October: The Season of Scientific Festivity

Little did Alfred Nobel know that the manufacture and use of dynamite, which he invented for construction purposes, would result in casualties. In one of the accidents involving dynamite he lost his brother and the guilt striken Alfred Nobel consecrated his immense wealth for the welfare of mankind through his will written in 1895. Since then prizes are annually given to five distinguished scientists for their extraordinary contribution. The five different fields/areas for the prize, as per Alfred's will, include Physiology or Medicine, Chemistry, Physics, Literature and Peace. October is the festive season for the scientific community all over the world, as it is the period when announcement for winners of Nobel prize in different fields is made by the Nobel committee.

I am confident that the announcement about all winners of the prize for the current year might be made by the time this writeup reaches the readers. However, the announcement for Nobel laureates in Physiology or Medicine has already been made and will be given to two American scientists Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun for their discovery of microRNA. Scholars and scientists eagerly wait for the announcement to know the scientific breakthroughs having potential to impact human welfare. The announcements are therefore one of the meaningful and effective ways of popularising science and scientific achievements. But the space in our print and electronic media for science popularization has shrunken in general.

Though it is not always possible to present every scientific work and its outcome in a form which is understood by common man, the scientific community is bound to make its work accessible to the outside world to not only enhance the understanding of science by common masses but also to dispel the superstitions and misconceptions. It is enshrined in Article 51 of the Constitution of India that it is the duty of every citizen of the country to develop scientific temper, humanism and spirit of enquiry. The community of scholars and researchers in our institutions generally confine themselves to their laboratories and work places without getting engaged with the broader society to make it scientifically literate and conversant with scientific knowledge. Policy makers too need to be sensitive to the requirements of meaningful engagements of the scientific community and the society. A quick response to any scientific breakthrough by a society, especially the research and academic institutions is an indicator of its scientific literacy.

Ever since its inception many recipients of the prize have remained in controversy for varied types of reasons. Conferring awards to some scientists for a discovery to which others have equally contributed, is one of the common reasons for controversies. Omission of Philip Lenard while conferring the award to Wilhelm Roentgen for the discovery of X-rays is one of the earthiest controversies. Some controversies are also surrounding the current year Nobel prize in Physics awarded to John Hopfield and Geoffrey Hinton. The laureates have undoubtedly contributed to advancement of technology in machine learning; however, the critics argue that their work is more related to Computer Science and Mathematics than Physics.

It is beyond the scope of this column to narrate all controversies surrounding the prize but there is enough food for thought in critically analysing these controversies. In view of its tremendous significance, the Nobel community has a responsibility to ensure that the prize is given to the most meritorious scientists who inspire inquisitive minds all over the world. The ongoing announcements about the Nobel Laureates should have triggered discussions, debates and appreciation about their research outputs. But no such intellectual vibrance is being felt in the academic circles of the region. Educational institutions of all levels need to sensitize their students, scholars and faculty to enhance their curiosity about scientific achievements and breakthroughs which will drive our scientific progress. Though some institutions have a rich tradition of celebrating the award of the Nobel prize by organising special lectures and discussions, the activity needs to be intensified further by having multi institutional engagement. Such endeavours will not only rejuvenate young and brilliant minds in science but it will be a humble tribute to a great benefactor of humanity.

The author teaches at University of Kashmir