Kolkata: Eminent researchers and scholars will take part in a 'Kolleg' (conference) on 'Earth and Material Sciences for Sustainable Societal Development' at Richak in South 24 Parganas district from January 13 in an attempt to encourage and engage Indian citizens to collectively work towards a greener and cleaner world in line with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Organised by Alexander von Humboldt Foundation in Germany, in association with its fellows in the Jadavpur University, the conference will also seek to further the bilateral ties in geoscientific research.

"Researches in earth and material sciences in India, in most organised manner, were initiated in Kolkata long back at the later part of the nineteenth century. Since then Kolkata has upheld the highest level of nurturing the discipline and contributes immensely not only through rich quality of research but also producing very knowledgeable and groomed manpower," a statement from the German Consulate said.

"Germany recognised this talent pool and appreciated their individual endeavours through bestowing its very prestigious accolade fellowship -- Alexander von Humboldt Foundation," the statement said.

Through this bilateral effort a great tradition of geoscientific research has been established in India, and an inventory of excellent scientists and an outstanding research infrastructure could be built, it added.

Eminent researchers and 'Humboldt scholars' from different parts of India, as also 'Humboldt Prize' awardees Debashis Mukherjee, Srikumar Banerjee and Jibamitra Ganguly will be present at the event.-Agency