Indian Institute of Science (IISc)

The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) is a premier public research university located in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. Established in 1909 with the support of Jamsetji Tata, the founder of the Tata Group, IISc is widely regarded as one of the finest institutions for advanced scientific and technological research and education in India.

History

The origins of IISc can be traced back to a meeting between Jamsetji Tata and Swami Vivekananda on a ship voyage in 1893. Inspired by Vivekananda’s ideas on the importance of scientific research for India’s progress, Tata envisioned an institution that would combine the best of both worlds – Indian and Western learning. The institute was formally established in 1909, with the laying of the foundation stone by the Maharaja of Mysore, Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV.

Academics and Research

IISc offers a wide range of academic programs, including Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in various disciplines of science and engineering. The institute has six divisions:

• Biological Sciences
• Chemical Sciences
• Electrical, Electronics, and Computer Sciences
• Interdisciplinary Research
• Mechanical Sciences
• Physical and Mathematical Sciences

The institute is also home to over 40 departments and centres, focusing on cutting-edge research in areas such as nanoscience, aerospace engineering, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy.

Notable Faculty and Alumni

IISc has a long list of distinguished faculty and alumni who have made significant contributions to science and society. Some notable names include:

• C.V. Raman: Nobel laureate in Physics (1930) for his work on the scattering of light
• Satish Dhawan: Former Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and a key figure in India’s space program
• Roddam Narasimha: Aerospace scientist and fluid dynamicist, recipient of the Padma Vibhushan
• Rohini Godbole: Theoretical particle physicist and recipient of the Padma Shri
• Narayan Murthy: Co-founder of Infosys and recipient of the Padma Vibhushan

Campus and Facilities

The IISc campus spans over 400 acres of lush green land in the heart of Bengaluru. The campus houses state-of-the-art research facilities, including the Supercomputer Education and Research Centre (SERC), the Centre for Neuroscience, and the Centre for Nano Science and Engineering (CeNSE). The institute also has a central library with an extensive collection of books, journals, and digital resources.

Collaborations and Partnerships

IISc has established collaborations with leading universities and research institutions around the world, fostering academic exchange and joint research projects. The institute has partnerships with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the University of Cambridge, the Max Planck Society, and the Japan Science and Technology Agency, among others.

Rankings and Recognition

IISc has consistently been ranked among the top universities in India and the world. In the QS World University Rankings 2023, IISc was ranked 155th globally and 1st in India. The institute has also been recognized as an Institution of Eminence by the Government of India, granting it greater autonomy and funding to pursue its research and educational goals.

The Indian Institute of Science continues to be at the forefront of scientific research and education in India, nurturing talented minds and contributing to the nation’s technological and economic growth.