Twelve Nobel Laureates from all over the world will take part in a week-long science conclave, which is being 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).

Asia’s first ever science conclave will be held from December 15 to 21.

Mr. M D Tiwari, founding director, IIIT-A said, “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 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.”

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

With an aim to give a boost to scientific education, research and development, the institute has also made superb arrangements for live podcast and webcast for the benefit of millions of students throughout India.

“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,” informed Tiwari.

“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 added.

Human Resource Development Minister Arjun Singh will formally inaugurate the conclave on December 16. Those participating in the conclave include Governor of Haryana Dr A R Kidwai and Union Minister for Science and Technology Kapil Sibbal.