Billed as a major event to promote skills vital for the country’s development among young minds, the third international festival of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEMFest) will be held in Mysuru from October 17 to 20.
The four-day event, organised by the Global STEM States and International STEM Alliance (ISA) and hosted by the University of Mysore, is expected to bring together hundreds of delegates from India and abroad to discuss innovation, education and training so that it aligns with the country’s future scientific, technological and economic development.
Scott Campbell, Representative of Global STEM States, told reporters here on Thursday that the event, which is expected to attract 1,200 delegates from Australia, United States, Canada, Malaysia and other countries, besides India, will focus on developing skills among the students that can be used to not only solving the problems faced by the country, but also exploit the opportunities to grow economically.
C.D. Shridhar, Programme Committee Chairman – STEM 2016, said the event seeks to lure the future human resource of the country towards science and technology issues. “Everybody is going for IT jobs. Few are involved in pure science and science-related activities. The STEMFest will serve as a platform to kindle the interest of young minds in science and maths and build a workforce for future innovation and development of the country,” he said.
STEMFest 2016 features conference and keynote addresses by renowned speakers, exhibits from leading institutions, corporates and R&D organisations. A mobile planetarium, robotic competition, demonstration of drones, Game developers and app developers’ summit, space and astronomy forum and skills workshop are some of the attractions.
Vice-Chancellor of University of Mysore K.S. Rangappa, who attended the last STEMFest 2015 held at Saskatoon in Canada, said the STEMFest was being held for the first time India at a time when interest among students is progressively declining in science and mathematics. He hoped the event will not only promote STEM subjects among students, but also serve as a platform for Vice-Chancellors to come together and debate on the education system.
Also, he hoped the event will help the government take measures to improve the quality of educational institutions and standard of education.
