The National Tamil Science Conference (NTSC–2026), jointly organized by Arivial Sangam and CSIR-Structural Engineering Research Centre, concluded successfully at the Vigyan Auditorium, CSIR Campus, Taramani, after two days of vibrant academic deliberations, scientific presentations, and cultural programmes. The conference was conducted under the focal theme “Sustainable Development through Science and Technology.”
The conference was inaugurated on 20 February 2026 by Prof. Dr. Usha Natesan, Director of National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research, Chennai. The inaugural session was presided over by Dr. N. Anandavalli, Director of CSIR-SERC and Coordinating Director of CSIR Madras Complex. Special addresses were delivered by Dr. Shekhar C. Mande, former Director General of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, and Shri Praveen Ramdas, National Joint Organising Secretary of Vijnana Bharati. The welcome address was delivered by Dr. S. Parivallal, and the vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. Mani Prahaspathy, Secretary of Arivial Sangam.
The conference featured plenary lectures, invited sessions, scientific paper presentations, and interactive discussions, emphasizing Tamil as a powerful medium for scientific communication. The plenary lecture was delivered by Dr. P. Thanikaivelan, Director of CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute, Chennai, while a distinguished lecture on scientific discoveries was delivered by Dr. S. Kandasamy, former professor and dean of Anna University.
The scientific programme covered six major thematic domains: Physics and Chemistry, Life and Medical Sciences, Mathematical and Agricultural Sciences, Engineering and Technological Sciences, Earth, Atmosphere and Environmental Sciences, and Indian Knowledge Systems. Each thematic track included expert talks and participant presentations.
Among the keynote sessions, Dr. S. Maheshwaran, Chief Scientist, CSIR-SERC, delivered a lecture on physics and chemistry concepts in Tamil. Dr. Senthilvel, Director of National Institute of Siddha, and Acharya Dr. Shree Varma, Chief Medical Doctor, Heartfulness, addressed biological sciences. In the Mathematical and Agricultural Sciences session, Dr. N. Gopalakrishnan delivered an expert lecture.
Marking International Mother Language Day on the second day, special lectures were delivered by Dr. Sudha Seshayan, former Vice-Chancellor of Dr. M.G.R. Medical University, and Dr. G. Aghila, Director of National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli. Engineering sessions included a keynote by Dr. N. Anandavalli, Director of CSIR-SERC, while the Earth and Environmental Sciences session featured a lecture by Prof. Dr. Balaji Ramakrishnan, Director of National Institute of Ocean Technology.
The conference witnessed robust academic participation, with 192 abstracts submitted from across the nation. A total of 228 male and 282 female participants took part, reflecting commendable inclusivity. Discipline-wise presentations included: Physics and Chemistry (26), Life and Medical Sciences (31), Mathematical and Agricultural Sciences (28), Indian Knowledge Systems (36), Engineering and Technological Sciences (33), and Earth and Environmental Sciences (55). Including researchers, faculty, scholars, and school students, overall participation reached approximately 500.
Scientific evaluation was conducted by 36 judges, comprising 12 scientists from CSIR-SERC and 24 professors from universities and colleges, ensuring academic rigor and fairness. Eight SERC scientists also delivered special technical research talks, fostering meaningful interaction between institutional researchers and students.
Invited lectures was delivered by Dr. N. Parasuraman of MSSRF, focusing on scientific perspectives within medical knowledge systems.
The valedictory ceremony was held on 21 February 2026 under the presidency of Dr. N. Anandavalli. Dr. S. Saravanakumar presented the conference report, highlighting participation from 28 districts and 192 research abstracts. The chief guest, Prof. M. Krishnan, Vice-Chancellor of Central University of Tamil Nadu, commended the initiative to promote science through Tamil as a medium of scholarly exchange. Prizes were distributed to outstanding presenters across thematic categories. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Chandrabose Selvaraj.
NTSC–2026 successfully demonstrated how scientific knowledge can be effectively communicated through Tamil while maintaining academic excellence, interdisciplinary engagement, and inclusivity. Participants widely appreciated the conference for its scholarly depth, sustainability-focused discussions, and its significant contribution to strengthening Tamil as a language of science.