To promote scientific temper among children and youth, the fourth edition of the Chennai Science Festival began at the Periyar Secience and Technology Centre on Saturday. The Principal Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Mr. K. Ganesan inaugurated the festival. It aims to spread awareness about recent innovations in various scientific disciplines and career opportunities in science. In the five day event about 120 stalls, including those put by academic and research organisations, are participating in the festival and well-known scientists would speak to students about a range of topics. Mr Ganesan also gave away the Tamil Nadu Young Women Scientists Award for the year 2009 to honor the achievements of women scientists. The Tamil Nadu Lifetime achievement award for women-2009 was given to Dr Geetha Sreenivasa Rao, former Professor of Mathematics, University of Madras.