As part of the National Science Day celebrations in 2026, a capacity building workshop on creative ways of communicating science was held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. The event was jointly organised by the CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research and the Indian National Science Academy. The workshop was convened to strengthen the practice of science communication and to introduce contemporary approaches for engaging diverse audiences.

The workshop was inaugurated by Prof Shekhar C. Mande, President of the Indian National Science Academy, who emphasised the need to bridge the gap between research and society and to foster inclusive scientific growth. In her welcome address Dr Geetha Vani Rayasam, Director of CSIR-NIScPR, outlined the institute's role in science communication and policy research and underscored the importance of creative and multilingual strategies to make scientific knowledge accessible. Organisers positioned the event as a platform to translate research outputs into formats suitable for different public audiences.

Technical sessions featured a range of speakers who examined storytelling, audience centric communication, popular science writing and digital tools. Prof Sharmistha Banerjee of the University of Hyderabad highlighted the role of narrative techniques in reaching lay audiences while Dr H. S. Sudhira of Gubbi Labs discussed the potential of artificial intelligence to simplify complex concepts. Senior scientists from CSIR-NIScPR described media formats, including magazines, books and research journals, and explained regional outreach initiatives. Speakers also addressed the role of social media and provided practical guidance on dos and don'ts in science communication to encourage reflective practice among participants.

A pre workshop survey and interactive exercises were conducted to capture attendee perspectives and expectations, and organisers reported active engagement throughout the sessions. Around 150 students from colleges of Delhi University and the Indian Institute of Mass Communication participated, reflecting strong academic interest in building communication skills. The workshop aimed to equip attendees with contemporary tools, digital strategies and hands on insights to strengthen India's science communication ecosystem in alignment with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.