The Indian Institute of Information Technology in Allahabad (IIIT-A) will host 13 Nobel laureates at its Jhalwa premises during the second science conclave beginning December 8. Last year, six Nobel laureates had participated in the conclave.

Besides the Nobel laureates, other dignitaries from the field of science will also participate in the conclave , which will be organised with the support of Union Ministries of Human Resource Development and Science and Technology.

The names of the participants were, however, not disclosed due to security reasons.

Nearly 815 students pursuing bachelor and master degrees and young researchers will attend the conclave, which will end on December 15. Besides, 600 students, who have recently cleared high school, will also take part.

Director of IIIT-A, Dr M D Tiwari, said: “Due to the overwhelming response from students and researchers, IIIT-A has decided to make the conclave an annual feature.

Last year’s conclave was the first in Asia where Nobel laureates, leaders, policymakers, research scholars and students discussed emerging trends in scientific research.”

The conclave will feature interdisciplinary platform discussions, lectures by Nobel laureates, question and answer sessions relating to basic science research and discussions on application-oriented themes.

“The IIIT-A administration has permitted IGNOU and CEC of the University Grants Commission to record the event,” Tiwari said.

The recordings of the event will be used by the CEC and IGNOU to broadcast through its 24-hour channel Vyas and educational portal, respectively.