting edge areas of science.

Women scientists from government and private research institutes, universities, colleges are invited to this event to present their paper on their respective areas of expertise. A group of eminent personalities will also share the space addressing and encourage Indian women scientists.

Despite having some of the best and more women scientists compared to some western countries, women in active research and development in the country are fewer in number. It is also one of the objectives to make awareness government schemes and latest developments in R&D and bring them into active research for a positive social change.

The conference will discuss various possibilities in framing a policy for increasing participation of women scientists will also be work out. The event can be proved as a bench mark in creating a forum for women scientists to share their views and eventually a collective effort in the development of the nation.

As a part of the conference the National Task Force for Women in Science, which was formed by the Ministry of Science and Technology in December 2005, will also present its recommendation to the government for further development in this field. This is to mention here that the task force headed by an eminent woman scientist Dr Mahtab Bamji has visited several women scientists from different streams across the country and on that basis a framework has been prepared to encourage the practice of science by women.

Specific areas in focus

- Health care & Life Sciences. - Aerospace and Defence technology - Climate change - Nanotechnology and Nanomaterials - Plant Biotechnology

The objectives of the conference

- To present the work of women scientists who have excelled in scientific research in identified areas. - To discuss ways to address gender issues and factors which hinder the growth of women in Science. - To create awareness regarding available Government schemes for promoting science careers of women.

Day: March 8-9, 2008 Venue: Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi