The Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, delivered the Chief Guest address at the 13th Convocation of the Indian Institute of Science Education & Research (IISER), Kolkata on 23 June 2026. In his convocation address, Prof. Sood traced the evolution of education from the Renaissance and enlightenment through the Industrial Revolution to today’s frontier era shaped by artificial intelligence, quantum computing, space exploration, and biotechnology. He commended IISER Kolkata’s vibrant research ecosystem, highlighting its four Centres of Excellence in space sciences, high-pressure studies, advanced functional materials, and climate and environmental studies. Highlighting the distinctive role of the IISERs, he noted that these institutions were established to integrate teaching and research seamlessly, and advancing excellence in the basic sciences in line with the National Education Policy. Prof. Sood also highlighted flagship national initiatives - the National Quantum Mission, IndiaAI Mission, Semiconductor Mission, and National Green Hydrogen Mission - emphasising how they translate fundamental research into technological innovation and national development. He pointed to advances in physics, chemistry, and materials science as critical to addressing national priorities such as energy security, sustainability, and global competitiveness. Encouraging graduates to embrace uncertainty and learn from failure, he proposed the CRAFT framework for future-ready scientific education: Curiosity, Research integration, Application, Festivity, and Technology engagement. Prof. Sood concluded by calling on the graduating students to remain curious, challenge conventional thinking, “measure the unmeasurable,” and “question the unquestioned” as they contribute to India’s scientific and technological progress. Prof. Sood was also joined by Prof. Arvind Natu, Chairperson, Board of Governors, IISER Kolkata and Prof. Rajiv Prakash, Director, Indian Institute of Technology, Bhilai. Watch the full address: https://lnkd.in/gWPcBsYx