Science should be viewed as a public good rather than merely an abstract academic pursuit, former World Health Organization (WHO) Chief Scientist Dr. Soumya Swaminathan said while addressing the 2026 convocation ceremony of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru. Delivering the keynote address virtually, she encouraged graduating students to embrace interdisciplinary research and use scientific knowledge to address pressing global challenges. More than 1,500 graduates participated in the convocation, which also featured addresses by ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan and senior institute officials.

Highlighting the changing nature of scientific discovery, Dr. Swaminathan said many of the world's most significant breakthroughs emerge at the intersection of multiple disciplines rather than within a single field. She noted that several Nobel Prize-winning researchers had begun their careers in one discipline before moving into another, demonstrating the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. According to her, future innovations will increasingly depend on researchers working across traditional academic boundaries.

Dr. Swaminathan stressed that science has a direct responsibility to improve people's lives and should be guided by public interest. She urged graduates to view research not only as a means of advancing knowledge but also as a tool for addressing societal challenges such as healthcare, climate change, food security and sustainable development. She said scientific progress becomes truly meaningful when it benefits communities and contributes to the broader public good.

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ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan also addressed the graduating students, encouraging them to pursue excellence through innovation, collaboration and dedication. He highlighted the importance of scientific research and technological advancement in strengthening India's position as a global leader in science and space exploration. Narayanan urged the graduates to contribute their knowledge and skills toward solving national and global challenges through research and innovation.

The convocation celebrated the academic achievements of more than 1,500 students across various disciplines, marking another milestone in the institute's long history of scientific excellence. Faculty members and institute leaders congratulated the graduates for their accomplishments and encouraged them to uphold the values of curiosity, integrity and lifelong learning as they begin the next phase of their professional journeys.

The ceremony underscored the growing importance of collaborative and interdisciplinary research in addressing complex global problems. Speakers emphasised that the future of science lies in partnerships across disciplines, institutions and countries, with researchers working together to create practical solutions that benefit society. The graduating class was encouraged to carry forward this spirit of collaboration as it contributes to the advancement of science, technology and innovation.

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