PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS FRONTIERS IN SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING AND THEIR RELEVANCE TO NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT By SK JOSHI ‘84th Indian Science Congress Dethi, 1997 ii ileal aNIt is a distinct privilege and honour for me to be the President of the Indian Science Congress Association and to deliver the Presidential Address at the 84th session of the Congress. | also feel humble when | look at the names of the persons who have presided over the Indian Science Congress before me. This Science Congress is taking place during the fiftieth year of our independence when the nation is preparing to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Independence. Our host, University of Delhi is celebrating its Platinum Jubilee. Twentieth century is edging to its end and we are preparing for a new millennium. We hope we in India will be able to perceive the changes that are taking place all around us, do an anticipatory thinking and design a bright future for us. We are very happy to have the Prime Minister with us on this occasion. This is indicative of his support to Science & Technology. INTRODUCTION For this Science Congress | have chosen the 1focal theme: “Frontiers in Science and Engineering and their Relevance to National Development". Firstly | will present the rapid developments taking place in information sciences and how these will impact our lives. Secondly, developments in materials science, specially new materials like high temperature superconductors, nanomaterials and clusters, and smart materials will be introduced. Next, developments taking place in biotechnology and biomedical research will be pointed out separately. | shall also review some new areas of research and development in energy. Finally, | will try to delineate*how India could also become a visible player in this fiercely competitive game of research and development. Science today is more important than ever for us and our country. The development of a nation is directly dependent on the creation, mastery and utilization of science and engineering. Today science, engineering and economy constitute a connected network, Achievements of science and engineering are marvels of human progress, which have been utilized to solve a number of human problems, like 2