Indian Academy of Sciences

The Indian Academy of Sciences (IASc) is a learned society and academy of sciences based in Bengaluru, Karnataka. It was founded in 1934 by the physicist and Nobel laureate C. V. Raman, with the aim of promoting the progress and upholding the cause of science in both pure and applied branches. It is one of the three principal national science academies in India, alongside the Indian National Science Academy in New Delhi and the National Academy of Sciences, India in Prayagraj.

Key facts

Background

The Academy was established at a time when scientific research in India was expanding beyond a small number of colonial-era institutions. C. V. Raman, who had received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930 for his work on the scattering of light, sought to create an independent body of Indian scientists that could publish original research, recognise scientific achievement through the election of Fellows, and disseminate scientific knowledge. The Academy was registered as a society and held its inaugural meeting in 1934 in Bangalore (now Bengaluru), where Raman was then directing the Department of Physics at the Indian Institute of Science.

Activities

The Academy's activities are organised around fellowship, publishing, education, and public engagement.

• Fellowship: Distinguished scientists working in India or of Indian origin are elected as Fellows and Associates on the basis of their research contributions.
• Journals: The Academy publishes a series of peer-reviewed journals covering the major scientific disciplines, including titles in the Proceedings and Journal series, such as those devoted to chemical sciences, mathematical sciences, earth and planetary sciences, biosciences, and the journal Pramana in physics. Current Science, a long-running general science journal, is published in association with the Current Science Association.
• Science education: The Academy runs the Summer Research Fellowship Programme jointly with the other two national science academies, offering students and teachers short research stays with active scientists. It also organises refresher courses, lecture workshops, and the publication of textbooks and monographs.
• Discussion meetings: Annual and mid-year meetings bring Fellows and invited speakers together to present recent advances across disciplines.

Timeline

• 1934: Academy founded in Bangalore by C. V. Raman, who served as its first President.
• 1934 onwards: Launch of the Proceedings of the Indian Academy of Sciences, later split into discipline-specific journals.
• Later 20th century: Expansion of journal portfolio and inauguration of education and outreach programmes, including joint initiatives with INSA and NASI.
• Continuing: Election of new Fellows and Associates each year, with biannual meetings rotated across institutions in India.

Significance

As one of India's three national science academies, the Indian Academy of Sciences plays a central role in recognising scientific accomplishment, advising on matters of science policy, and supporting scientific publishing in India. Its summer fellowship and lecture programmes have been an important entry point for undergraduate students into research, and its journals are among the longer-running scientific periodicals based in India.

Related topics

• C. V. Raman
• Indian National Science Academy
• National Academy of Sciences, India
• Indian Institute of Science
• Current Science
• Science and technology in India

References

• Indian Academy of Sciences — official publications and journal archives.
• Wikidata: Q2095533.