GS25 In-Person Programme (10 March 2026)

Event held at Indian National Academy of Science (INSA).

Key partners: DFG, Elseiver and Indian National Academy of Science (INSA).

All times are in IST, India Standard Time.

Please note there are no plans to record or stream the in-person event.

The online version of GS25 was held earlier in November 2025, the event in Delhi is strictly in-person only.

Registration for the in-person event is FREE OF CHARGE.

TimeDescription
10 March 2026
08:30–08:39 ISTKeynote Address from the Host

Shekhar C. MandePresident, Indian National Academy of Science (INSA)
08:40–08:59 ISTKeynote Addresses by GS25-India Partners

Katja BeckerPresident, German Research Foundation (DFG)
Ylann SchemmDirector, Elsevier Foundation
09:00–10:14 ISTPlenary 1: Advancing women's participation in scientific enterprise as researchers and beneficiaries of scientific advances through institutional policies promoting equal opportunities in career progression
In this session, four experts will summarise the agendas and achievements of major institutional and government-sponsored initiatives and collaborations to advance women's participation in STEM research, and with the guidance from the Moderator will offer recommendations on the interventions that are needed now.

10:15–10:44 ISTCoffee Break

10:45–11:44 ISTPlenary 2: Aligning and implementing research funding policy with measures to improve quality and equality at institutional, participation and outcome levels
This session is organised by the German Research Foundation, an influential national research funder in Europe and a leader in transforming research cultures through innovative policies, interventions and collaborations with equity, diversity and standards for research excellence objectives.

11:45–12:59 ISTPlenary 3: Advancing sustainability science and societal engagement in producing evidence and knowledge for more effective responses to the effects of climate change and natural disasters with inclusive and equitable solutions to persistent socio-economic inequalities
In this session, three academic scholars will discuss key advances in how science can support progress on tackling societal and environmental challenges and citizens ambition for a better world. Guided by the Moderator, the Panel will make recommendations on how to align research priorities and activities with the evidence on the impacts of climate change and natural disasters on communities, and women in particular.

13:00–13:59 ISTLunch

14:00–15:14 ISTPlenary 4: Ethically, fairly, and sustainably advancing and leveraging AI, Machine Learning and Data Analytic technologies for scientific progress and for societal relevance and benefit of public investment in R&I
In this session, three academic experts will summarise the latest technological advancements significant for scientific research and applications of science knowledge. Guided by the Moderator, the session will discuss and recommend how to align these opportunities with the evidence and solutions needed to make research relevant to social, economic and environmental challenges.

15:15–15:44 ISTCoffee Break

15:45–16:59 ISTPlenary 5: Building up the evidence base on targeting societal challenges through multidisciplinary and multistakeholder cooperation and widening the pool of the creative STEM talent to achieve more sustainable, equitable and enduring future for all
In this session three experts will summarise the societal perspectives, expectations, and ambitions for a better life. Guided by the Moderator, the Panel will make recommendations on how to align scientific inquiry with societal hopes for a more safe and fulfilling lives

17:00–17:44 ISTRound Table: Conversation on cultivating a culture of quality and equality in research participation
In this session, three influential leaders in the science ecosystem reflect on their experience and understanding of interventions that help transform impact of the science endeavours into more inclusive system of knowledge production, application and communication. Guided by the Moderator, the Panel will make recommendations on how to ensure that research cultures are open, welcoming, supportive, and fully cognisant of the benefits to deploy the full diversity of sources of best scientific talent.

17:45–18:00 ISTClosing of the meeting
Final reflections from Brajesh Pandey, Executive Director, INSA

/////  10 March 2026
 
08:30–08:39
Keynote Address from the Host Shekhar C. MandePresident, Indian National Academy of Science (INSA)
08:40–08:59
Keynote Addresses by GS25-India Partners Katja BeckerPresident, German Research Foundation (DFG)
Ylann SchemmDirector, Elsevier Foundation
09:00–10:14
Plenary 1: Advancing women's participation in scientific enterprise as researchers and beneficiaries of scientific advances through institutional policies promoting equal opportunities in career progression
In this session, four experts will summarise the agendas and achievements of major institutional and government-sponsored initiatives and collaborations to advance women's participation in STEM research, and with the guidance from the Moderator will offer recommendations on the interventions that are needed now.

10:15–10:44
Coffee Break
10:45–11:44
Plenary 2: Aligning and implementing research funding policy with measures to improve quality and equality at institutional, participation and outcome levels
This session is organised by the German Research Foundation, an influential national research funder in Europe and a leader in transforming research cultures through innovative policies, interventions and collaborations with equity, diversity and standards for research excellence objectives.

11:45–12:59
Plenary 3: Advancing sustainability science and societal engagement in producing evidence and knowledge for more effective responses to the effects of climate change and natural disasters with inclusive and equitable solutions to persistent socio-economic inequalities
In this session, three academic scholars will discuss key advances in how science can support progress on tackling societal and environmental challenges and citizens ambition for a better world. Guided by the Moderator, the Panel will make recommendations on how to align research priorities and activities with the evidence on the impacts of climate change and natural disasters on communities, and women in particular.

13:00–13:59
Lunch
14:00–15:14
Plenary 4: Ethically, fairly, and sustainably advancing and leveraging AI, Machine Learning and Data Analytic technologies for scientific progress and for societal relevance and benefit of public investment in R&I
In this session, three academic experts will summarise the latest technological advancements significant for scientific research and applications of science knowledge. Guided by the Moderator, the session will discuss and recommend how to align these opportunities with the evidence and solutions needed to make research relevant to social, economic and environmental challenges.

15:15–15:44
Coffee Break
15:45–16:59
Plenary 5: Building up the evidence base on targeting societal challenges through multidisciplinary and multistakeholder cooperation and widening the pool of the creative STEM talent to achieve more sustainable, equitable and enduring future for all
In this session three experts will summarise the societal perspectives, expectations, and ambitions for a better life. Guided by the Moderator, the Panel will make recommendations on how to align scientific inquiry with societal hopes for a more safe and fulfilling lives

17:00–17:44
Round Table: Conversation on cultivating a culture of quality and equality in research participation
In this session, three influential leaders in the science ecosystem reflect on their experience and understanding of interventions that help transform impact of the science endeavours into more inclusive system of knowledge production, application and communication. Guided by the Moderator, the Panel will make recommendations on how to ensure that research cultures are open, welcoming, supportive, and fully cognisant of the benefits to deploy the full diversity of sources of best scientific talent.

17:45–18:00
Closing of the meeting
Final reflections from Brajesh Pandey, Executive Director, INSA