Reflections on the Science Congress's Evolution
From Lecture Halls to Living Rooms: How India is Rethinking Science Communication
What does effective science communication entail when it's not just about simplifying complex research, but also about listening deeply, questioning power, and catalysing systemic change? This profound question animated discussions at the recent International Public Communication of Science and Technology (PCST) Conference in Aberdeen, where Indian science communicators gathered to reflect on their country's unique approach to sharing science with the public 5 .
At the heart of these conversations stood the Indian Science Congress, an institution that has for over a century represented both the promise and challenges of science communication in the world's largest democracy. The Congress attracts tens of thousands of school and college students each year, creating what participants describe as a "vibrant-chaos" and "great melting pot" that leaves a lasting impact on young minds 8 . Yet beneath this vibrant surface, a quiet revolution is brewing—one that may transform how India communicates science from a one-way lecture into a multi-voiced conversation.
This article explores the evolution of the Indian Science Congress from its traditional format toward more inclusive, engaging approaches that combine modern communication strategies with India's unique cultural context. We'll examine how Indian science communicators are bridging the gap between laboratory research and public understanding, creating spaces for dialogue rather than monologue.
The Indian Science Congress represents one of India's most enduring scientific traditions, with the Prime Minister of India attending each year—a rare commitment among world leaders that underscores the government's official support for science 8 . For many young students, this event provides their first direct exposure to working scientists, creating what many describe as a "Mela" atmosphere that blends education with excitement 8 .
The conventional science congress format has typically revolved around several key components:
| Component | Traditional Approach | Primary Audience |
|---|---|---|
| Speeches by Leaders | Prime Minister, Science Minister, and officials outline science priorities | General public, scientific community |
| Technical Sessions | Researchers present specialized findings to peers | Scientific experts |
| Exhibition Stalls | Science agencies display achievements and demonstrations | Students, general public |
| Student Activities | Competitions, interactions with scientists | School and college students |
"We have supported small and big science, basic and applied in a manner that is exemplary and quite extraordinary" 8 .
The 2025 PCST Conference in Aberdeen served as a catalyst for Indian science communicators to reimagine their approach. For Indian participants, the conference highlighted how the global science communication field is shifting from one-directional, extractive outreach toward "co-creation, collective meaning-making, and community-driven efforts" 5 .
Described his PCST experience as "a constant loop of learning and unlearning" 5 . His conversations with international peers sparked unexpected connections, including how photogrammetry techniques might benefit museum conservation—an interdisciplinary exchange that exemplifies the potential of boundary-crossing dialogue.
For this first-time attendee, the conference revealed the importance of creative formats in science communication. "What started as small talk about the weather or the beautiful gardens near the University of Aberdeen often turned into meaningful discussions about the conference sessions and each other's work," she shared 5 . These informal exchanges proved as valuable as formal presentations, highlighting the importance of designing communication spaces that facilitate spontaneous connections.
Noted significant structural differences in how countries approach science communication. "While we do have some very strong and well established science journalists in our country, science journalism still remains a niche field," she observed 5 . She contrasted this with countries like Germany and Ireland where scientific institutions demonstrate strong commitment to sharing research through both traditional and digital media.
International exposure helps identify both progress and gaps in India's science communication ecosystem. "What struck me most was the range of differing opinions, philosophies, and research methodology evident in science communication globally," noted Moumita Mazumdar 5 .
The insights gained from international exchange are now influencing how Indian science communicators approach their work. This transformation touches both the content and process of science communication, with implications for how events like the Science Congress might evolve.
| Traditional Approach | Emerging Approach | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Focus on simplifying complex research | Emphasis on dialogue and co-creation | Builds community engagement and trust |
| One-size-fits-all presentations | Tailored to specific audiences and contexts | Increases relevance and comprehension |
| Exclusive reliance on technical language | Strategic use of visuals, stories, and metaphors | Enhances accessibility and retention |
| Scientists as sole authorities | Recognition of multiple knowledge systems | Enriches perspective and application |
Anushka Banerjee's work in mental health communication exemplifies this shift. She highlights sessions "focusing on making health communication more inclusive, especially when working with people with lived experience" as particularly impactful 5 .
These approaches emphasize building "communication strategies with—not just for—people with lived experiences," ensuring that communication materials avoid ableist language and accurately represent community perspectives 5 .
Moumita Mazumdar reflected on how the global exposure helped identify both progress and gaps in India's science communication ecosystem.
This diversity of approaches highlights opportunities for India to develop more robust research and evaluation frameworks specific to its context.
"Between practice and possibility lies the work we must keep doing—together" 5 .
Effective science communication requires both artistic sensibility and strategic thinking. Based on the experiences of Indian science communicators and global best practices, here are essential tools for transforming complex research into engaging content:
| Tool Category | Specific Tools | Purpose and Application |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Creation Tools | PowerPoint, Adobe Illustrator, Canva | Create engaging visuals, infographics, and illustrations for presentations and publications |
| High-Quality Visual Resources | Unsplash, Picjumbo, Noun Project, Flat Icon | Source professional images and icons to enhance visual appeal |
| Writing Principles | Active voice, simple language, personal pronouns | Make written content more accessible and engaging to diverse audiences |
| Structural Techniques | IFRM structure (Implications, Findings, Results, Methodology) | Reverse traditional scientific paper structure to prioritize what matters most to publics |
| Audience Engagement Methods | Storytelling, metaphors, analogies, interactive formats | Connect with audiences emotionally and intellectually while maintaining scientific accuracy |
The visual component of science communication deserves special emphasis. As one researcher discovered during a sustainability project, "good results might not be sufficient to convey messages to the audience" without "supporting and vivid scientific images" 4 .
As Raghul noted, exposure to "3-minute flash talks, medical animations, science theatre, photography, and creative storytelling approaches" at international conferences challenged traditional formats and "expanded the boundaries of communicating science creatively" 5 .
The workflow for creating effective visuals typically begins with idea generation, moves through tool selection (from accessible options like PowerPoint to more advanced software like Adobe Illustrator), and culminates in careful refinement to ensure clarity and impact 4 .
Research shows that visual elements can increase information retention by up to 65% compared to text-only communication.
The future of the Indian Science Congress—and science communication more broadly in India—lies in embracing both global insights and local strengths. As Indian science communicators like Sangeetha Unnithan have recognized, international exposure helps identify gaps while also highlighting what makes India's approach distinctive: "linguistic plurality, grassroots innovation, and a strong social justice orientation" 5 .
Hosting an international conference like PCST in India could accelerate this evolution, offering global visibility to Indian initiatives while allowing India's unique contributions to shape international conversations 5 . Meanwhile, the ongoing reflection among Indian science communicators suggests a field maturing from knowledge transmission to meaningful exchange.
The journey ahead requires balancing respect for scientific integrity with commitment to accessibility, blending India's rich scientific heritage with its diverse cultural traditions. The Indian Science Congress, at its best, provides a space for this collective work—not as a finished product, but as a living conversation that continues to evolve with each passing year.
This article reflects on the changing landscape of Indian science communication based on insights from participants in the 2025 International Public Communication of Science and Technology Conference and analysis of the Indian Science Congress.