ICGEB Highlights Space Biotechnology and Bioenergy Innovations at India’s Premier Science Festival
The International Science Festival (IISF) 2025, held in Panchkula, Haryana, from December 6–9, 2025, witnessed an impactful participation from ICGEB New Delhi. Marking the 11th edition of the festival, this year’s theme—“VIGYAN SE SAMRUDDHI: For Aatmanirbhar Bharat”—celebrated scientific contributions toward national self-reliance.
A seven-member ICGEB delegation, led by Mr. Rayies Altaf, Public Relations Incharge, represented the Centre at the four-day science carnival. The team comprised:
Dr. Babbal – Microbial Engineering Group
Ms. Nidhi – Translational Health Group
Ms. Preeti Yadav – Yeast Biofuel Group
Mr. Vasant Kumar – Metabolic Engineering Group
Mr. Bharmjeet – Omics of Algae Group
Ms. Karthika K. – Systems Biology for Biofuel Group
Showcasing Frontier Research: Space Biotechnology & Bioenergy
At IISF 2025, the ICGEB stall featured two major science models representing frontier research areas:
- Space Biotechnology Initiatives, Developed by the Microbial Engineering Group and the Systems Biology for Biofuel Group, highlighted ICGEB’s pioneering studies aimed at enabling biological processes in space conditions—an exciting domain for India’s growing space-science ambitions.
2. Bioenergy Research: 2G Ethanol & Biofuels
Work led by the Microbial Engineering Group and Yeast Biofuel Group demonstrated innovative biotechnological routes to sustainable fuel production.
Both models drew heavy footfall, enabling team members to interact with schoolchildren, educators, and the general public. These interactions helped demystify biotechnology while showcasing ICGEB’s contributions to national priorities in sustainability, energy security, and future-ready science.
Engaging the Public Through Science Communication
Beyond the exhibition, the ICGEB team conducted multiple interactive science quiz shows and science games, which turned out to be one of the crowd-pullers at DBT Pavillion. Hundreds of enthusiastic students from schools across Haryana, Chandigarh, and Punjab participated, making the quizzes as well as games, a vibrant platform for learning.
ICGEB’s presence was strengthened by the participation of two senior scientists: Dr. Ramesh V. Sonti, Director, ICGEB New Delhi, delivered a special talk and took part in a panel discussion on the Bioeconomy, emphasising the critical role of biotechnology in driving sustainable economic growth.
Dr. Neel Sarovar Bhavesh, Group Leader, Transcription Regulation Group, participated in #Vigyanika, where he moderated a session on the role of indigenous languages in science communication, aligning with India’s vision of inclusive scientific outreach.
A Successful Showcase of Science, Innovation & Public Outreach:
ICGEB’s participation at IISF 2025 achieved multiple outcomes—
- Highlighted cutting-edge research from ICGEB labs
- Engaged young minds through models, discussions, and quizzes
- Strengthened public understanding of biotechnology
- Represented ICGEB’s commitment to national missions such as Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India), Bioeconomy, Space Science, and Clean Energy
Overall, the four-day festival provided an excellent platform for ICGEB New Delhi to communicate its scientific endeavours to a diverse audience and inspire the next generation of scientists.
