A week long science conclave, organized by the ministry of human resource development (MHRD) and the department of science and technology (DST) at the Indian Institute of Information Technology, Allahabad (IIIT-A), will see participation of twelve Nobel Laureates from across the world.

“For the first time in Indian and Asian history, 12 Nobel Laureates, leaders, policymakers, research scholars and students including the first batch of DST's 'Inspire' programme, will participate in the conclave to discuss the emerging trends in scientific research and technological innovations in the world of science. This is a great opportunity for the Indian scientific community, particularly young minds, to interact with global veterans and stalwarts in the respective scientific disciplines,” informed M D Tiwari, founding director, IIIT-A.

Some of the Nobel Laureates that will participate in the event are Anthony James Liggett, Robert Coleman Richardson, Hersko Ferenc, Martin Lewis Perl, Jerome Isaac Friedman, Harod 'Harry' Walter Kroto, Douglas D Osheroff, Claude Cohen Tannoudji and Rajendra K Pachauri.

Furthermore, arrangements for live podcast and webcast for the benefit of millions of students all over India have also been made by the institute.

Tiwari further informed, “To document for posterity, the invaluable knowledge imparted by 12 living legends from across the world, the IIIT-A administration has permitted Indira Gandhi National Open University (Ignou) and the Consortium for Educational Communication (CEC) of the University Grants Commission (UGC) to record the entire event. The proceedings will then be used for developing e-content to be broadcasted by CEC through its 24-hour channel - Vyas - on higher education and by Ignou through its educational webcast. This will serve as a repository of knowledge for generations to come.”

“Both Ignou and CEC have agreed, in principle, to acknowledge the support of IIITA in the development of e-content and broadcasting of the talks, lectures and interaction,” he concluded.