Popular Science Lecture Series

MAA SARASWATI PUBLIC SR. SEC. SCHOOL
Bahadrabad, Haridwar (Uttrakhand)
School: Vidyaniketan English School
Speaker: Ankush Gupta
School: Mumbai Public School
School: Mumbai Public School
Speaker: Dr. Smita Kekatpure
School:MNR International School
School:MNR International School
previous arrow
next arrow
Shadow
Slider

IWSA has been conducting several programs in different schools and colleges for the last four decades.  Since 2011, Popular science lectures are organised under the title of “Popular Science Lecture Series” supported by Board of Research in Nuclear Sciences (BRNS), Dept of Atomic Energy, in different colleges of Mumbai and Navi Mumbai for students at post-graduate and graduate levels. This program was extended to include the IWSA Branches in 2018.

The program is intended to motivate and inspire students about cutting edge sciences and exposé them to the excellent work being done in India and the achievements of Indian Scientists.  In April 2021 the scope of the lectures supported by BRNS has been extended further.  Lectures are now being conducted for School students, College students and Society at large.  The ongoing lectures are given in the Tables below. The lectures conducted in previous years for the Popular Science Lectures are available through the click button.


SCIENCE LECTURES FOR SCHOOL STUDENTS

DateSpeaker and InstitutionTitle of LectureHost School
21st Feb., 2026Dr Lalitha Dhareshwar
Retd. Head Laser and Neutron Physics Division, BARC
Laser, the Wonder Ray of the 20th centuryC P Goenka International School
Sector 5, Ulwe, Wahal, Navi Mumbai
21st Feb., 2026Mr. Nikhilesh Nav Vigyan, Scientific Officer F, Hydrometallurgy & Rate Earth Development Section, Materials Processing Division, Materials Group, BARC, MumbaiPlay and learn The Periodic TableAdarsh English School & GSB Mandal’s S. A. Pai Memorial School, Dombivli
12th Feb., 2026Ms. Sarala Margaret MaryFrom Science Fiction to Reality: AI and Robotics Green Valley English School, Diva, Thane Dist.
23rd Jan., 2026Ms. Tullika Sinha
Founder, Encore
Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure:
Foundations of Materials, Technology and Modern Applications
New Horizon Public School , Sec-13, Khanda Colony, New Panvel (E)
20th Jan., 2026Ms. Samjucta Mokashi Rao, Partner, Environact Consultancy, Mumbai
Research scholar, Ramnarain Ruia Autonomous College, Mumba
Warriors for ChangeBright High School and Jr. College
Opposite Usha Nagar Village Road, Bhandup West, Mumbai
9th Jan., 2026Shri Mallikharjuna Rao M.
Tech C, ACTREC TATA MEMORIAL CENTRE
Kharghar
CybersecurityS. S. S. Global School,
D.S. High School Campus, Plot No.89-101, Principal M.D. Kulkarni Marg,
Near Guru Kripa Hotel, Sion, Mumbai- 22
15th Oct., 2025Dr. Smita Kekatpure, Scientist (Ex. NEERI), Environment Management, Sustainability & ESG expert Visiting professor & speakerRecycling: Closing the Loop on Resources - A Global Perspective
MNR International School, Palaspe, Panvel
7th Oct., 2025Ms. Sampada Gaonkar, Research coordinator
Deep Space Initiative

Unveiling the Universe: India’s Space Story
Vidyaniketan English School, TMC Buidling, Near Laxmi Park,Phase-1, Vartak Nagar, Thane West, Maharashtra

7th Oct., 2025Dr Ankush Gupta, Associate Prof. HBCSE, MumbaiMetals and Non-metals
Mumbai Public School, Deonar Municipal Colony School Complex no. 2, M/East Ward, Govandi, Mumbai
27th Sept., 2025Dr Pallavi Gaikwad
Product Researcher
International Market Support Group (IMSG)
Mettler-Toledo India Pvt. Ltd., Powai, Mumbai
Unlocking Biological Secrets: AI and DNA Sequencing as Game ChangersSri Sri Ravishankar Vidya Mandir, Mulund
18th Sept., 2025Dr K. V. Srinivasan
Scientist-in-charge
Low Temperature Facility
Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai
Significance of Cryogenics in Energy Storage and Industrial ApplicationsSt. Mary’s School, SSC, Mazgaon, Mumbai
17th Sept., 2025Shri Mahendra G. Kelkar
Former Executive Director (HR and Knowledge Management)
NPCIL Mumbai India
Basic Information in electrical engineering/विद्युत अभियंत्रिकी मधील मूलभूत माहिती (Semi English)Adya Krantiveer Vasudeo Balwant Phadke Vidyalaya, New Panvel
9th September, 2025Ms. Chaitra S. Rane
Educator & Cambridge Exam Officer, Teacher at VIBGYOR High, Goregaon (W), Mumbai


Don’t let Earth heat, shrink your carbon feet!
Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam Memorial High School
Jagdusha Nagar, Ghatkopar West, Mumbai
25th August, 2025Ms. Sumiran Singh
Project Research Scientist, ACTREC, Tata Cancer Hospital
Kharghar, Navi Mumbai
Nanotechnology: The Future of Medicine
and Super Materials
SVB’s International School, Dombivli
54X4+QC7, Sankara Nagar, Kalyan-Shil Road, Sonarpada, Dombivli (E)
22nd August, 2025डॉ. योजना सिंह
भूतपूर्व वरिष्ठ प्रबंधक, मार्केट रिसर्च एवं प्रचार (एमआर&पी)
विकिरण एवं आइसोटोप प्रौद्योगिकी बोर्ड (विआप्रौबोर्ड) पऊवि
विआप्रौबोर्ड / भापअकें वाशी कॉम्प्लेक्स
सेक्टर-20, वाशी, नवी मुंबई
रेडियोधर्मिता और विकिरण –
मानव जाति के भविष्य के निर्माण के लिए
परमाणु विकिरण का उपयोग और अनुप्रयोग
साईनाथ हिंदी हाई स्कूल और जूनियर कॉलेज
जुहू नगर, सेक्टर 10ए, वाशी

POPULAR SCIENCE LECTURES IN COLLEGES

DateSpeakers and InstitutionTitle of LectureHost College (IWSA HQ/ Branch)
4th March., 2026Dr Baby Chakrapani, Asst. Prof., Dept. of Biotechnology, CUSAT & Director, Centre for Neuroscience (CUSAT)Brain plasticity to improve concentration and reduction of social mediaDept. of Biosciences, UC College, Aluva, Kochi
28th Feb., 2026Dr Nandini Verma
Asst. Prof. HBNI, Mumbai & PI, TMC-ACTREC, Kharghar
Breast Cancer in Young Women: Causes, Challenges and Therapeutic OpportunitiesSophia College
24th Feb., 2026Dr Roopa Viswanathan Iyer, MD, DNBE FRC Path(UK)DHA Infection Control Consultant, Founder and CEO, Qualilife Diagnostics, Mulund, MumbaiReigning Superbugs, useless drugs: What do we do?Department of Microbiology,
24th Feb., 2026Dr Shilpa Paranjape, Chief Medical Officer, NEERI, NagpurCareer Prospects in Healthcare sector: Role of Science, Technology, Social and Environmental StudiesJai Hind College of Arts, Science and Commerce,
17th Feb., 2026Dr. Varun Aggarwala, Assistant Professor and Principal Investigator of the Microbiome Therapeutics laboratory, Jio Institute, MumbaiGut Microbiome and therapeuticsDept. of Microbiology, Sathaye College, Vile Parle, Mumbai
6th Feb., 2026Ms. Saloni Godbole, Co-Founder, Occamy Bioscience Pvt. Ltd.

Taking Science from lab to SocietyDY Patil school of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Belapur
29th Jan., 2026Prof. Venu Gopal Achanta, Director, CSIR-National Physical Laboratory, DelhiMetrology for Quantum TechnologiesDept. of Applied Physics, Delhi Technological University, Delhi
27th Jan., 2026Dr Rehna Augustine, Centre for Plant Biotechnology & Molecular Biology, KAU, ThrissurGenome editing: The Future Genetic EngineeringDept. of Biosciences, MES College, Aluva, Kochi
13th Dec., 2025Ms. Sangita Panda
Manager, Research and Development Department
Micro Crispr Pvt. Ltd.
Meril Headquarters, India
Muktanand Marg, Chala, Vapi, Gujarat
Cell Culture & its applications Department of Biotechnology,
Research Development Cell & IQAC
Vishnu Waman Thakur Charitable Trust’s
Bhaskar Waman Thakur College of Science, Yashvant Keshav Patil College of Commerce, Vidhya Dayanand Patil College of Arts,
(VIVA College)
13th Dec., 2025Dr. Liladhar Kumbhare
Scientific Officer, Chemistry Division,
Bhabha Atomic Research Centre,
Mumbai
Spectroscopy across the energy range:
High energy X-ray & Medium energy IR; Concept and Utility
Department of Physics,
Research Development Cell & IQAC
Vishnu Waman Thakur Charitable Trust’s
Bhaskar Waman Thakur College of Science, Yashvant Keshav Patil College of Commerce, Vidhya Dayanand Patil College of Arts
(VIVA College)
10th Dec., 2025Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Professor-Translation Research, Principal Investigator, Cancer Research Institute, ACTREC, TMC, Kharghar, Navi MumbaiIntertwined metabolism and epigenetics unveil the way for a therapeutic intervention in gastrointestinal cancersDept. of Botany, Ramnarain Ruia College, Matunga, Mumbai
5th Dec., 2025Dr Sangita Sukumaran, Prof. & Head, Dept. of Pharmacology, MGM Medical College, New Panvel, Mumbai-Pune Highway, MGM Campus, Kamothe, Panvel, Navi MumbaiCareer Pathways for Life Science Graduates in the Pharmaceutical IndustryDept. of Microbiology, CKT Arts, Commerce and Science College, New Panvel
2nd Dec., 2025Dr. Kavyashree Manjunath, Founder & CEO, Apratima BiosolutionsPlastic: Boon or BaneDept. of Life Science, Bangalore University, Jnanabharathi Campus, Bangalore
22nd Nov., 2025Dr Abhijit De, Professor and Scientific Officer G, Molecular Functional Imaging Laboratory, KS232C, (ACTREC), Kharghar Precision Nanomedicine for Cancer: Importance of illuminating disease biology in vivoDept. of Life Science & Biochemistry, St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai
19th Nov., 2025Dr. Prashant Kharkar,
Professor,
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
and Technology
Institute of Chemical Technology, Matunga, Mumbai
Artificial Intelligence in Drug Designing and Diagnostics:
Bridging Molecules, Models, and Medicine
Department of Biotechnology,
Karmaveer Bhaurao Patil College, Vashi, Navi Mumbai
28th Oct., 2025Dr. Sasikala Kola, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Rainbow Hospital, HyderabadWomen’s Health in Reproductive yearsWomen Study Centre & Office of Director Hostels, VCIWU
17th Oct., 2025Dr. Anu Gokhale, Professor & Chair, Department of Computer Information Systems, Saint Augustine’s University, Raleigh, NC, USAAI and ML Algorithms: Design, Applications and Challenges
VES Institute of Technology, Chembur, Mumbai

29th Sept., 2025Dr. Rama Mehta, Retd. Scientist, National Institute of Hdrology,
Brain Energizer & Memory Trainer
Number Ninjas
(Skilled Mathematics)
MAA SARASWATI PUBLIC SR. SEC. SCHOOLBahadrabad, Haridwar (Uttrakhand)
26th Sept., 2025Dr Sunil G. Warhadpande, Asst. Prof. (Retd), Nabira Mahavidyalaya, Katol, MaharashtraThe Unseen Chemistry Behind Everyday ProductsVidya Bharati Mahavidyalaya, Amravati
26th Sept., 2025DR. KAMALIKA ROY CHOUDHURY Scientific Manager- Data Translation Team, ThinkBio.Ai, KochiProteomics Unveiled: Exploring the functional blueprint of cellsDept. of Botany & Centre for Research, St. Teresa’s College, Ernakulam
18th Sept., 2025Dr Seema Purohit, EC member of BRAIN and Global Professor of Practice, Global Gate University, CaliforniaAI and Cyber SecurityRajiv Gandhi College, Vashi
17th Sept., 2025Dr. Deepthy Menon Amrita SchoolofNano-sciences&Molecular Medicine Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS-Kochi “Innovative Nano-biomaterials for Controlled Drug Delivery and Regenerative Engineering” DepartmentofChemistry Sacred Heart College(Autonomous),Thevara, Kochi
12th Sept., 2025Dr George Thomas, Former affiliations: SPIC Science Foundation, Chennai; Interfield Laboratories; SciGenom Research Foundation & AgriGenome Labs KochiGenomics and its applicationsDept. of Biosciences, Union Christian College, Aluva, Kochi
23rd August, 2025Prof. Deepti Deobagkara way forward Former, Professor of Molecular Genetics, Head, Zoology and Director, Bioinformatics center, Former, ISRO Chair Professor, Space technology cell, ISRO, Savitribai Phule Pune University, PuneSocietal Applications of Space Technology - a way forwardDepartment of Physics, Rajaram College, Kolhapur
22nd August, 2025Mr. Shekhar Patankar, Senior Vice President, Persistent Systems, NagpurRecent Developments in AI and possible impact of Job Roles in ITDr Ambedkar College, Deekshabhoomi, Nagpur
20th August, 2025Dr Baby Chakrapani, Dept. of Biotechnology, CUSAT, Kalamasserry & Director, Centre for NeuroscienceRewiring the Brain: Brain Plasticity and the Art of Learning Dept. of Zoology, St. Albert’s College, Ernakulam
20th August, 2025Dr. A. Sarada Devi, Former Dean, Faculty of Home Science, ANGRAUEco Enterprises: Reviving traditions though natural dye innovationsCollege of Horticulture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad
20th August, 2025Dr Rajni Verma, Medical Physicist & Asst. Prof. of SMS Medical College, JaipurRadiation: A Contact Companion in Daily LifeUniversity Maharaja’s College, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur
14th August, 2025Dr Sabu Thomas, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam & Chairman, TrEST Research Park, TrivandrumRecent Advances in Nanomaterials and their polymer NanocompositesDepts. Of Chemistry, Physics & IQAC, Union Christian College, Aluva, Kerala
13th August, 2025Dr. R. K. Vatsa
Foreign Secretary,
National Academy of Sciences, Prayagraj, India
RADIATIONS : DISCOVERY AND HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENTSDepartment of Chemistry
Sophia College for Women (Empowered Autonomous)
Bhulabhai Desai Road, Mumbai
8thAugust, 2025Shri Kedarnath Rao Ghorpade, former Chief Planner of the Mumbai Metropolitan
Region Development Authority.
Environmental Sustainability and Governance
Department of Biotechnology and IQAC
Jai Hind College of Arts, Science and Commerce,
Churchgate, Mumbai
7th August, 2025Dr. Femi Anna Thomas
Asst. Professor, Union Christian College, Aluva
"Frozen Secrets: An Antarctic Voyage into Microbes, Microplastics,
and Hidden Frontiers"
Science Departments
St. Xavier's College for Women (Autonomous), Aluva
2nd August, 2025 Dr. Kshitij Jadhav
Koita Centre for Digital Health, IIT Bombay
Sectoral Expert & Chief Project Coordinator,
AI Centres of Excellence, Ministry of
Education, Government of India.
TRANSLATIONAL AI FOR ACCESSIBLE HEALTHCAREDepartment of Biotechnology
SIES College of Arts, Science and Commerce (Empowered Autonomous)
Jain Society, Sion (West), Mumbai
29th July, 2025Dr. Umesh Krishna Bhagat, Founder and Director, NatEdu Welfare Foundation, PuneGlobal Tiger Day - ‘Tiger Vs पुलियल’Departmetn of Zoology, PES Modern College, Shivajinagar, Pune
21st July, 2025Prof. Prakash Ghosh, Department of Energy Science & Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, BombayGreen Hydrogen: Paving the way for sustainable solution at the last mileSIES (Nerul) College of Arts, Science and Commerce (Autonomous) Nerul, Navi Mumbai

SCIENCE AND OUR LIFE

DateSpeakers & InstitutionTitle of LectureHost
24th February, 2026Dr. Vijaya Khader, Former Dean, Acharya N G R A University, Hyderabad Economic Empowerment of Women through Application of Science & Technology for Food, Nutrition, Health & Livelihood Security "IWSA HQ
14th February, 2026Dr. A. P. Jayaraman, Past Chairman, National Centre for Science CommunicatorsFrom the lab to life: Science Communication as a Second CareerIWSA HQ
11th February, 2026Ms. Srimahalakshmi Nagasundaram, Counselling Psychologist & Human DevelopmentThe Science of Emotional RegulationIWSA HQ
30th January, 2026Adv. Shamita S. Mallya, Indian Lawyer | Educator | Women & Child ProtectionistStrength with Sensitivity: Emotional Well-being, Safety, and Legal Awareness for WomenIWSA HQ
5th December, 2025Ms. Gargi Mashruwala, Director, St. Jude India Childcare CentresThe Fight to Live starts with a place to live...IWSA HQ
29th November, 2025Shreyash K. Sawant, Enterprise Executive, BAIF LivelihoodsEMPOWERING GRASSROOTS | Rethinking Women’s Role in Tribal Development IWSA HQ
24th November, 2025Dr Sabyasachi Sautya, Principal Scientist, CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Regional CentreRewilding Mumbai’s Coast: A management initiative for a tropical urban seascape restorationIWSA HQ
27th October, 2025Dr. A.V.R. Reddy, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Gemmological Institute of India (GII) The Science of Gemstones & DiamondsIWSA HQ
17th September, 2025Prof. Madhavi Latha Gali, Dept. of Civil Engineering &
Chair of the Centre for Sustainable Technologies at
Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru
Planning, design and construction of Chenab Railway BridgeIWSA HQ
29th August, 2025Shri Vickram Crishna, Indian engineer who developed the software program eLocutor to help Stephen Hawking communicate by using a single switch to control a text-to-speech systemRethinking the ObviousIWSA HQ

For lectures before this click here