J&K Science Congress 2026 Begins at IUST with Focus on Science, Innovation and Emerging Technologies
By : Alia Kashmiri
J&K Science Congress 2026 Begins at IUST
The three-day J&K Science Congress 2026 began at the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) on Tuesday, bringing together scientists, researchers, academics and experts from across the country.
The Congress is being organised under the theme ‘Science, Innovations and Emerging Technologies for Sustainable and Viksit J&K’. It aims to provide a platform for discussions on new scientific developments and their role in promoting sustainable development in Jammu and Kashmir.
The first day included two plenary lectures, the inaugural session, technical sessions and a poster presentation. The inaugural session was held at the Nund Reshi Auditorium at IUST, with Prof. Dinesh Singh, Vice Chairman of the J&K Higher Education Council, attending as the Chief Guest.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Dinesh Singh said technologies such as quantum computing, artificial intelligence and nuclear fusion are likely to play an important role in the future. He noted that India still needs to strengthen its capabilities in these areas and called for faster efforts to advance research and development.
IUST Vice Chancellor Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo said the J&K Science Congress reflects the spirit of a true multiversity by bringing scientists, academics and researchers from universities and institutions together.
He said the future of Jammu and Kashmir should increasingly be supported by science, technology and innovation, while universities should develop beyond their traditional teaching roles and become connected centres for research, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Prof. Romshoo also stressed the importance of sharing and making better use of advanced research infrastructure. He said bringing together institutional strengths, supporting researchers and turning research into practical solutions can help contribute to a sustainable and resilient Jammu and Kashmir.
Guest of Honour Babila Rakwal, Commissioner Secretary, Science and Technology Department, Government of J&K, highlighted the need to reduce the gap between scientific research and its practical application.
She said the discussions at the J&K Science Congress go beyond academic matters and address issues that are directly connected with social and economic development.
The inaugural session was attended by several prominent academics, including Prof. Vinod Kumar Gaur, former Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences; Prof. Mohammad Mobin, Vice Chancellor of Cluster University Srinagar; and Prof. A Ravinder Nath, Vice Chancellor of Central University of Kashmir.
Earlier, Dr Aabid Hussain Shalla, Dean Research at IUST, delivered the welcome address. The proceedings of the J&K Science Congress were also released during the event.
The scientific programme began with a plenary lecture delivered by Prof. Sourav Pal from the Department of Chemistry at Ashoka University, Sonipat, Haryana. The second plenary lecture was delivered by Prof. Dinesh Singh.
The inaugural programme was followed by technical sessions covering different areas of scientific research and emerging technologies. A poster presentation was also organised, allowing researchers and participants to present their work and exchange ideas.
The opening day set the stage for three days of academic discussions focusing on scientific innovation, emerging technologies and sustainable development in Jammu and Kashmir. The Congress will continue with further technical sessions and academic deliberations over the next two days.
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