The Indian National Science Academy (INSA) is the national academy of sciences of India, headquartered in New Delhi. It serves as the apex body representing Indian scientists across all branches of science and technology, and acts as the principal Indian adhering organisation to several international scientific unions and councils.
| Name | Indian National Science Academy |
|---|---|
| Abbreviation | INSA |
| Type | National academy of sciences |
| Headquarters | Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi, India |
| Field | Science and technology |
| Membership | Fellows and Foreign Fellows elected by peers |
INSA promotes the cause of science in India and harnesses scientific knowledge for the welfare of the country and humanity. Its functions include recognising outstanding scientific work through fellowships and medals, advising the government on matters of science policy, publishing scientific journals, supporting research, and representing Indian science in international scientific bodies.
The Academy was founded in 1935 as the National Institute of Sciences of India (NISI). It was inaugurated in Calcutta and later shifted its headquarters to New Delhi. In 1970 the Institute was renamed the Indian National Science Academy.
INSA is the Indian counterpart, in the broad sense, of national academies such as the Royal Society and the United States National Academy of Sciences, and works alongside other Indian science academies including the Indian Academy of Sciences in Bengaluru and the National Academy of Sciences, India in Allahabad.
Fellows of INSA (FNA) are elected from among Indian scientists in recognition of distinguished contributions to the advancement of science. The Academy also elects Foreign Fellows from outside India. Election is based on peer review by existing Fellows, and the fellowship spans disciplines including mathematics, physics, chemistry, the earth and environmental sciences, biology, medicine, engineering, and technology.
INSA is governed by a Council headed by a President, supported by Vice-Presidents covering specific portfolios such as international affairs, fellowship, publications, and scientific activities. The Council is elected from among the Fellows. Day-to-day administration is led by an Executive Director at the Academy's headquarters in New Delhi.
As the apex scientific body of the country, INSA plays a central role in the Indian scientific establishment by linking the academic, research, and policy communities. Its fellowship is regarded as one of the highest honours for a scientist working in India, and the Academy's pronouncements and reports inform policy decisions in areas ranging from research funding to science education and ethics.