With “Opportunities and Challenges” being the theme of the Science Congress, it is dedicated to the memory of late Lalit Mohan Thapar, noted industrialist and former president of Thapar University.

The Science Congress will provide a forum to more than 300 scientists and academicians from different parts of the country. Their research endeavors shall be highlighted in disciplines like agriculture, applied physical, engineering and medical sciences.

Former Director General CSIR S K Joshi, a recipient of Padam Shri and Padam Bhusan awards, stressed upon improving the quality of higher education. He said premier institutions have a vital role to play in bringing Punjab on the global map.

Thapar Varsity’s director Abhijit Mukherjee, in his welcome address, said the congress is a major step towards carrying forward the vision of bringing together scientists, engineers and researchers on a common platform, to discuss new findings in emerging areas of science and technology.

Thapar’s Dean of Academic Affairs R K Sharma, who is also convener of the congress, said six plenary lectures are slated as 450 abstracts have been received for oral as well as poster presentations.

Honorary fellowships were conferred on three renowned scientists and engineers - Roop Mahajan, Director, Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Blacksburg, USA; Abhijit Mukherjee, Director, Thapar University, Patiala and M S Kang, Vice-Chancellor, Punjab Agriculture University, Ludhiana.