For the first time since their recent appointment the IIIT Council of Scholars met in a face-to-face meeting at IIIT on Saturday, February 20. All Council members attended except one who joined via   audio conference. Composed of accomplished scholars, the Council serves as an advisory group to review IIIT's programs and plans and offer advise on priorities and directions for IIIT to consider. The February 20 meeting served as an opportunity for Council members to interact with IIIT principals, including Dr. Jamal Barzinji, who presented a comprehensive review of IIIT's current projects and activities. Council members not only shared their feedback and comments, but accepted responsibility for drafting concept papers for new initiatives that emerged during the discussion. The Council is expected to meet once more this year, but may have additional communication through audio conferences or on one-on-one basis.