The three-day J&K Science Congress 2026 on “Science, Innovations and Emerging Technologies for Sustainable and Viksit J&K” concluded Thursday at the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), bringing together scientists, researchers, academicians, innovators and students.Minister of School and Higher Education Sakina Itoo, the chief guest, said Jammu and Kashmir’s future would be shaped not merely by infrastructure but by “the knowledge created and the young minds empowered.”
She said youth must be prepared not only to seek jobs but also to become “creators of employment.”
“While talent is everywhere, opportunity must also be made available everywhere,” Itoo said.Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, the guest of honour, appreciated IUST and the Jammu and Kashmir Science, Technology and Innovation Council for providing a platform for scientists, researchers and students.
IUST Vice Chancellor Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo said the congress brought together researchers to deliberate on climate change, disaster vulnerability, sustainability and emerging technologies.
“The enthusiasm of young students, scientists and researchers gives us immense hope for a sustainable and Viksit J&K driven by science and innovation,” he said.Romshoo said the congress had served as a confluence of ideas, innovation and responsibility, with discussions ranging from climate challenges in the Upper Indus Basin to innovations by school students.
Dean Research Dr. Aabid Hussain Shalla said about 700 researchers and 4,000 participants took part in 26 technical sessions covering 14 themes, besides five plenary sessions and two panel discussions.
The best oral and poster presenters were felicitated during the valedictory session at the Nund Reshi Auditorium.
Earlier, Romshoo delivered the fifth plenary lecture on “Climate Change, Cryosphere Depletion and Emerging Glacial Hazards in the Upper Indus Basin: Implications for Water Security and Infrastructure.” The session was chaired by Prof. Vinod Kumar Gaur, former secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
A School Students’ Science Programme, organised in collaboration with the National Children’s Science Congress, also featured 20 schools and more than 80 students presenting posters, models and projects.
Dean Academic Affairs Prof. Ajaz Bashir delivered the welcome address, while Dean Outreach Dr. Ruheela Hassan proposed the vote of thanks.
