Science and technology communication can help spread scientific way of thinking among people and make science accessible to them. Establishing science centres in villages can help achieve this, said Y. Joykumar Singh, Deputy Chief Minister of Manipur, while addressing the 11th Science Communicators’ Meet at the Indian Science Congress here on Monday.
He said science communicators play a vital role in communicating the basic understanding of science. “Virtual museums and interactive programmes are tools in the arsenal of science communication. Television, radio, webcasting, use of satellites, blogging are gifts of technology that aid S&T communication. They can be used in innovative ways so that people get hooked to science”observed Dr CM Nautiyal while speaking with India Science Wire. Dr Nautiyal isformer head of radiocarbon laboratory at BirbalSahni Institute of Paleobotany, Lucknow.
As digital communication tools and media are making their presence felt in small towns and villages also, they can prove good tools to spread science and technology. Prof. Adya Prasad Pandey, Vice Chancellor, Manipur University said, “using innovations in science and technology as an instrument of socio-economic change will have an impact in making sure that efforts in science and technology are not limited to scientific laboratories and academic institutions but are reaching to common people.”
Speakers at inaugural function of Science Communicators’ Meet
" Virtual museums and interactive programmes are tools in the arsenal of science communication. Television, radio, webcasting, use of satellites, blogging are gifts of technology that aid S&T communication. "
There were different presentations in the meet on various topics like science and technology in rural area in Indian society, technological advancement in agriculture and medical sciences of society, key role of bioinformatics in science and technology, role of communication media in revamping science education.
Ever since its inception a decade ago, Science Communicators’ Meet is held every year at the Indian Science Congress. It provides opportunity to academicians, science journalists, activists, film makers, scientists and communicators to deliberate and exchange their views on science communication.
There were sixteen oral presentations and five special invited lectures. Among the keynote speakers were Dr. CM Nautiyal, Prof. A. Surjalal Sharma, Maryland University, USA;Dr. D.C. Goswami, former scientist withNEIST;Dr. Arup Kumar Misra, Director, Assam, Science, Technology &Environment Council, Guwahati; and Dr. Manoj Kumar Patairiya, Director, NISCAIR.The meeting was supported by the National Council for Science and Technology Communication of the Department of Science and Technology. (India Science Wire)
