Indian Academy of Sciences

Indian Academy of Sciences
Name	Indian Academy of Sciences
Founded	27 April 1934
Founder	C. V. Raman
Headquarters	Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
President	Chandrima Shaha
Website	https://www.ias.ac.in

Indian Academy of Sciences. The Indian Academy of Sciences is a premier scientific society in India, founded with the aim of promoting the progress and upholding the cause of science. Established by the Nobel laureate C. V. Raman, it operates as an autonomous body under the Department of Science and Technology. The Academy is renowned for its influential research journals, prestigious fellowship program, and a wide array of initiatives designed to foster scientific excellence across the nation.

History and establishment

The Academy was founded on 27 April 1934 in Bengaluru by C. V. Raman, who had been awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930. Its creation was inspired by similar national academies like the Royal Society and was established shortly after Raman's tenure as the Director of the Indian Institute of Science. The inaugural meeting was held at the Indian Institute of Science campus, with early support from distinguished scientists such as Meghnad Saha and S. Bhagavantam. The Academy's formation marked a significant step in consolidating India's scientific community post-independence, providing an independent platform for scholarly exchange.

Objectives and mission

The primary objective is to promote scientific research and disseminate knowledge in pure and applied sciences. Its mission encompasses the publication of high-quality research, the recognition of scientific achievement through fellowships, and the organization of scientific meetings and discussions. A core aim is to provide a forum for scientists to present and publish their work, thereby contributing to national development and the global scientific enterprise. The Academy also focuses on science education and public outreach to cultivate a scientific temperament within society.

Governance and organization

The Academy is governed by a Council elected from its body of Fellows, led by a President, currently Chandrima Shaha. Key administrative bodies include the Council and various expert committees that oversee publications, fellowships, and scientific programs. It operates from its headquarters, a historic building on C. V. Raman Avenue in Bengaluru. The organizational structure is designed to be lean and efficient, facilitating its role as an autonomous society registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.

Publications and journals

It publishes a suite of highly regarded, peer-reviewed scientific journals that are a cornerstone of its activities. These include flagship titles like Proceedings of the Indian Academy of Sciences, Journal of Astrophysics and Astronomy, and Journal of Genetics. The publications cover a broad spectrum of disciplines from chemistry and physics to the life sciences and engineering. The Academy's publishing division is known for maintaining rigorous standards, and many of its journals are indexed in major databases like Scopus and the Web of Science.

Fellows and membership

Election as a Fellow of the Academy is a high academic honor conferred upon individuals for their outstanding contributions to science. The fellowship includes luminaries such as S. Chandrasekhar, Homi J. Bhabha, and A. P. J. Abdul Kalam. The total number of Fellows is restricted, with new members elected annually by the existing Fellowship. In addition to Fellows, the Academy also recognizes Associate Fellows and offers membership to researchers through its various publication subscription models, creating a multi-tiered community of scientists.

Programmes and initiatives

The Academy runs numerous programs to support science at all levels, including the prestigious Summer Research Fellowship Programme for students and the Research Grants scheme. It organizes annual meetings like the Indian Science Congress (in partnership with other bodies) and thematic symposia on emerging areas such as climate change and biotechnology. Other key initiatives include science communication workshops, public lectures by experts like G. N. Ramachandran, and efforts to promote women in science through specific fellowships and awards.

Recognition and impact

The Academy is widely recognized as a pillar of the Indian scientific establishment, influencing policy and research direction. Its impact is evident in the quality of its publications, the stature of its Fellows, and its role in mentoring young scientists through programs supported by the Science and Engineering Research Board. The Academy's awards, such as those named after S. N. Bose and Srinivasa Ramanujan, are highly coveted. It maintains collaborative ties with other national academies like the Indian National Science Academy and international bodies, enhancing its global scientific footprint. Category:Scientific organizations based in India Category:Science and technology in India Category:Organizations established in 1934