Research Party

A similar trend is apparent in Kolkata8212;the only other city to boast of an IISER8212;as well, where students like Ujani Chakraborty, who had a decent rank in IIT-JEE, decided to join the institute. 8220;I joined IISER because I wanted all-round knowledge in the basic sciences. I am interested in math and biology and may specialise in them,8221; she says.

Inducting its first students this year, IISER is the only school in India to offer an integrated five-year M.Sc programme for students clearing class XII. It plans to introduce a post-B.Sc integrated Ph.D programme as well as a standalone Ph.D programme, with the aim of producing research-oriented graduates for industry and academia.

IISER8217;s unique-factor is its integration of science education with research right from the undergraduate level. Moreover, the institute follows a borderless curriculum. The interdisciplinary approach enables a student interested in biology to pursue modules in mathematics or a physics student to conduct research related in chemistry-related topics.

Scientists like R A Mashelkar, director-general, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research CSIR, are upbeat about the IISERs. 8220;After Independence, there was a great deal of institution building with the setting up of IITs and IIMs. The IISERs are the next wave,8221; he said while inaugurating the institute in Pune.

In fact, three more IISERs have been proposed by the Scientific Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, while one has been approved for Mohali.

TO provide world-class infrastructure and quality education, the Centre has sanctioned Rs 500 crore each for the two branches of IISER. Within the next 15 months, a 30,000 sq ft building will come up in a 100-acre campus next to the National Chemical Laboratory8212;where classes are being held currently8212;in Pune.

The Kolkata campus is to be based at Haringhata, in an area of 220 acres; classes are being conducted at the moment at the IIT-Kharagpur extension centre in Salt Lake. When fully commissioned, each IISER will house nearly 3,000 students and 200 in house faculty members.

Right now, though, students are more excited about attending classes in all disciplines for the first two years. In the beginning of the third year, they will be counseled on their specialisations, based on their interests and performance. 8220;This way, they will have a strong foundation,8221; says K N Ganesh, director of IISER, Pune, and Bhatnagar awardee.

Sushanta Dattagupta, director of IISER, Kolkata, believes that the system of theoretical and laboratory teaching will inculcate the feel for research at a very young age. 8220;The average age for a PhD in India is higher by two years compared to foreign universities. Our programme should help bridge this age gap,8217;8217; he says.

Dattagupta is being proved correct by students like Mrinal Kanti Bera. 8220;I am currently doing experiments in gold nano clusters and came to IISER for theoretical assistance,8217;8217; he says.

8220;We are not mere science students, we actively pursue research,8221; adds Harprit Singh, who turned down a seat at IIT- BHU. This focused attitude is what binds this batch of future Einsteins, Ramans and Curies.

The challenge for the students lies not in just gaining admission to IISER but also in convincing their parents to allow them to spurn engineering or medicine. Some took their parents to meet their teachers. 8220;In fact, the director of an engineering college, to which I had secured admission, asked me to join IISER,8221; says Prakash Arora, a rank holder in Rajasthan Pre-Entrance Test, who is at IISER Pune.

WHILE the focus on basic science and research will go a long way in assuaging fears of declining interest in these fields, what about job prospects?

8220;I cannot believe there could be a more exciting career than that of a research scientist,8221; says R Ramachandran, former head of department, Physics, IIT Kanpur, now with IISER, Pune.

Dattagupta echoes Ramachandran8217;s views. 8220;Opportunities abound in the field of science research. Students can get into academics or join laboratories and industries. There is no dearth of options,8221; he says.

But, as the founders will admit, launching the novel institute has thrown up more than its share of challenges. This year, IISER, Pune sent out more than 80 call letters to students; only 46 responded. Also, there are only four girls in the batch of 46 at IISER, Pune.

But the lesson has been learnt and now corrective measures are being discussed.

WITH DEBARATI CHAKRABORTY