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.
SMART INDIA HACKATHON- INTERNAL HACKATHON
The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Mohali, a premier institute dedicated to excellence in science education and research, in association with the Technology Business Incubator (TBI), IISER Mohali, conducted the Smart India Hackathon (SIH) 2026 – Internal Hackathon.
The event was inaugurated by Prof. Sudip Mandal, Dean (R&D), IISER Mohali, who welcomed the distinguished panel members and shared insightful thoughts and guidance with the participating teams. He emphasized the importance of innovation, creativity, and developing solutions to real-world challenges.
A total of 9 innovative student teams participated in the Internal Hackathon. The teams showcased their innovative thinking, technical knowledge, and problem-solving abilities by presenting their ideas and solutions before a distinguished panel of experts.
The teams were evaluated by a four-member panel comprising Mr. Satyendra Singh Choudhary (CEO, TBI-IISER Mohali), Dr. Jitendra Kumar (Professor of Practice, IISER Mohali),
Dr. Dapinder Kaur Bakhshi (Director, Punjab State Council for Science & Technology) and Ms. Nitika Mishra Khurana (Head – Operations, Chandigarh Angels Network).
The participating teams demonstrated remarkable creativity and presented innovative and impactful ideas addressing real-world challenges. The event provided students with an opportunity to receive expert feedback and gain valuable exposure to innovation, entrepreneurship, technology development, and industry perspectives.
SMART INDIA HACKATHON OUTREACH SESSION
The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Mohali, a premier institution dedicated to excellence in science education and research, in association with the Technology Business Incubator (TBI), IISER Mohali, organized an outreach and awareness session on Smart India Hackathon (SIH) 2026 for the students of IISER Mohali.
The session was organized to create awareness among students about Smart India Hackathon, its objectives, benefits, eligibility criteria, application process, and opportunities for participation. Students were introduced to SIH as a national-level innovation and problem-solving platform that encourages them to develop creative, technology-driven solutions to real-world challenges presented by government departments, industries, and other organizations.
The session covered key aspects of SIH 2026, including who can participate, team formation, problem statements, the participation process, and the benefits of taking part in the hackathon. Students were also informed about opportunities for innovation, mentorship, networking, industry exposure, and showcasing their solutions at a national-level platform.
The session encouraged students to identify relevant problem statements, collaborate in multidisciplinary teams, and leverage their technical knowledge, creativity, and problem-solving abilities to develop practical and impactful solutions. The importance of innovation, entrepreneurship, and translating academic knowledge into real-world applications was also highlighted.
The awareness session was delivered by Mr. Satyendra Singh Choudhary and Prof. Sudip Mandal, Dean (R&D), IISER Mohali, who interacted with the students and provided guidance on participating effectively in SIH 2026.
The 15th convocation at IISER Mohali was held on 16th June 2026. The convocation address was delivered by Shri A. S. Kiran Kumar, Chairman, Physical Research Laboratory Management Council; Member, Space Commission, Government of India; and former Chairman, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
International Day of Yoga 2026
IISER Mohali celebrated the 12th International Day of Yoga centered around the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing” with the active participation of over 85 students, staff, and faculty members. The event promoted the importance of yoga in fostering physical and mental well-being. During the celebration, the winners of the Poster Making Competition, conducted on 20 June 2026, were honoured with awards in recognition of their creative contributions. IISER Mohali was already registered on "Yoga Sangam Portal" and during the IDY 2026 celebration Institute was also connected with live telecast with the event, organized by the Ministry of Ayush and led by the Prime Minister Sh. Narendera Modi Ji at Kolkata.
Run for Yoga – International Day of Yoga 2026
As part of the International Day of Yoga 2026 celebrations, IISER Mohali organized a "Run for Yoga" event on 10 June 2026 to promote awareness about the physical and mental benefits of yoga and encourage people to adopt active and healthy lifestyles.
The event combined running and walking with the message of yoga, wellness, and holistic health, inspiring participants to embrace fitness as an integral part of their daily lives. The initiative highlighted the importance of regular physical activity alongside the practice of yoga for overall well-being.
The Run for Yoga was flagged off by the Hon'ble Director, Registrar, Associate Dean (Students), and Assistant Registrar, whose presence motivated and encouraged the participants.
Awareness and Sensitization Program of ICC
The Internal Complaints Committee conducted an Awareness/ Sensitization Program for BS-MS students/ Int PhD students/ PhD Scholars/ Project Assistants/ Post-Docs/ RAs, and Faculty, Administrative, and Technical staff on "Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal of Sexual Harassment of Women Employees and Students in Higher Educational Institutions," on April 04, 2026, by the Guest Speaker, Prof. Rajesh Gill.
About the Speaker:
Prof. Rajesh Gill is a practicing Advocate at the Hon'ble High Court of Punjab and Haryana. Presently, she is an External Member of ICC, IISER Mohali, NIPER Mohali, and the Reserve Bank of India. She was an external member of ICC, Hon'ble Punjab & Haryana High Court, and Former Professor, Dean of Research, and Member of the Senate at Panjab University.
The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Mohali inaugurated Tattva 2026, the second edition of its annual science festival celebrating scientific curiosity, innovation, and societal engagement. The festival was inaugurated by S. Harjot Singh Bains, Hon’ble Minister of Education, Government of Punjab, on Friday, 27th feb 2026 during a special ceremony held at the institute.
In his address, the Director of IISER Mohali welcomed the guests and emphasized the institute’s commitment to advancing scientific research, nurturing talent, and strengthening engagement with society and the state of Punjab. During the ceremony, the Minister also released Meraki, the institute’s student science magazine, and launched the IISER Mohali Alumni Portal, aimed at strengthening alumni engagement and institutional outreach.
The SPIC MACAY Heritage Club of IISER Mohali organised the annual Virasat 2026 series from 11 February - 24 February, 2026. The first events of the Virasat 2026 was inaugurated on February 11, 2026 with the initiation of the first two workshops on Odissi dance by Vidushi Kavita Dwibedi and on Puppetry by Shri. Subhasis Neogy in LH7. On the 13 February and 18 February, two more workshops on Madhubani Painting by Shri. Abdhesh Kumar and Dhrupad by Ustad Wasifuddin Dagar were conducted in the LH6 room of LHC and the Music Room of Hostel 8, respectively. On 15 February, a Heritage Walk was organised to visit the Le Corbusier Centre in Chandigarh. These workshops were followed by. five concerts on LH7 auditorium at 6:30PM: Puruliya Chhau by Shri Tarapada Rajak on 17 February, A Carnatic Vocal Music by Shri. Abhishek Raguram on 18 February, A Hindustani Flute by Pandit Ronu Majumder on 19 February, A Dhrupad Vocal Music by Ustad. Wasifuddin Dagar on 23 February and a Kathak Dance by Pandit Rajendra Gangani on 24 February. All the events were well attended and it was a grand success.
The 77th Republic Day was celebrated at IISER Mohali Campus with great enthusiasm. Professor Anil Kumar Tripathi, Director IISER Mohali unfurled the National Flag in the presence of faculty, staff members, and students of the institute. The program commenced with the opening speech of the Registrar, Sh. Raj Kumar Manjhiwal. The faculty, staff members, and students attended the 77th Republic Day celebration and enjoyed the patriotic cultural program organized for this occasion.
website policy
Connect with us
IISER Mohali, Knowledge city, Sector 81, SAS Nagar, Manauli PO 140306
Telefax : 2240266, 2240124
-
+91 - 172 - 2240266
- +91 - 172 - 2240124