Science should reach society with integrity and transparency: Soumya Swaminathan
Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, Chairperson of the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, emphasized the need for science to be conducted with integrity, transparency, and compassion. She highlighted that future scientific breakthroughs will increasingly rely on interdisciplinary collaboration.
Why it matters
The speech underscores the shifting paradigm of scientific research toward collaborative, socially relevant, and ethical practices.
The challenge before scientists and researchers is to ensure that science reaches society with “integrity, transparency and compassion”, said Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, Chairperson of the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF). She was virtually delivering the convocation address at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, on Friday (July 10, 2026).
“The challenge before us is not only to produce good science or better science but to ensure that science reaches society with integrity, transparency and compassion. When you see your work actually improving the lives, livelihood, and wellbeing of communities, particularly those who are not so well off and who are vulnerable, gives great deal of satisfaction,” she said.
Dr. Swaminathan said that today’s scientific discoveries and breakthroughs are increasingly emerging from collaboration. The most important discoveries of the future are not going to come from within disciplines, but rather at their intersection, she added.
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