The Indian National Science Academy (INSA) is a national academy in New Delhi for Indian scientists in all branches of science and technology.
In 2015, INSA constituted a junior wing for young scientists in the country named Indian National Young Academy of Sciences (INYAS) in line with other national young academies. INYAS is the academy for young scientists in India as a national young academy and is affiliated with Global Young Academy. INYAS is also a signatory of the declaration on the Core Values of Young Academies, adopted at the World Science Forum, Budapest, on 20 November 2019. Prof.Shekhar C. Mande is the serving president (2026-present).
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History
The origins of INSA can be traced back to the founding of the National Institute of Sciences in India (NISI) in the year 1935 in Calcutta (now Kolkata). The basic objective was, and continues to be, to promote, nurture and safeguard the interests of science and scientists. The NISI was recognised by the Government of India as a Premier National Scientific Society. NISI moved to its present premises in Delhi in 1951. A Government of India decision in 1968 mandated INSA to represent India in all the international science fora. In 1970, NISI was given a new name- Indian National Science Academy (INSA). Its campus at Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg came into being in 1951, with a major expansion during the late 80's-mid 90's. Today the main INSA building stands out at Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg as a seven-storied, beautifully shaped Golden Jubilee Building, completed in 1996.
Overview
The Academy consists of Foundation fellows, Fellows (FNA) and Foreign Fellows. Election to the Academy is only by nomination. The objectives of the academy encompass promotion of science in India including its application to national welfare, safeguarding the interests of the scientists, establishing linkages with international bodies to foster collaboration and expressing considered opinion on national issues.
It plays a role in promoting, recognising and rewarding excellence in scientific research. With a view to promoting the pursuit of excellence in the field of 'Science and Technology', the academy has instituted 59 awards, placed in 4 categories, viz International Awards, General Medal & Lecture Awards, Subjectwise Medals/Lectures and Awards for Young Scientists. It also publishes journals, organises scientific discussions and brings out proceedings and monographs.
It is a signatory to the Berlin Declaration on Open Access to Knowledge in the Sciences and Humanities in 2004.
Presidents
The list of presidents of the society.
Publications
The academy publishes three peer-reviewed journals
Proceedings of the Indian National Science Academy (formerly Proceedings of the National Institute of Sciences of India)
Indian Journal of Pure and Applied Mathematics
Indian Journal of History of Science
It also publishes a yearbook, annual reports, INSA News, biographical memoirs, special publications and the proceedings of INSA seminars and symposia.