IITM Pune Hosts 'APARC Early Career Workshop' and ESTIC Preview Program
The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, organized a specialized workshop for early-career researchers as a preview of the Emerging Science, Technology, and Innovation Conference (ESTIC).
The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, organized an Early Career Researcher (ECR) workshop titled "The ECR Nexus: Connecting Voices, Tools, and Science to Society" at its Meghdoot Hall. This event served as a preview program for the Emerging Science, Technology, and Innovation Conference (ESTIC).
Dr. T. Srinivas Kumar, Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, delivered the keynote address. He emphasized the necessity of coordination between science, technology, and policy to accelerate India's forward-looking development. Dr. Srinivas Kumar reiterated the Ministry's commitment to creating collaborative platforms for researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders, calling upon stakeholders to work toward sustainable national progress through emerging technological breakthroughs.
During the opening session, Dr. Suryachandra A. Rao, Director of IITM, delivered the welcome address. Representatives of the Scientific Organizing Committee (SOC) included Dr. Ines Tritter (Jülich, Germany), Dr. Jonathan S. Wright (Tsinghua University, Beijing), and Dr. Hindumathi Palanisamy (WCRP, WMO, Geneva). Dr. Suvarna Fadnavis gave the vote of thanks, and session convener Dr. Aditi Modi presented the details of the workshop.
Throughout the workshop, Dr. Maria Molina from the University of Maryland delivered a keynote lecture on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in Earth Sciences. A panel discussion featuring global experts from Nvidia, the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP/WMO), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, the University of Tokyo, and the Central University of Jammu explored academic and non-academic career opportunities. Additionally, a 'Meet the Editors' session was held with representatives from Nature Portfolio and Springer Nature, along with a training session on the Earth System Model Evaluation Tool (ESMValTool) coordinated by Dr. Birgit Hassler.
Approximately 120 national and international participants attended the workshop. The primary objective was to enhance collaboration among young researchers in the fields of atmospheric and earth sciences, encourage skill development, and discuss early-career challenges such as funding, access to computing resources, and international opportunities.
The Emerging Science, Technology, and Innovation Conference (ESTIC) is a major Indian platform aimed at achieving the goal of a developed India by 2047. The objective of ESTIC 2026 is "Creative Thinking, Catalyzing Science, Empowering Technology." Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this initiative works toward technological self-reliance by bringing together scientific talent and young innovators.
The program was sponsored by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, WCRP, WMO, APARC, Forschungszentrum Jülich (Germany), IAMAS, ICMA, NASA, and private partners.
