Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA) being the premier scientific organisation of the country, meets annually in the first week of January every year. In view of the importance attached to the science and as per tradition, Indian Science Congress is always inaugurated on the 3rd of January by the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India. The function is chaired by the Hon'ble Chief Minister of the State in which it is held.
Indian Science Congress owes its origin to the foresight and initiative of the two British Chemists namely Prof. J.L.Simonsen and Prof. MacMohan.
The Association was formed with the following objectives
- To advance and promote the cause of Science in India
- To hold an Annual Congress at a suitable place in India
- To publish proceedings, journals, transactions etc.
- To popularize science.
The first meeting of the congress was held from January 15-17, 1914 at the premises of the Asiatic Society, Calcutta. Honorable justice Sir Ashutosh Mookerjee, the then Vice Chancellor of Calcutta University presided over the Congress. One hundred and five scientists from different parts of India and abroad attended it. Altogether 35 papers under 6 different sections, namely Botany, Chemistry, Ethnography, Geology, Physics and Zoology were presented.
From this modest beginning, ISCA has grown into a strong fraternity with more than twelve thousand members.
During the Congress, plenary lectures are delivered by the eminent scientists and noble laureates. These lectures invariably provide broader international perspective and create awareness about the role of science in the society. A science exhibition revealing the latest scientific development in the country is also held during the congress which is one of the major attractions of the congress.