Issues with this traditional model of scientific conferences in India – Drop the ‘garland model’ to let science in India blossom

Source: The post issues with this traditional model of scientific conferences in India has been created, based on the article “Drop the ‘garland model’ to let science in India blossom” published in “The Hindu” on 27th February 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 – Science and technology

News: The article discusses how scientific conferences in India traditionally follow a bureaucratic and hierarchical approach, with formalities like bouquet giving. It suggests adopting more modern, inclusive, and informal practices.

What is the traditional model of scientific conferences in India?

In India, scientific conferences often follow a formal and hierarchical structure. This includes having institute administrators involved in organizing, listing members by seniority, and starting events with talks by science administrators. Meetings often feature formalities like segregated seating, bouquet and shawl ceremonies, and gift-giving for speakers.

What are the issues with this traditional model of scientific conferences in India?

Bureaucratic and Hierarchical Framework: The traditional model upholds a hierarchical system, evident in the organization and execution of the conferences.

Inclusion of Non-Secular Elements: Practices like lamp lighting, devotional songs, and religious symbolism in conference materials are common, which may not align with secular scientific practices.

Gender and Diversity Issues: The model often overlooks gender representation and diversity. Instances of all-male panels (‘manels’) and inadequate consideration of marginalized groups are noted.

Formalities and Inefficiencies: The model includes prolonged inaugural talks by administrators and waits for dignitaries, leading to delays in actual scientific sessions.

Elaborate Ceremonies: Traditional practices like segregated seating, bouquet and shawl ceremonies, and gift-giving rituals emphasize hierarchy over scientific discourse.

Lack of Modern Practices: This approach lacks contemporary practices like career-stage equity, diversity, and sustainability, which are increasingly important in global scientific communities.

What are the modern approaches to scientific conferences in India?

Informal and Non-Hierarchical Engagement: Modern conferences like the ‘No Garland Neuroscience’ (NGN) adopt a simpler, more informal approach, focusing on scientific content rather than formalities.

Alphabetical Speaker Lists: This practice, seen in the Young Investigators’ Meeting (YIM), removes hierarchy in speaker representation.

Round Table Seating: Used in YIM, this facilitates open interactions among scientists at different career stages.

Equal Gender Representation: Modern meetings ensure balanced representation of genders in speakers and panels.

Absence of Religious Symbolism: Contemporary conferences avoid religious elements in their proceedings and materials.

Sustainable and Low-Cost Models: These meetings focus on sustainability, avoiding unnecessary expenses on formalities like bouquets and gifts.

Way forward

To modernize scientific meetings in India, adopting approaches like the ‘No Garland Neuroscience’ and Young Investigators’ Meeting, which emphasize non-hierarchical, inclusive formats, is crucial. This shift towards egalitarian, diverse, and secular practices reflect global scientific trends and will position India as a progressive player in the international research community.

Question for practice:

Discuss the differences between traditional and modern approaches to scientific conferences in India.