The 20th National Space Science Symposium organised by ISRO jointly with hosts Savithribai Phule Pune University, Inter-University Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics and the National Center for Radio Astrophysics, was inaugurated by Dr. K. Kasturirangan, Honorable Distinguished Advisor, ISRO. The function was presided over by Dr. K. Sivan, Chairman ISRO who spoke about the importance of space research in India and briefly highlighted the importance of space science application for societal development and ongoing/ future space and atmospheric science missions of ISRO.

In his keynote address, Dr. K. Kasturirangan reminded the audience about the expansive nature of modern science research that demands a more comprehensive approach involving ground-based and space-based programs and observational facilities. He spoke about the new investigative tool of gravitational wave astronomy, which offers unique understanding of the underlying physics and source parameters from the synergy that exists between theory and high-precision measurements. He stressed on the importance of evolving stronger programs for student training and human resource generation, and instigated students to take up the space science research as a career.

Prof. Nitin Karmalkar, Vice Chancellor, SSPU spoke about the past and current roles Pune University has played in the area of Space Science research and capacity building. He spoke about the initiatives taken at SPPU in emerging areas of new research areas like astrobiology and space biology.

The inaugural program was also attended by luminaries like Prof. Govind Swarup, aptly called the father of radio astronomy in India whose leadership enabled the establishment of major radio facilities in India, including the world-class Giant Meter-wave Radio Telescope (GMRT) near Pune and Prof. Jayant Narlikar, renowned cosmologist and founding Director of IUCAA, an institution mandated to enhance training and interactions with Indian Universities in the area of Astronomy and Astrophysics.

The National Space Science Symposia conducted once in two years, provides a unique platform for the space science research community to come together and present new results, discuss progress on current programs and outline future roadmaps. Nearly 500 registered delegates include University and Institutional researchers and students and from ISRO/DOS research groups/labs. The three day symposium from Jan 29 to 31, covering a vast array of topics in space sciences including meteorology, atmospheric sciences, astronomy and planetary sciences, has invited reviews in Special Plenary Sessions and Inter disciplinary sessions, numerous contributed talks in five parallel sessions and related poster presentations (~350). At its conclusion on 31st Cash Prize Awards will be distributed to the best Oral and Poster by young scientists.