The North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC) has announced a Regional Outreach Program aimed at promoting space science enthusiasm among students across Northeast India, serving as a prelude to the National Space Science Symposium (NSSS) 2026 scheduled in Shillong from February 23-27, 2026.
The initiative, titled “Igniting Young Minds Through Science & Space,” will feature one-day outreach events across all northeastern states, with public lectures by renowned scientists, interactive sessions, demonstrations, and student competitions. Undergraduate and postgraduate students pursuing engineering or science disciplines in NER institutions are eligible to participate.
“This program represents our commitment to nurturing scientific talent in the Northeast and providing students a platform to showcase their potential on a national stage,” said Dr Arup Borgohain, the program coordinator.
The outreach program offers two competition categories: research showcase and idea submission. Students can submit 500-1000 word abstracts of their space science research, preferably using Indian-origin data, or propose innovative ideas in areas including data utilisation, instrumentation, theoretical models, and future space missions.
Events will be held at nine prominent venues including NIT Itanagar, NEHU Shillong, Gauhati University, and universities in Dibrugarh, Aizwal, Imphal, Kohima, Gangtok, and Agartala. The top 30 students with exceptional research presentations and innovative ideas will receive sponsored attendance to NSSS 2026 in Shillong.
“We’re creating opportunities for young researchers to engage with the space science community and contribute meaningful ideas that could shape future missions,” Dr Borgohain added.
Interested students must submit their entries by September 30, 2025, via email to ropnsss2026@gmail.com. For additional information, participants can visit www.nsss2026.in or contact Dr Arup Borgohain at 9436334562.
