Research and applied sciences will be central to advancing sustainable solutions that ensure India’s energy security, promote green chemistry for sustainable agriculture, and address broader global sustainability challenges, said Dr N Kalaiselvi, Director General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), said at the 3-day International Conference on Sustainability through Fundamental & Applied Sciences (STFAS 2026) hosted by the Hindu College, University of Delhi om Apr 6-8. The conference was jointly organised by the Department of Physics and Department of Chemistry under the aegis of the DBT Star College Scheme.
Delivering the inaugural address, Dr Kalaiselvi, the first woman Director General of CSIR emphasised that scientific innovation must move beyond theory and translate into scalable, real-world applications. She also encouraged students to actively pursue research and entrepreneurship, noting that the next generation of scientists and innovators will play a defining role in shaping sustainable development pathways. Complimenting the Hindu college, she highlighted that she is delighted to witness this one-of-a-kind conference with multiple workshops, interactive exhibition and expert deliberations
Echoing this vision, TCA Rangachari, Chairman, Hindu College noted that sustainability must be driven by collective action anchored in science, innovation and responsibility, adding that Hindu College’s commitment to encouraging such dialogue and nurturing future-ready thinkers is both timely and commendable.
The conference designed as an interactive platform, saw a range of activities aimed at making science more engaging and accessible. These include coding competitions, poster-making, science quizzes, science slam sessions, three-minute talks, pitch presentations, debates, as well as photography and short film competitions.
Adding a hands-on dimension, a specialised instrumentation workshop offered participants exposure to advanced scientific equipment and analytical techniques, enabling practical learning alongside theoretical discussions.
The conference features nearly 30 national and international speakers from premier institutions, including IITs, CSIR laboratories, global universities, and industry and it is supported by organisation including Indian Railway Finance Corporation, Ultra International Limited, State Bank of India (SBI), Canara Bank, and GreyMatters Communications among others. Discussions will span a wide range of themes, including sustainable materials, green energy, environmental science, artificial intelligence-driven sustainability, and translational research.
A key focus area of the conference was strengthening the interface between academia and industry. Highlighting the role of industry collaboration, Sant Sanganeria, Founder Chairman & CEO of Ultra International Limited, said, “The future of sustainability lies in the seamless integration of science and industry. Conferences like STFAS provide a critical platform to align research with market needs and accelerate the adoption of innovative, sustainable solutions across sectors.”
Coinciding with World Health Day on April 7, the conference also hosted a special outreach programme in collaboration with the Patel Chest Institute, focusing on health awareness and community engagement.
Prof Anju Srivastava, Principal of Hindu College, highlighted the importance of integrating academic inquiry with societal needs. “At Hindu College, we see science as a powerful enabler of change. STFAS 2026 is an effort to bring together diverse stakeholders to collaboratively explore solutions that are not only scientifically robust but also socially relevant and implementable,” she said.
