2nd DAE Conclave at TIFR Showcases India’s Advances in Nuclear Science and Frontier Technologies
The 2nd DAE Conclave (DAEC2026) was organised the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) from January 14 to 18, 2026, at its main campus in Mumbai. The event brought together about 1,000 delegates, including scientists, technologists, researchers, scholars, from across DAE Units, Institutions and Grant-in-Aid Institutions, providing a structured platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration and dialogue.
Focal Theme
Anchored in the theme “Creating Innovative Solutions for a Sustainable Future through Nuclear Horizons,” the DAEC2026 focused on advancing nuclear science and technology as a key enabler of India’s long-term sustainable development goals. The deliberations underscored DAE’s integrated approach to addressing national priorities through innovation across the full spectrum of power and non-power applications of nuclear technologies, while reinforcing the importance of indigenous fundamental research, technological self-reliance and capacity building.
Knowledge Exchange and Collaboration
Through a carefully curated agenda and implementation, the DAEC2026 brought together experienced scientists and engineers alongside leading young contributors from DAE’s R&D, industrial and academic organisations on a single interactive platform. The format encouraged dialogue, collaboration and cross-fertilisation of ideas across disciplines.
Welcoming the delegates, Professor Jayaram N. Chengalur, Director, TIFR, noted the significance of interdisciplinary approach to research and development in enabling next-generation nuclear and non-nuclear technologies.
Roadmap for Viksit Bharat
Building upon the DAE Maha Chintan Shivir at TIFR in 2024, which initiated the Department’s Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, and the 1st DAE Conclave (2024) organised by NISER, Bhubaneswar, the DAEC2026 advanced deliberations on India’s long-term scientific and technological roadmap. The discussions highlighted how frontiers of science and technology can support national priorities of sustainable development, energy security and technological self-reliance.
In his opening remarks, Shri Vivek Bhasin, Director, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), underscored India’s strengths in nuclear science and engineering and outlined a strategic roadmap centred on advanced reactor technologies and frontier research as foundational pillars supporting the Nuclear Energy Mission.
From Fundamental Science to Societal Technologies
The DAEC2026 featured deliberations across a wide spectrum of themes, including energy security and next-generation nuclear reactors, isotope production, quantum technologies, advanced materials, fusion research, laser-driven particle accelerators, and healthcare applications of nuclear science. It also highlighted India’s growing engagement with mega-science frontiers, such as gravitational-wave astronomy, dark matter research, multi-messenger astronomy, and particle collider-based explorations along with the important contributions to ecology research and science education initiatives, reflecting DAE’s integrated approach to basic and applied research.
Addressing the participants, Dr. Anil Kakodkar, Member, Atomic Energy Commission, emphasised that sustained investment in fundamental science, mega-science facilities and human resource development is essential for maintaining long-term technological leadership.
Innovation, Collaboration and Societal Impact
The DAEC2026 emphasised the role of innovation, collaboration and outreach in translating scientific excellence into tangible societal outcomes. Discussions highlighted the importance of closer engagement among knowledge creators, technology developers, industry, academia and end-users to accelerate the deployment of scientific advances.
Addressing the audience, Dr. Ravi Bhushan Grover, Member, Atomic Energy Commission, underscored that strengthened institutional collaboration and purposeful outreach are vital for ensuring that advances in nuclear science and frontier technologies effectively address societal needs and support inclusive growth.
Engaging a Wide Cross-Section of Participants
The Conclave hosted panel discussions on hydrogen production and storage technologies and Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, focusing on emerging solutions critical to India’s clean energy transition, digital transformation, and technologies for Viksit Bharat. A major highlight of the DAEC2026 was the Exhibition and Poster Sessions, featuring live demonstrations of technologies, scaled-down models and explainers of key DAE installations, and research poster presentations facilitated by domain experts which brought advanced science & technology closer to audiences. The exhibits and posters engaged the interest of students, researchers, scientists and engineers alike. The innovative solutions highlighted the societal and industrial impact of DAE technologies, reinforcing the role of technology in strengthening AtmaNirbhar Bharat.
Learning Beyond Four Walls
Delegates were hosted to guided art and garden tours, science-themed cultural presentations, and visits to research laboratories of TIFR, offering close engagement with the preserved rich scientific legacy of TIFR. These experiences were well received as meaningful learning opportunities beyond formal sessions, fostering informal interaction and deeper institutional connection. Outreach activities, including interactions with school students, reflected DAE’s holistic approach to science, technology and society
Towards a Unified National Scientific Mission
Speaking on various fora during the DAEC2026, Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy and Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission, emphasised the importance of integrated scientific efforts in addressing India’s long-term challenges in energy security, healthcare and sustainability through nuclear science and technology. He also highlighted the need to continuously engage students, young researchers and professionals, keeping them abreast of emerging trends in indigenous R&D and industry.
Reflecting DAE’s long-term vision, the DAEC2026 reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to bringing together its Units, Institutions and Grant-in-Aid organisations on a common platform aligned with a shared national mission. By fostering collaboration across disciplines and institutions, DAE aims to strengthen India’s scientific ecosystem, accelerate innovation and advance technologies that support national priorities and the collective goal of building a Viksit Bharat