Kochi: In the wake of August floods which ravaged the state, the annual Science Congress to be organised by Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment at Kollam on February 2 and 3 will focus on the topic ‘Our Environment – Our Future: Science and Technology for Rebuilding Kerala’.
There will be detailed discussions on eight sub themes like hydrology and water management and land use strategies.
“Considering the extreme natural calamity and its multilayered impacts in various sectors, this is the right time to discuss role of science in ‘Rebuild Kerala’. The panelists have been selected keeping a focus on the topic and to ensure productive debate,” said Dr. S. Pradeep Kumar, member secretary of KSCSTE who is the general convener of the Congress.
“The outcome of the panel discussions will be comprehended and submitted to the state government for consideration,” Mr Pradeep added.
The Congress will debate the need to build climate resilience into developmental planning for rebuilding the state with the help of experts and research institutions attending the event.
This year, 700 women researchers are attending the Congress, which according to the organisers is a reflection of the concerted efforts of KSCSTE in last two years to promote women scientists.
Prof. T. I Eldho from IIT, Mumbai, Dr. J Sundaresan from National Institute of Science Communication And Information Resources, New Delhi, architect G Shankar and Dr. Sekhar Kuriakose, member secretary of Kerala State Disaster Management Author-ity will deliver keynote addresses.
As many as 25 renowned international scientists, 1300 researchers from across the country and presentation of 426 research papers are the major highlights of the annual Science Congress.
