Science Writing Workshop conducted by Current Science Association, Bangaluru

The Department of Applied Geology is celebrating its 50th year anniversary since its establishment in 1970 and to commemorate this remarkable moment the department has organized a series of lectures and workshops.

The Golden Jubilee celebration commenced with the first lecture held on 26th November, 2019 at the Prof. S.K Dutta Memorial conference hall. As a continuation of the golden jubilee events, the department organized a workshop on science writing conducted by Current Science Association, Bengaluru in collaboration with Indian Academy of Science from February, 7th – 14th , 2020 for the young faculties.

The inaugural ceremony started at the Prof. S.K. Dutta Memorial conference hall Department of Applied Geology with the University anthem. Prof. Kalpana Deka Kalita, Head of the Department welcomed the participants and dignitaries and gave a brief glimpse of the University with special emphasis on the history and achievements of the Department of Applied Geology. The Honourable Vice Chancellor delivered the inaugural speech and shared his opinions on the importance of science writing and applauded the department for taking up this excellent step of providing an opportunity to polish the science writing skills of faculty and researchers alike.
Dr. Siddhartha Kumar Lahiri, Associate Professor of the department expressed his ideas and views about organizing the workshop. Mr. K. P. Madhu, the principal trainer of the workshop gave a brief history of the journey of current Science Journal from its very first beginning in 1932 to the present. He informed that Current Science is able to hold this science writing workshop in Dibrugarh University, which is first in north east India. Thirteen participants from different organizations across the country participated in the workshop. After the introduction of the participants, a short and eloquent vote of thanks was delivered by Ms Ankita Phukan, a second semester of M.Sc in Applied Geology. Ms Jyotishna Koch, student of second semester of M. Sc in Applied Geology hosted the programme.

The workshop continued for eight days where the participants indulged themselves in many group and individual activities under the expert guidance of Mr. K.P Madhu and Ms. Gita Madhu, the two resource persons of the programme. For the first few days the group was introduced to the various aspects of science, from learning to ask questions and engaging themselves in serious discussions to writing reports and editing them. The participants were given hands on training in proper English writing practice and reading.

Mr. Yeetandra Johsi, experienced trainer and scientist, only Indian certified by the Board of Editors in the Life Sciences, USA, as a master editor, joined the workshop on 13th february. He trained the participants on the correct usage of numbers and special characters in science writing.

On the last second day of the workshop a beautiful cultural programme was organized by the students and faculty of the Department showing the diverse culture of Assam. It was immensely appreciated and enjoyed by the participants as well as the resource persons. The cultural event was followed by dinner.
The workshop concluded on the 14th of February with a talk by Mr. G. Madhavan, member of editorial board, Current Science Association. The event was honoured by the presence of Prof. Dipak Chetia, Dean of Research and Development, Dibrugarh University. Prof. Chetia distributed the certificates to the participants. The participants shared their experiences and sentiments.