Context

Scientific meetings and conferences serve as crucial platforms for the exchange of ideas, collaboration, and dissemination of research findings within the scientific community. While these gatherings play a vital role in advancing knowledge, the traditional models of organizing such events in India have been criticized for their bureaucratic, hierarchical, and exclusionary nature. This article aims to explore the need for a transformation in the way scientific conferences are conducted in India, drawing attention to outdated practices and advocating for a shift towards more inclusive, egalitarian, and contemporary frameworks.

Outdated Conference Models in India: A Critical Analysis 

In traditional academic meeting models prevalent in India, a central organizing committee or scientific society oversees various aspects of the event, from planning the program to inviting speakers and managing finances. However, these structures often perpetuate bureaucratic hierarchies, with institute administrators exerting undue influence and seniority dictating the allocation of responsibilities. Such hierarchical frameworks not only stifle innovation but also reinforce disparities based on academic rank, hindering the equitable participation of researchers at all career stages.

Moreover, the proceedings of these conferences are marked by rituals and ceremonies that prioritize formality over substance. From prolonged addresses by science administrators to segregated seating arrangements based on academic designation, these practices contribute to a culture of deference rather than fostering meaningful scientific discourse. Additionally, the prevalence of religious symbolism and inauguration ceremonies further underscores the disconnect between scientific practice and secular principles, alienating segments of the scientific community and perpetuating exclusionary norms.

Challenges of Exclusivity and Lack of Diversity Awareness

In addition to hierarchical structures, scientific conferences in India often fail to address issues of gender and social inclusivity, reflecting a broader lack of awareness and sensitivity towards diversity. Despite growing calls for gender representation and inclusivity in science, many conferences feature all-male panels and tokenistic sessions on "women in science" that overlook intersectional perspectives and the experiences of marginalized groups within the scientific community. This perpetuates a cycle of exclusion and reinforces stereotypes, undermining efforts to create a more diverse and equitable scientific workforce.

Furthermore, the absence of proactive measures to accommodate diverse needs, such as caregiver support and childcare grants, poses significant barriers to participation for researchers with caregiving responsibilities, particularly women. By neglecting to address these structural barriers, scientific conferences not only miss out on valuable contributions from underrepresented groups but also perpetuate systemic inequalities within the scientific community.

Emerging Models: Pioneering Change in Scientific Conferences

Despite these challenges, there are promising examples of scientific conferences in India that are pioneering more inclusive and egalitarian approaches. One such initiative is the "No Garland Neuroscience" (NGN) meeting series, which eschews elaborate ceremonies and hierarchical structures in favor of a simple, sustainable format that prioritizes scientific content and open dialogue. Similarly, the Young Investigators' Meeting (YIM) series organized by IndiaBioscience has embraced a no-garland approach, promoting equal gender representation, informal interactions, and mentorship opportunities for early-career scientists.

These initiatives demonstrate a growing recognition within the scientific community of the need to revamp conference practices and prioritize inclusivity and diversity. By challenging outdated norms and embracing more equitable frameworks, these conferences are setting a precedent for meaningful change and fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation within Indian science.

The Case for Transformation: Implications for India's Scientific Landscape

The persistence of outdated conference models in India has far-reaching implications for the country's scientific landscape, from perpetuating hierarchical inequities to hindering its competitiveness on the global stage. By clinging to tradition and resisting change, Indian scientific conferences risk falling behind their international counterparts and missing out on opportunities for collaboration and innovation.

In contrast, a concerted effort to overhaul conference practices and embrace inclusivity, diversity, and sustainability could have profound long-term effects on India's scientific ecosystem. Not only would it signal a commitment to modernizing scientific engagement, but it could also attract talent, foster interdisciplinary collaborations, and enhance India's reputation as a leader in scientific research and innovation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the need to reimagine scientific conferences in India is urgent and imperative. By challenging outdated structures, addressing issues of exclusivity and lack of diversity awareness, and embracing more inclusive and egalitarian frameworks, Indian science can thrive and flourish in the 21st century. The examples set by pioneering initiatives such as NGN and YIM offer a blueprint for change, highlighting the transformative power of inclusive practices in shaping the future of scientific discourse and collaboration. It is time for India to drop the "garland model" and usher in a new era of scientific engagement that reflects the values of equity, diversity, and excellence.

Source – The Hindu