The Tamil Nadu Astronomy and Science Society (TASS) is set to host the second edition of the Youth Astronomy and Space Science Congress (YASC) 2026, an initiative aimed at fostering interest in astronomy, space science, scientific research, and innovation among students.The event will provide a platform for college students to present research, discuss emerging discoveries, and interact with experts in astronomy and related scientific fields. The programme will be conducted at both the regional and State levels across Tamil Nadu.Research paper presentations, exhibitions, poster presentations, demonstrations of scientific models, interactive sessions, workshops, and lectures by experts are planned.J. Manohar, general secretary of TASS, said there had been a noticeable decline in the number of students opting for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics courses in higher education, which could affect future scientific research. “Through YASC, we aim to nurture scientific curiosity and encourage more students to pursue science and research-oriented careers,” he said.Registrations for YASC 2026 will commence on June 1. Participants will undergo an online orientation programme and receive training from subject experts before the selection process.Around 30 projects will be selected from each of the 10 regions, covering four districts each. Nearly 200 projects are expected to reach the State-level competition, from which 40 projects will be chosen.Students selected at the final stage will have opportunities to undertake internships at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bengaluru, the Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Chennai, and the Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology.The regional-level congress is scheduled to be held in Tiruchi in August, while the State-level congress will take place in Coimbatore in October. Published - May 31, 2026 08:22 pm IST