President Patil to inaugurate science and tech conference on International Women's Day

New Delhi, Mar 6 : President Pratibha Devisingh Patil will inaugurate a two-day national conference 'showcasing cutting edge of science and technology' on the International Women's Day.

The conference that is being organised by the Union Department of Science and Technology will kick off on Saturday.

The function will be presided over by the Union Science and Technology Minister Kapil Sibal.

The objectives of the conference include presenting the work of women scientists who have excelled in scientific research in identified areas, discussing ways to address gender issues and factors that hinder the growth of women in science and creating awareness regarding available Government schemes for promoting science careers of women.

Women scientists from the government and private research institutes, universities, colleges, industry research and development units are the target audience of the conference.

The Ministry of Science and Technology had set up a national task force for women in science in December 2005 to look into the issues related to women in science and recommend measures to facilitate the practice of science by women.

ANI