IISER Thiruvananthapuram celebrated its 11^th Foundation day function on 29^th October 2019. The luminary and well-known scientist, Prof. Gautam R. Desiraju from the Indian Institute of Science, was the chief guest.

The function began with a mesmerizing Kathak performance by the renowned artiste Pandit Rajendra Gangani, organised through Spicmacay. The dance performance was followed by an address by the Director Prof. JN Moorthy, who outlined the humble beginnings of the institute, the rapid progress and future directions. The director announced that the institute will soon start academic programs in data sciences and interdisciplinary sciences. He emphasized the need to further modernize the institute in all aspects, exploit the unique natural beauty of the campus and enhance academic vibrancy to catapult the institute into a truly word class institute.

Prof. Gautam R. Desiraju then delivered the foundation day lecture titled “Renaissance of Science Education and Research in Today’s India”. He stressed the value of capitalising on the unique strengths of the Indian scientific scenario to improve standards. He talked about how incorporating elements from a corporate set up can help Indian academic institutions. He emphasized how the curriculum of undergraduate programs in India should focus more on employability. He suggested that outreach programs can be made part of the undergraduate curriculum. He also talked Indian scientists becoming more resilient towards changes in the funding scenario. In the question-answer session, he discussed the need for scientists to take up science of direct societal relevance.