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SADA: The 4th National Conference on Polar Sciences (NCPS) was inaugurated at the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Headland Sada, by M. Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) on Wednesday morning. The three-day event has brought together leading scientists, academicians, and researchers from India and abroad to deliberate on the critical challenges and opportunities in polar and ocean sciences.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by eminent dignitaries, including Gary Wilson, President of the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR); Sunil Singh, Director, National Institute of Oceanography; and Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General of the India Meteorological Department. Also present were Vandana Chaudhary, Scientist G at MoES, directors of allied institutes under MoES, and senior scientists from NCPOR and across the country.
In his address, Ravichandran emphasized the importance of strengthening India’s scientific capacity in polar and ocean research over the next five years. He outlined plans to develop key infrastructure such as new research vessels for ocean observations, advanced in-situ measurement systems, and training programs to build skilled human capital. “These initiatives will drive innovative research and development and contribute to the realization of Prime Minister Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047,” he said.
The dignitaries jointly released the abstract book of the NCPS Open Science Sessions and the Arctic Expedition Report 2024–25.
Highlighting the significance of the event, NCPOR Director Dr Thamban Meloth described NCPS as a unique and the country’s only national platform dedicated to polar sciences. “This conference brings together researchers, experts and academicians of national and international repute to exchange ideas, foster collaboration, and strengthen India’s contribution to global polar research,” he said.
Delivering the plenary talk, SCAR President Gary Wilson spoke on “Antarctic Science in a Changing World.” He highlighted SCAR’s role in addressing the issue of climate change. Wilson warned that global average temperatures have already risen by 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, while parts of Antarctica are warming up to five times faster. “This accelerated warming poses lasting risks for the planet. It is vital that science is effectively communicated to policymakers so that informed decisions can be made,” Wilson stressed.
As a prelude to the conference, the Young Polar Scientist Meet was held on Tuesday at NCPOR, with more than 160 young researchers from across India presenting their work and engaging with senior experts. The meet served as a platform for early-career scientists to showcase research on polar processes, climate dynamics, and ocean systems.
The NCPS 2025 is expected to generate collaborative frameworks, knowledge exchange, and policy inputs, reinforcing India’s role in advancing global polar science.
