National Centre for Science Communicators
The National Centre for Science Communicators (NCSC) is a pulsating science communication organisation with national and international reach. Its members include science communicators from varied fields of communication - print media, television, radio, science centres etc.
The NCSC was established in January 1997 with a view to develop science communication in India. The centre provides opportunities for science communicators to explore and express their talents and creativity for better understanding of science and recognises such talent. Presently, the membership strength of NCSC is over two hundred individuals spread across the country.
One of the most dynamic campaigns of NCSC is its intensive interaction with the teaching community, to inculcate excitement regarding science education and scientific method of knowledge transfer.
The NCSC has been conducting science journalism courses in Marathi and English languages.
The NCSC has published a national directory of science communicators and a directory of science propagating organisations for easy access to information regarding science communication.
Conferences hosted by the NCSC
- The NCSC hosted its first international conference of science communicators at IUCAA in Pune in January 2000, the theme being "Public Understanding of Science". Around 210 science communicators from across the world attended the event.
- The second international conference was organised at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai to felicitate and honor renowned astrophysicist and science communicator Prof. Jayant Narlikar, in July 2003. The theme of the conference, was "Man and the Universe".
- The third international conference was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in April 2005; the theme being "Science Communication in Developing Countries".
- In October 2005, the NCSC organised a national seminar on "Expanding Horizons of School Science Education" at the Labour India Complex, Marangattupilly, Kottayam, Kerala.
- In November 2006 a National Conference – Vision 2026 – Challenges in Science Communication, was organised at the Indian National Science Academy, New Delhi. The conference was held in order to celebrate and felicitate Prof.Yash Pal, a renowned scientist and a science communicator, on his 80th birthday . The conference was inaugurated by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, President of India .
- In September 2007 in association with Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education, TIFR,Mumbai a National Conference on Science Education - Challenges of Quality was organised in honor of Prof. B.M.Udgaonkar, eminent scientist and educationist on the occasion of his 80th Birthday at V.G.Kulkarni Auditorium at Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education. V.N. Purav Marg, Mankhurd, Mumbai 400088
- In December 2008 in association with Vigyan Prasar, Delhi a National Conference on National Agenda - Problems and Solutions was organised in honor of Dr. P.M. Bhargava, eminent scientist and founder of the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad and the architect of modern biology and biotechnology in India on his completion of 80 years at the Auditorium of the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Uppal Road, Tarnaka, Hyderabad- 500007
- In November 2010 a National conference on Conservation of Biodiversity was organized jointly with Vigyan Prasar (VP), Delhi at Satish Dhawan Auditorium, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.
- In January 2012 a National Conference on Science Communication - Addressing Women’s Issues was organised jointly with Vigyan Prasar and National Council of Science Museums, Kolkata at Birla Industrial & Technology Museum, Kolkata.
- In January 2013 a National conference on Expanding Horizons of Innovation Communication jointly organised with The Chhattisgarh Council of Science & Technology, Raipur. The Conference was held on 5 and 6 January 2013 at the auditorium of Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, Krishak Nagar, 492006, Raipur.
- In February 2014 a National conference on "Public Understanding and Public Engagement with Science, Technology & Innovation" jointly organised with and Punjab State Council for Science & Technology, (PSCST), Chandigarh. The Conference was held on 15 and 16 February 2014 at the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education. V.N. Purav Marg, Mankhurd, Mumbai 400088.
Advisory Committee for the National Conference of Science Communicators
- Prof Yash Pal, renowned scientist and science communicator
- Dr. R. Chidambaram, former Chairman DAE
- Dr. M.M.Sharma, former Director UDCT, Mumbai
- Dr. Mrs. Manju Sharma, former Secretary, Department of Biotechnology Ministry of Science and Technology
- Dr. Krishnaswami Kasturirangan, former Chairman Indian Space Research Organisation
- Dr. Jayant Narlikar,Emeritus Professor,Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA)
- Dr. R. A. Mashelkar, former Director General, CSIR India
- Dr. Anil Kakodkar, Chairman, DAE
- Dr. V.S. Venkatvardan, former Director,Nehru Planetarium,Mumbai,Nehru Planetarium, Mumbai
Suhas B.Naik-Satam