CSTEP × IIT Roorkee Roundtables at RESSUMMIT 2026

The Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP), in partnership with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee, will convene two roundtables at the Resilience and Sustainability Summit (RESSUMMIT) 2026.

Roundtable 1: Rural Economy and Resilient Livelihoods: Biofuels and Sustainability

16 March 2026, 3:40–4:40 p.m.

Amid growing geopolitical uncertainties, biomass-based energy or fuels offer a solution that can be truly and fully Atmanirbhar. But the question remains: What role can biofuels play in India’s energy transition while supporting rural economies and livelihoods without breaching sustainability thresholds?

This roundtable aims to start building consensus on the role of biofuels and bioenergy in India’s transition to a sustainable, low-carbon future.

This is an invite-only, in-person roundtable.

Roundtable 2: Cities and Climate Risk in the Himalayas

17 March 2026, 2:15–3:15 p.m.

The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) is grappling with the dual challenges of increasing climate risks and rapid urbanisation. Hill towns and other emerging urban hubs across Himalayan states are becoming increasingly vulnerable to extreme events, such as flash floods (including glacial lake outburst floods), landslides, and dwindling water resources.

This roundtable aims to bring together experts from fields such as disaster management, urban planning, climatology, hydrology, and policymaking to examine these challenges and explore potential solutions.

This is an invite-only, hybrid roundtable.