The Centre for Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (CPMB&B), Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Coimbatore, inaugurated National Science Day & Bioconcorrenza’26 today.
The two-day event is being organized as part of the National Science Day celebrations, which are observed every year on February 28 to commemorate the discovery of the Raman Effect by Nobel Laureate Sir C. V. Raman in 1928.
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University has been celebrating National Science Day since 2015, and Bioconcorrenza has grown into a significant annual academic event that promotes scientific temper, innovation, and research culture among students.
This year, the theme of the programme is “Women in Science: Catalysing Viksit Bharat.” The theme emphasises the vital role of women scientists, researchers, and innovators in driving India’s scientific progress and contributing towards building a developed and self-reliant nation.
The ceremonial lighting of the kuthuvilakku marked the formal inauguration of the programme. Senthil, Director, CPMB&B, delivered the introductory address, highlighting the importance of science in agricultural advancement, biotechnology research, and national development.
He emphasised that National Science Day & Bioconcorrenza’26 serves as a platform to inspire young minds towards scientific excellence and innovation.
The Bioconcorrenza’26 poster was officially unveiled during the programme by the III Year B.Tech (Biotechnology) and III Year B.Tech (Bioinformatics) students, marking the formal launch of the event activities.
The function was felicitated by Babu, Dean, SPGS; Balasubramani, Controller of Examinations; Arul, Head, DPMB&B.
As part of the first day programme, the event was graced by Govindaraj, Director, ICAR–Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Coimbatore, who delivered the guest talk. He stressed the role of scientific research, crop improvement, and innovation in achieving sustainable agricultural growth and encouraged students to pursue research with dedication.
Also National Level Symposium was conducted featuring oral presentation, poster presentations, and evaluation by judges. A guest lecture was also delivered by Boominathan Mohanasundaram, Assistant Professor, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Thiruvananthapuram, on emerging scientific advancements and research perspectives.
In his address, he highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary research, innovation-driven education, and the need for young scientists to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
He emphasised the role of academic institutions in nurturing scientific curiosity and encouraged students to actively participate in research that addresses real-world challenges.
He also spoke about strengthening research collaborations, promoting scientific communication, and empowering young researchers—especially women in science—in alignment with the theme “Women in Science: Catalysing Viksit Bharat.”
On-stage events such as oral presentation, Ideathon and Innoverse were also held. Nearly 600 college students from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, its affiliated colleges, constituent colleges, and private colleges are participating in various competitions and academic activities.
This marks the first day of the two- day event. On the second day, school-level science exhibitions and various student competitions will be conducted, with around 150 school students expected to showcase their innovative scientific models and projects.
