Pune: National Science Day 2026 will be celebrated across India on February 28 to commemorate the discovery of the Raman Effect by eminent Indian physicist C V Raman in 1928.
For this landmark scientific contribution, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930, becoming the first Indian scientist to receive this distinction.
At the institutional level, National Science Day 2026 will be marked by a series of public engagement activities and scientific programmes at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Pune (IISER Pune).
The event is open to students, teachers, and members of the general public, reflecting the broader objective of National Science Day 2026 to promote scientific awareness and outreach.
The Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, has announced the theme for National Science Day 2026 as “Women in Science: Catalyzing Viksit Bharat.”
In alignment with this theme, IISER Pune will host invited lectures by distinguished women scientists, highlighting their research contributions and professional journeys as part of National Science Day 2026 programming.
The programme will also include a special demonstration-lecture by Arvind Gupta, Padma Shri awardee and noted science communicator, focusing on the importance of science communication and innovation in education. His session will form a key highlight of the National Science Day 2026 celebrations at IISER Pune.
The scientific programme for National Science Day 2026 will comprise lectures covering diverse and contemporary themes.
These include perspectives on the meaning and practice of research, advances in biological and molecular sciences, insights into bio-inspired systems and motors, data-driven approaches to school-level experimentation, and discussions on the role and contributions of women in science.
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As part of the broader National Science Day 2026 celebrations, IISER Pune will also host interactive science shows and demonstrations.
These will feature innovative experiments in science and mathematics, grand science shows, science toy demonstrations, and sessions exploring the science behind so-called “miracles.”
An exhibition of science models developed by students, teachers, and IISER Pune staff will also be organized to engage visitors in hands-on scientific exploration.
Participants attending National Science Day 2026 at IISER Pune will have the opportunity to engage in daytime astronomy observations, interactive puzzle sessions, and a science quiz.
In addition, a Live Online Quiz titled “The Mysteries of the Universe” will be conducted through the Science Activity Centre YouTube channel, with prizes for participants.
National Science Day 2026 Outreach Programme at Kalpakghar, PCMC Science Park
In addition to the main campus celebrations, National Science Day 2026 will extend to a three-day outreach programme organized by the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Pune in collaboration with Pimpri Chinchwad Science Park.
The programme will be held from February 27 to March 1, 2026, at the Kalpakghar Community Tinkering Centre located at the Science Park premises.
The National Science Day 2026 outreach initiative will comprise a range of STEM-focused activities aimed at students and educators. Competitions such as a Weather Hackathon for teachers and students will be conducted, alongside STEM models and hackathon exhibitions and STEM Art displays.
The outreach programme under National Science Day 2026 will also feature hands-on STEM tinkering demonstrations and interactive zones showcasing string art, pixel art, pen plotters, and puzzle activities.
In addition, visitors can attend popular science lectures, STEM film screenings, and a hands-on workshop designed to encourage scientific curiosity and experiential learning.
Through these campus and outreach initiatives, National Science Day 2026 at IISER Pune seeks to promote scientific engagement, celebrate women in science, and foster a culture of inquiry and innovation among students, educators, and the wider community.
