Thiruvananthapuram, Jul 28 : Dr Soumya Swaminathan, Chief Scientist, World Health Organization (WHO ) has emphasized the need for researchers to focus on problems that are more close to local populations.
Delivering the Convocation Address of Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Thiruvananthapuram (IISER) on Wednesday through virtual mode, Dr. Swaminathan said scientists should ensure that credible information is available to the public during the times of pandemic.
She pointed out that the spread of wrong information and the anti-science, anti-vaccine campaigns during the pandemic have served to confuse the people.
The pandemic has forced scientists to communicate in a way people can understand, Dr. Swaminathan said.
“The lesson for us is that if scientists do not communicate we will be in a situation where people will only be getting the wrong information,” she said.
Prof. Arvind A. Natu, the Chairperson of the Board of Governors of IISER presided over the function. Prof. J. N. Moorthy, Director, IISER TVM presented the report on developments and progress of the Institute.
A total of 292 BS-MS students, 39 PhD students and 7 Integrated PhD students, who completed their studies in 2020 and 2021 graduated today.(UNI)