The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Mohali celebrated its 20 th Foundation Day through a two-day programme on September 26-27, 2026, bringing together science outreach, inter-institutional dialogue, innovation and cultural activities.
The celebrations commenced on September 26 with an Institute Open Day, where more than 1,500 participants visited the campus for science demonstrations and competitions organised by the Institute's student clubs and research laboratories. Activities spanning physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, astronomy, robotics, computing and environmental sciences offered hands-on learning, while an inter- school science and general quiz, storytelling, spelling bee and science-themed crossword competitions encouraged curiosity and creative thinking. The open house for school and college students was coordinated by Dr. Vishal Bhardwaj and Dr. Vignesh Kuduva.
The Institute organised a symposium on "Exploring Inter-Institutional Opportunities for Collaborations in Science and Technology” on September 26. The programme opened with a welcome address by Dr. Sunil A. Patil, Associate Dean (R&D), followed by an address by Professor Anil Kumar Tripathi, Director, IISER Mohali. Heads and representatives from IIT Ropar, BRIC-NABI, NIPER Mohali, CSIR-CSIO, Semiconductor Laboratory, CSIR-IMTECH, Plaksha University, Punjab Engineering College, Punjab State Council for Science and Technology, and INST Mohali presented their institutions' research strengths and explored opportunities for joint research, shared scientific infrastructure and academic engagement. Professor R. Vijaya Anand, Dean Outreach, delivered the concluding remarks. The day also featured a Rajasthani folk-music performance by Shri Bhungar Khan, presented by the IISER Mohali Heritage Club in association with SPIC MACAY.
On September 27, the Innovation Lab was inaugurated by Professor Shekhar C. Mande, President, Indian National Science Academy, in the presence of Professor J. S. Yadav, Chairperson, Board of Governors, and Professor Anil Kumar Tripathi. Designed to promote learning through experimentation and prototype development, the laboratory provides a platform for students to pursue interdisciplinary ideas and explore research, innovation and entrepreneurship.
The day culminated with the 20th Foundation Day Lecture, delivered by the Chief Guest, Professor Shekhar C. Mande. Shri Kamal Kishore Yadav, IAS, Administrative Secretary, Department of Science, Technology and Environment, Government of Punjab, was the Guest of Honour. The ceremony began with a welcome by Professor Sudip Mandal, Dean (R&D), and an address by the Director. It also included addresses by Professor J. Gowrishankar, former Director, and Professor J. S. Yadav, and a talk by Dr. Keshav Aggrawal, BS-MS alumnus. Other highlights were the release of the Annual Report 2025-26 and the souvenir "IISER Mohali: A Twenty- Year Journey (2006-2026)," the screening of the short film "20 Glorious Years of IISER Mohali," and the announcement of the first cohort of Dr. Manmohan Singh Fellowships.
Instituted by the Dr. Manmohan Singh Trust, the Fellowship provides annual support of Rs. 2 lakhs to BS-MS students in their fourth and fifth years, with the aim of strengthening the culture of opportunity, inclusion and academic excellence on campus. The Fellowships were presented by the chief guest Professor Shekhar C. Mande. Ms. Sakshi (Department of Chemical Sciences) and Mr. Aniruddha Mishra (Department of Mathematical Sciences) were announced as the first recipients of the Fellowships.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Sunil A. Patil, Associate Dean of Research & Development at IISER Mohali, acknowledging the efforts of everyone involved in making the day a success.
