Science fairs help shape future of nations: minister

Islamabad

Science fairs play a significant role in shaping future of nations as they provide a golden opportunity to public, especially the youth, to learn about latest developments and innovations in the field of science and motivate them to adopt science as a career.

This was stated by Federal Minister for Science and Technology (S&T) Rana Tanveer Hussain on Friday while addressing the inaugural ceremony of National Science Fair, 2016, at Pakistan Museum of Natural History (PMNH). Federal Secretary for S&T Fazal Abbas Maken, Pakistan Science Foundation Chairman Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ashraf, heads of S&T organisations, educational institutions and students attended the inaugural ceremony. The minister cut the ribbon to formally inaugurate the fair.

Over 100 organisations are participating in the weeklong National Fair organised by PMNH, Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF), Ministry of Science and Technology (S&T). The Fair will remain open for general public daily from 9:00am to 7:00pm from December 2-7, 2016.

The theme of the fair is “Science and Technology: For Better Future”. Different scientific organisations will showcase their scientific work in the exhibition. There are four pavilions including S&T, schools/colleges/universities, Unique Research Projects and special attractions for entertainment of the public.

The pavilion for special attractions have food court, handicraft stalls, book stalls, nature painting, Lok Virsa theatre, putli tamasha, planetarium world, nature products, booth for health check, pets pavilion, aquaria, 3-D movies, dinosaurs show, lunch with a dignitary, swings for children, hot air balloon, air show and robot show etc.

The PMNH will also remain open for public to see various exhibits including the biggest fish in the world, blue whale, animated dinosaurs, 30 million years old Balochitherium, biodiversity hall, world of birds, world of insects, world of fishes, Marine life, fossils gallery, precious minerals gallery, rock types of Pakistan, cave life, rock garden and many more. The federal minister visited over 150 stalls set up in the fair and appreciated the effort.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Rana Tanveer Hussain said science fairs provide opportunity of learning experience to students and general public and bridge gap between science organisations and public. He said science played a key role in progress of nations and civilizations.

“The science fairs are an important mean of informal education and we must adopt it to spread information about science and technology,” he added.

Addressing the ceremony, PSF Chairman Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ashraf said the National Science Fair is aimed at creating awareness among the masses about developments in the field of S&T in Pakistan, dissemination of information about research, development, advancement and innovation in science and technology and encouraging education and career development in S&T.

The chairman said the Science Fair was a part of the World Science Day celebrated on November 10 every year. He said main activities of the fair include exhibitions regarding development of S&T, the latest scientific research, environmental sciences, science exhibitions by schools, colleges and universities, displays of new technologies/ innovations innovative attractions/ amusements through science displays.

All S&T organisations under the Ministry of Science and Technology, all relevant ministries like Ministry of Education, Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, Ministry of Natural Resources, Ministry of Climate Change, Ministry of Industry, Ministry of Public Health, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Culture etc., educational institutions including universities, colleges and schools, Science Societies, NGOs, Defense organisations, agricultural departments, biodiversity, natural resources, wildlife, fisheries and environment departments, community hygiene and health organisations, Tourism Department, CDA, Firefighting Department, horticulture, handicrafts, OGDCL/oil exploring companies and Meteorological Department are participating in the National Science Fair.