Bhubaneswar, December 14: The Indian Strings Meeting (ISM) 2025, an international conference on string theory and high-energy physics, took place from December 9-14, 2025, organized by IIT Bhubaneswar and NISER Bhubaneswar. The biennial event brought together over 200 researchers for talks, discussions, and poster sessions on advancements in string theory, quantum field theory, gravity, and related areas.

A key highlight was a public lecture by Padma Bhushan Awardee Prof. Ashoke Sen (ICTS–TIFR, Bengaluru), held on December 13. Addressing students, faculty, and conference participants, Prof. Sen delivered a talk on "String Theory and Its Many Manifestations." He explained the significance of string theory, its different formulations, and how they contribute to understanding the deeper frameworks of fundamental physics.

The lecture attracted strong engagement from attendees, offering a unique opportunity to hear from one of the world's leading theoretical physicists. Prof. Shreepad Karmalkar, Director of IIT Bhubaneswar, emphasized the importance of scientific inquiry and reasoning in line with Article 51A (h) of the Indian Constitution, which promotes the development of scientific temper.

Approximately 750 participants, including students and faculty from local schools, colleges, and institutions, attended the event, making ISM 2025 a significant platform for scientific exchange and international collaboration in theoretical physics.