For years, science and research have rarely occupied centre stage in Nagaland’s development discourse. On Saturday, however, the State signalled what could be an important shift – formally recognising scientific achievement and committing structured funding for research under the Nagaland Science Mission.
The State Level Celebration of National Science Day was held at the Capital Convention Centre, Kohima, under the theme “Women in Science: Catalysing Viksit Bharat.” The day commemorates the discovery of the Raman Effect by CV Raman and is observed nationwide to promote scientific temper and innovation.
This year’s observance in Nagaland carried added significance with the introduction of the first-ever Nagaland Science & Technology Awards marking the first formal, state-level recognition of pioneers in science and technology.
Principal Secretary, Department of Science & Technology, I Himato Zhimomi, described the awards as a milestone under the Nagaland Science Mission, launched in FY 2024–25.
In his keynote address, Zhimomi said that “science and technology must form the fundamental basis of society.”
What stood out was the repeated stress on science as a survival tool, not merely a school subject. By linking global trade tensions and youth unemployment with research and innovation, Zhimomi suggested that science would be central to the State’s future economic security.
Referring to China, he stressed how the country advanced by investing heavily in science and technology. He also pointed to the growing number of unemployed youths and the steady output of graduates in Nagaland, stating that the science stream would offer greater opportunities and was less likely to face unemployment in the future.
“Nagaland requires a clear sense of direction and should not lag behind others. Those working within the State should be scientifically and technologically capable, while those sent outside Nagaland for employment should also excel in these fields,” he said.
The emphasis on science was not confined to rhetoric. The State also announced concrete support under the Nagaland Science Mission, approving four research projects under the Research Grants for Indigenous Nagas of Nagaland (2025–2027), each carrying Rs 5 lakh:
Dr Visesato Mor (NIST, Kohima) for establishing Nagaland’s first Galleria mellonella facility for pathogenicity and drug discovery studies.
Dr Samadangla Ao (Kohima Science College, Jotsoma) for research on optimising the jhum agro-ecosystem.
Dr Limamanen Phom (Sao Chang College, Tuensang) for a study on ichthyofaunal diversity and ecology of selected rivers in Noklak district.
Thsope Medo (Nagaland Science & Technology Council, Kohima) for a pilot study on tree diversity mapping and landscape assessment of the Japfu Range.
The projects span from health sciences, agriculture and biodiversity areas directly linked to the State’s local realities.
Alongside research funding, the State instituted its Science & Technology Awards to recognise contributions across career stages, including senior scientists, young researchers and school-level achievers.
The Outstanding Achievement in Science & Technology 2025 award (Rs 1 lakh) was jointly conferred for the first time on Dr (Prof Rtd) Sapu Changkija for his contributions to ethnobotany and sustainable farming systems, and Dr Vinotsole Khamo (Dr Tina) for advancing clinical research and medical science facilities in Nagaland.
The Young Scientist Award 2025 was presented to Dr Imlisongla Aier, a PhD graduate from IIT Delhi, for her work in clean energy, indoor air quality, and environmental health. The award carries a citation and Rs 1 lakh.
Whether this marks the beginning of sustained investment or remains a symbolic milestone will depend on how consistently such support continues in the coming years. (With DIPR inputs)