10-Dec-2022: International Workshop on Research Agenda, Social Needs and Open Science

CSIR-NIScPR (National Institute of Science Communication & Policy Research) is involved in creating livelihood and foster skill development in rural areas through CSIR technologies. Recent cutting-edge fields are being worked on by various R&D divisions of the lab. Scientometric has been one of the institute's strongest areas and CSIR-NISTADS (which was one of the laboratory which together with CSIR-NISCAIR merged to became NIScPR) was instrumental in bringing this area as a focus area of research and input to policy making in India. These were the words of Prof. Ranjana Aggarwal, Director, CSIR-NIScPR who was delivering a welcome address in an International Workshop on ‘Research agenda, Social needs and Open science’ organized by CSIR-NIScPR.

Prof. Aggarwal highlighted that CSIR-NIScPR is the largest government organization in the nation that publishes more than 15 journals in a variety of research fields in an open access mode as there is no APC involved for publishing along with popular science magazines publications to bridge the gap between science and society. An online repository National Open Periodicals Repository (NOPR) of CSIR-NIScPR also provides to access of older papers from anywhere in the world. She concluded by emphasizing that CSIR-NIScPR is working towards solving problems under the motto "One Earth, One Family, and One Future."

The global challenges have called for scientific research to increasingly reshape their agenda to focus more on societal problems. The reshaping can be seen prominently in the STI (Science-Technology-Innovation) policy framing of different countries and funding bodies. Responsible research and innovation, open science, open innovations are some of the key terms of new era that get space in policy articulations of different countries. Innovation System is also paying serious attention to informal, grass root and frugal innovations as they intervene to address unmet societal challenges. Cross-disciplinary interactions across different stakeholders have become important in this environment. The policy interactions need to be more evidence based to reshape the agenda and design pathways for implementation. In this context, an International Workshop on Research Agenda, Social needs and Open Science was organized on 8 December 2022 at CSIR-NIScPR. The conference was addressed by eminent scholars and policy makers from India and abroad.

Dr. Sanjay Kumar Mishra, Sr. Advisor, Department of Biotechnology, put forward his initial remark about the subject of workshop as putting three oceans of knowledge set into one go, namely bibliometrics, scientometrics and infometrics. Dr. Mishra urged to take into consideration social needs of societies, countries and on global level in research and research agenda to extract maximum benefit out of scientific research to mankind. He also opined that science advisory role is as important as research output. Usually science research is in general pro urban, pro affluent, there is need to be new focus on society oriented and need for synchronization of science and society. Bibliometrics and scientrometrics tool can be used to understand the gap in the research for society by scientific communities.

Dr. Sujit Bhattacharya, Chief Scientist & Dean-Policy Research, CSIR-NIScPR and Coordinator of this Workshop began his talk by giving a brief overview of STS (Science, Technology and Society), innovation studies and Scientometrics research, drawing upon the strong linkages among these fields of research. He stressed that the contemporary global challenges have called for science-technology-innovation agenda be shaped by societal needs and user driven approach.

Dr. Ismael Rafols, UNESCO Chair, Diversity and Inclusion in Global Science Centre for Science and Technology Strategies (CWTS), Leiden University, Netherlands delivered the keynote address. Dr. Rafols reinforced UNESCO recommendation of diverse and inclusive matter for research agenda for benefit of whole human kind. He brought forth the usual notion that research agenda tends to favour elite and rich though not universal but true to a greater extent. He justified his argument by describing concentration of research in global north, being driven by market demands and incentivized by few narrow academic goals and social groups. Dr. Rafols highlighted that research agendas are not in sync with SDG goals in higher and middle income countries. Evidence indicates better alignment in least developing countries of research with SDGs. He emphasized upon the need for more open access to science and having more open infrastructure so that maximum benefit can be achieved by mankind. He concluded by highlighting need for inclusion of citizen in sciences to lessen the misalignment.

Prof. Saradindu Bhaduri, Associate Professor, Centre for studies in Science Policy, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi and coordinator of the Trans-Disciplinary Research Centre on frugality studies (a joint initiative of JNU with Leiden University) gave his presentation on how research agenda, innovation, regulation, and user driven research conflict with each other. He highlighted some interesting engagements between policymakers and stakeholders. He highlighted how useful and widely used appliances such as stove suffer from agencies not giving standard certification.

Dr. Vivek Kumar Singh, Professor and Head of the Computer Science Department, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi provided an overview of open access and its various forms, such as Gold, Platinum, and Diamond open access. He highlighted the open archive available at India such as the IndiaRxiv, eprints by the Indian Institute of Science, Krishikosh by the ICAR etc. Dr. Singh correctly emphasized the need for making research accessible to society because there is a gap in knowledge access in India, and we need to seek for effective policy implementation to address this.

Dr. Kavita Shah, Professor, Purdue University, USA gave a brief insight of the changing environment she has been observing in India now. The infrastructure, and support to research and many institutions now are in India which is bringing a positive change for doing high end research. She felt that this opportunity calls for students and researchers to make their research more aligned to the challenges faced by the society.

Dr. Madhulika Bhati, Principal Scientist, CSIR-NIScPR and Dr Anurag Kanojia, Policy Fellow, Department of Computer Science, BHU as discussant drew upon the important learning from this workshop. They stressed upon the important argument and key issues that linked the different presentations together.

Dr. Shiv Narayan Nishad, Scientist, CSIR-NIScPR gave a broad overview of the ongoing project on Social Network Analysis by CSIR-NIScPR. This study led by Dr. Sujit Bhattacharya and team in which he is the Co-Principal Investigator is exploring how social network analysis can be developed as a resource material for its application in different fields of studies. The project intends to impart training and provide the resources developed in open access.

The interactive session led to many questions and comments that enriched the workshop. The large number of young researchers who were among the attendee raised many important issues related to their research and how this workshop has benefitted them to think of Open access, aligning their research in proper direction, etc. At the end of the workshop, Dr. Sandhya Lakshmanan, Scientist CSIR-NIScPR proposed vote of thanks. Dr. Kasturi Mandal, Principal Scientist, CSIR-NIScPR anchored the whole event and young researchers who acted as rapporteurs.

4-Nov-2022: CSIR-NIScPR organized Student-Scientist Connect Programme

Scientific research provides ample opportunities to serve the humanity. Science has no boundary and passion is the prerequisite to be a scientist. Through the path-breaking discoveries & inventions, scientists address the challenges of general public. Prof. Ranjana Aggarwal, Director of CSIR-NIScPR (National Institute of Science Communication & Policy Research) shared these thoughts during her inaugural address in a Student-Scientist Connect Programme organized by CSIR-NIScPR. This programme was conducted under the Jigyasa programme of CSIR in which 33 school students from Jaipur, Rajasthan visited NIScPR, Pusa campus, New Delhi on 3 November, 2022.

While interacting with the students, Prof. Aggarwal stressed the importance of building a career in basic sciences and enthralled the students with experiences from her own scientific and academic career. She conveyed how the country’s problems may be solved through developing indigenous solutions. She also encouraged the visiting students to be passionate about the same. Further in her address, Prof. Aggarwal cited a few key examples of how CSIR-NIScPR as a unique platform of communication-policy research encouraging participation from the public in scientific events and on similar grounds, she asked the students to partake in the current and future events being hosted by the institute.

Science students (of classes 11-12th) along with their teachers of the Rajdhani School, Kanwarpura, Jaipur were hosted at the Pusa campus of CSIR-NIScPR during a Student-Scientist Connect Programme of CSIR’s Jigyasa initiative. The students were familiarized with the contributions and technologies of CSIR laboratories that form a part of our daily life activities and were encouraged to be a part of such S&T innovations that contribute to nation building.

Shri CB Singh, Head, Jigyasa, Training and HR Division of CSIR-NIScPR provided insights into the significance of Jigyasa’s student-scientist connect programme. He explained how Jigyasa contributes in promoting a scientific temperament among students through lectures, webinars, and training programmes in association with different CSIR laboratories all across the country. Shri Singh emphasized the importance of recently launched CSIR Online Virtual Laboratory Portal that provides simplistic explanations for the scientific phenomenon and applications driving the everyday activities of humans.

Shri R.S. Jayasomu, Chief Scientist, CSIR-NIScPR took the discussion further with his valuable talk related to Career in Science Communication. He elaborated how CSIR-NIScPR operates in imparting scientific knowledge back to the society and thus is a unique CSIR institution holding a tier amongst the top publically funded organizations in the country. His talk also introduced the students to CSIR-NIScPR magazines ‘Vigyan Pragati’ and ‘Science Reporter’. Shri Jayasomu also made the students aware about the ‘Wealth of India’ encyclopedic series that imparts authentic knowledge pertaining to the vast plethora of India’s flora, fauna and mineral reserves.

Dr. Suman Ray, Principal Scientist and PI-Jigyasa, CSIR-NIScPR delivered a brief presentation on the achievements of different CSIR laboratories since the induction of CSIR in 1942. This was followed by the students’ visit to the Printing Section, Ayur Vatika, Popular Science Division, Raw Material’s Herbarium and Museum facilities housed at the campus.

On this occasion, Director, CSIR-NIScPR distributed the special issue of the Vigyan Pragati magazine to all the visiting students and felicitated the students with certificates of participation.

30-Jun-2022: CSIR Technologies for Rural Livelihood

CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication & Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR), Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA) and Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA) have jointly undertaken a major initiative for the dissemination of CSIR technologies to create livelihood opportunities in rural areas. In this context, CSIR-NIScPR, CSIR-IHBT, UBA and VIBHA jointly organized a tow-days ‘Technology Demonstration and Networking Meet’ on 29-30 June 2022 at CSIR-IHBT, Palampur. The key objective of this Meet was to showcase and demonstrate rural technologies developed by CSIR-IHBT that can help in farmers’ livelihood creation and enhance their income through the development of business opportunities. The meet brought scientists, researchers, investigators, Regional Coordinating Institutes (RCIs) and Participating Institutions (PIs) of UBA, SHGs, FPOs, and village communities together on a single platform to discuss opportunities as well as challenges in the successful translation of the identified technologies.

Prof. Ranjana Aggarwal, Director, CSIR-NIScPR set the agenda of the meet by highlighting the CSIR-NIScPR’s efforts in facilitating the demonstration and deployment of CSIR Technologies in association with Unnat Bharat Abhiyan and VIBHA for the overall development of the rural societies in the country. She emphasized the significance of resolving issues of technology adoption by organizing such demonstration meet. She highlighted the vast reach of CSIR which has 37 laboratories and is engaged in developing technologies in almost all the sectors to help support society in every walk of life. She informed that CSIR-NIScPR has established a bridge between institutes and society through its communication and policy research. She said that the technologies developed by CSIR-IHBT will help to achieve the objectives of creating livelihood and income generation in rural areas, and restrict further people migration.

Dr. Sanjay Kumar, Director, CSIR-IHBT appreciated the efforts of CSIR-NIScPR, UBA and the VIBHA in the dissemination of the CSIR Technologies and bridging the gaps between R&D Laboratories and society. He suggested to develop technologies that must be able to fulfill the needs of society and strengthen Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. He also hailed the researchers to solve the problems of society through science and technology intervention. He highlighted technologies developed in CSIR-IHBT like aromatic marigold suitable for rural areas affected by wild animals. The success of the Aroma and Floriculture Mission as well as the introduction of crops like Heeng and Cinnamon was also underlined in creating livelihood opportunities and reducing imports.

Prof. Vivek Kumar, National Co-coordinator, Unnat Bharat Abhiyan, IIT Delhi highlighted the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan efforts for transforming rural livelihood through science and technology. He emphasized the importance of deploying technologies for the development of society, amending academic curriculum and research programs considering societal needs and problems and sustainability of regional resources. He also quoted the efforts made by UBA in formulating 15 different subject-expert groups and undertaking 292 projects to solve societal problems.

Dr. Yogesh Suman, Senior Principal Scientist, CSIR-NIScPR discussed about the joint efforts of CSIR-NIScPR, UBA and VIBHA which are aimed at creating livelihood opportunities in rural areas. Dr. Suman highlighted the linkages that have been established with various stakeholders like the North Eastern Center for Technology Development and Outreach (NECTAR), Foundation for Integrated Support and Solution (FISS), North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd (NEDFi), Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, and National Bank for Agriculture & Rural Development (NABARD) and other Government of India Ministries. He gave a brief description of the events jointly organized by CSIR-NIScPR, UBA, VIBHA and NECTAR to showcase CSIR Technologies for the benefits of stakeholders. He pointed out the challenges faced by farmers and entrepreneurs in arranging resources for adopting CSIR technologies like generating finance and locating market etc.

Prof. A.M. Rawani, Director, NIT Raipur presented the perspective of UBA- RCIs for fast tracking rural livelihood through Unnat Bharat Abhiyan. He stressed upon the importance of educational institutions in identifying regional problems and finding solutions for them. He also highlighted the success of programs such as Orientation, Sahyog Club and Rural Development to support infrastructure undertaken by NIT Raipur.

Shri Praveen Ramdas, National Secretary, Vijnana Bharati discussed the peoples’ migration from urban areas to rural areas and then the livelihood challenges faced by them during the COVID pandemic; and the need for generating livelihood for villagers and income generation, in which CSIR can play an important role through the large number of technologies developed by it.  He emphasized that our country has about 6 lakh villages that need to be brought into the mainstream through scientific and technological interventions. He also highlighted the progress made so far in creating livelihood generation based on CSIR Technologies through joint efforts of CSIR-NIScPR, UBA and VIBHA.

On this occasion, the Chief Guest Dr. Shashi K. Dhiman, Vice-Chancellor, Himachal Pradesh Technical University said that the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan was conceptualized in the ‘Hind Swaraj’ 100 years ago for the prosperity of the population residing in the villages. He emphasized that technology should be society centric and used for the welfare of the society. Dr. Dhiman highlighted the importance and need of organic farming as synthetic fertilizers-based farming is polluting the soil, water, air, and human health. He underlined the need for technological interventions for the efficient management of water and soil. He expected that all R&D institutions, academic institutions, and industries should come together to solve the problems of society. Dr. Dhiman admired the CSIR-IHBT efforts for technology development and their transfer for the upliftment of society.

In the second session of the meet CSIR-IHBT showcased and demonstrated about 43 Technologies like Vitamin D2 enriched shiitake mushrooms, Ready to Eat crispy fruits and vegetables, Ready to Drink Teas, Tea based Wine, Tea Catechins, Tea Vinegar, Tea mouthwash, agro and processing technologies related to aromatic, floriculture as well as industrially important crops like Heeng, Cinnamon, and Saffron.

During the third session of the Meet, interaction took place among scientists, technology developers and the stakeholders from different places across the country like Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Ladakh, Gujarat, Chandigarh, Assam, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Manipur. The stakeholders showed their keen interest in the technologies developed by CSIR-IHBT like food processing and packaging technologies, Aroma Mission and floriculture mission technologies, Bamboo Technologies, Shiitake mushroom, Tea based wine, Heeng, etc.

22-Jun-2022: CSIR-NIScPR organises Workshop on Technology Readiness Level (TRL) and its applications for Technology Assessment

CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR), New Delhi organised a one-day “Workshop on Technology Readiness Level (TRL) and its applications for Technology Assessment” on 22nd June 2022. The workshop was organised by CSIR-NIScPR in association with IIT Madras, IIT Delhi, IIT Mumbai, IIT Roorkee, IIT Dhanbad, IIT Jammu,  CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum, Dehradun, UNDP Accelerator Labs and TIFAC. The workshop was inaugurated by Prof. Ranjana Aggarwal, Director, CSIR-NIScPR in the presence of other dignitaries by lighting the lamp.

In her inaugural address Prof. Ranjana Aggarwal stressed the need for assessing the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of the research that is being carried out in various laboratories. Often there is a gap between technology developers and technology users. She explained the efforts made by CSIR-NIScPR in assessing the TRL of various technologies developed at various CSIR laboratories across the country. The institute has so far prepared the assessment of  467 technologies having TRL 6 and above. Prof. Aggarwal mentioned that because of the initiatives of the Government of India, in recent times, there has been a paradigm shift in policy formation towards innovation. India sees the emergence of the 100th unicorn Today, 1 out of every 10 unicorns globally have been born in India. Since the launch of the Startup India initiative on 16th January 2016, more than 69,000 startups have been recognised in the country, out of which 100 are in the unicorn category. She remarked that science must be focused to serve society and assessing the TRL of technologies developed in our research institutions is important to achieve this.

Dr. Sujata Chaklanobis, Advisor/Scientist-G, Head (PACE, CRTDH & A2K+), DSIR, explained the need for assessment of the readiness level of technologies. The TRL is used to assign maturity levels of technology. She explained the importance of TRL by highlighting a case study on P&G. Studies for identifying technologies with TRL 6 and above was done by DSIR and these technologies have potential for commercialisation.

The Chief guest, Dr. Shekhar C. Mande, Former-Secretary, DSIR and Former Director General, CSIR stressed that whatever research our labs are doing, everything should be evaluated by its TRL. Even though science and scientific discoveries are universal, their implementation is mostly local. He reminded the success of the milk powder production in the country. Even though different branches of science have different ways to assess the TRL, the basics remain the same. It is often observed that there is a gap in the assessment between fundamental science and engineering. If public aspirations must be met, the scientists and industrialists should work together.

Prof. Pramod P. Wangikar, Department of Chemical Engineering, IIT Bombay delivered the keynote address on “Research with higher TRL levels-How universities and institutes can contribute?” In his address, he explained the gap observed between government and universities and the private sector. He explained the steps that universities and institutes can take to achieve higher TRL levels in their research. He also explained the technology de-risking so that it's easier to commercialise the technologies and can be taken up at the university level. This will help the universities and institutes contribute to higher TLR level research.

Technical sessions followed the inaugural session. The first technical session on “Strategies for TRL Scouting in select sectors” was chaired by  Dr. Sujata Chaklanobis, Scientist-G, DSIR. Dr. Anjan Ray, Director, CSIR-IIP, Dehradun delivered the invited talk on “Adventures in Translational Research.” He insisted on the study of Industrial psychology, organisational behaviour, clinical research, market research, cash flow and other soft challenges. He further mentioned the idea of small startups which want to productize the concept, despite having a crunch of cash flow, and they may not necessarily focus on the end market, rather their motivation is on brand building and networking. Dr. Anjan highlighted the need for TRL self-auditing - key questions must be answered to move along the TRL lines and evidence of data for TRL self-assessment must be available.

The lecture was followed by a session on sharing of methodology and action plan by 6 PIs for carrying out their studies on “Techno-commercial assessment of TRL-6 and above technologies developed in India in academia, research labs and industry”. Dr V. Rajkumar  from  IIT Jammu , Dr B R Basak, Scientist, TIFAC, Dr Ramesh Andnarbum, IIT Roorkee, Dr Manjusha, IIT Delhi, Mr. C Sripati, ICCW, IIT Madras, and Dr Shashank Bansal from IIT Dhanbad shared their plan of action for translational research in specific areas and challenges they faced. The session concluded with the closing remarks by the chair Dr. Sujata Chaklanobis.

The second technical session on “Development of CSIR-NIScPR’s TRL framework and its implementation” was chaired by Dr. Pramod P. Wangikar, Professor, IIT Bombay. Dr. Vipan Kumar, Senior Principal Scientist, CSIR-NIScPR and Dr. Sujit Bhattacharya, Chief Scientist, CSIR-NIScPR presented the initiatives taken by NIScPR in assessing the TRL of CSIR technologies.

The technical session was followed by an interactive session and panel discussion on approaches towards scouting and assessment of TRL-6 and above technologies. Dr. Mrutunjay, Director General -R&D, KIIT University & CEO, KIIT chaired the panel discussion.

The workshop was attended by scientists, technology developers, industry experts, scholars, and officials from various R&D institutions, Government departments, Universities, and Industries.

6-Jun-2022: CSIR-NIScPR celebrates World Environment Day

The CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy research (CSIR-NIScPR) observed the World Environment Day celebrations on 6th June.

Prof. Ranjana Aggarwal, Director, CSIR-NIScPR welcomed the gathering. In her address, Prof. Ranjana highlighted the complexity of the web of life. Homo sapiens have a false perception that we are superior species and rulers of this planet. Over exploitation by humans has destroyed the unique web of life on this planet. India has a long heritage of conserving our environment. Our Vedic literature has references to environmental conservation, ecological balance and the weather cycle. Our ancestors have provided us with valuable knowledge to lead a sustainable life without harming our planet. This goes well with the theme of this year's World Environment Day, “Only One Earth", focusing on “Living Sustainably in Harmony with Nature”.

Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General, IMD, affectionately known as ‘cyclone man of India’ was the chief guest for the programme. Dr. Mohapatra delivered the keynote lecture on “Impact of Environmental Imbalance on Weather”. In his address, he highlighted the changing weather patterns in the country. He mentioned that globally, temperatures have risen by about 1.2 degrees Celsius compared to a 100 years ago. Over India, the rise has been about 0.6 degrees Celsius. This temperature rise has been in northern, central, and eastern parts, and less over peninsular India. This temperature rise has an impact on extreme weather events.

The change in the weather patterns will have serious repercussions. It will cause a shift in the vegetation patterns. Already the mangrove forest in the Sundarban region is diminishing. It will also lead to change in the cultivation pattern of our significant crops like coffee, banana etc. The changing weather patterns will also lead to the prevalence of infectious diseases like dengue.

Commemorating the Environment Day, special issues were brought out by Science Reporter and Vigyan Pragati, the popular science magazine published by CSIR-NIScPR. On this occasion, Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra released these special issues.

In his concluding remarks, Dr. Manish Gore, scientist, CSIR-NIScPR, reiterated the need to preserve our planet as it is the only habitable region in the galaxy. He thanked the dignitaries and participants. The meeting was attended by staff members of CSIR-NIScPR , students and research scholars from different colleges.

30-May-2022: CSIR-NIScPR and CSIR-IIP organize Farmer-Industry-Scientist Meet

Recently CSIR-NIScPR has undertaken a major initiative for dissemination of CSIR technologies for creating livelihood opportunities in rural areas in the wake of situation created by COVID-19 pandemic. In this regard, a farmer-industry-scientist meet was organized at Lovraj Auditorium, CSIR-IIP Dehradun on 30 May 2022 to disseminate the Kisan Sabha App and Gur Bhatti Technology to the farmers. The objective was to disseminate Kisan Sabha application developed by CSIR-NIScPR and Gur Bhatti Technology developed by CSIR IIP Dehradun, for creating livelihood opportunities in rural areas; and also to develop the business opportunities for the farmers’ livelihood creation and enhance their income. In the meet, scientists, industrialists, financers and farmers came together on a single platform to discuss all the opportunities and challenges.

On this occasion, Dr. Anjan Ray, Director CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum (CSIR-IIP), Dehradun, encouraged to organize such meetings that will help to ensure the economic security and health of rural people. He asserted the need for enhanced production with limited resources as well as to minimize the environmental impacts of the process, he listed out some of the CSIR-IIP’s Technologies which could benefit the farmers.  He expressed his gratitude to the farmers for attending the meet.

Prof. Ranjana Aggarwal, Director, CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication & policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR), New Delhi joined the meet online. She expressed her gratitude to the farmers and described the recent initiatives taken by CSIR-NIScPR towards the livelihood creation and income generation in the rural areas through CSIR-Technologies. Further, she highlighted the success of Kisan Sabha and explained the potential of UBA network. She apprised of 82 technologies compendium selected for rural areas. She explained the importance and the benefits of the Gur Bhatti technology. Finally, she assured full support of CSIR to the farmers.

Dr. Yogesh Suman, Senior Principal Scientist, CSIR-NIScPR, discussed the importance of the meet to sort out the challenges faced by the farmers. This exercise will help to boost the dissemination of the technology using Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA) Network. As UBA has a large network of higher education institutions and provides the grass-root information about the problems of the rural areas. This information would help in dissemination and deployment of the CSIR technologies in rural areas. He also emphasized that strong linkages should be developed between technology developer and adopter.

Dr. Pankaj Arya, Principal Scientist, CSIR-IIP, emphasized that traditional Gur making process results in air pollution in the region and expressed the need of advanced technology solutions. In view of this, CSIR-IIP has developed advance, simple and affordable Gur Bhatti technology that not only reduces the emission of pollutants but also increases the efficiency of the Gur Bhatti by reducing in the fuel cost by 15% and increasing production by 25%. He further listed multiple benefits of this technology, in particular, increased life of the plant.

Dr. Farhat Azad, Principal Scientist, CSIR- NIScPR discussed about the Kisan Sabha App and also demonstrated it in front of the farmers.  The app was launched with the objective to uplift livelihood of small and marginal farmers. Discussing about the dependency on middle man and lack of information in supply chain, she described Idea of the Kisan Sabha App assimilating the idea of utilization in Agri-supply chain. She further added various information channels and various options. The app can keep the farmers updated by continuously adding recent features.

About 8 lakhs farmers and numerous other stakeholders have joined in the Kisan Sabha App. In addition,’ 3000 SHGs are also joined in this App. The most important feature of this app it is available in 12 regional languages. She categorically mentioned to the farmers about the jaggery products are added in the Kisan Sabha.

A Comprehensive presentation of the central/states government and NABARD initiatives towards funding for farmers was given by Shri Bhupendra Kumawat, AGM, NABARD Dehradun. He mentioned about Kisan Credit Card, Deendayan Kisan Yojana, Agriculture Infrastructure Fund and various other schemes to facilitate farmers’ funding requirements for needs.

Shri Satya Prakash from Dhampure Specialty Sugars Ltd explained about the need of the marketing strategy to sell the product in the market. He emphasized on to make the other products like Sirka that will enhance the income of the farmer.

Shi Ajay Gairola discussed about the opportunities for farmers in the retail sector. He further emphasized on the exploration linkages between farmers and retailers which is yet less explored. In the concluding session, the meeting was concluded with the success stories of the farmers.

12-May-2022: CSIR-NIScPR organizing a seven-day National workshop and a training program from 12th to 18th May 2022 in New Delhi

CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (NIScPR) New Delhi is organizing a seven day National workshop and a training program from 12th to 18th May 2022 at Vivekananda conference hall, CSIR-NIScPR. This training program was sponsored by SERB-Department of Science and Technology, Govt of India under Accelerate Vigyan Karyashal scheme on the topic “Hands on Training on Scholarly Publications”

Workshop on "Hands on training on scholarly publications"

The programme was organized to generate awareness on scholarly communication in science for career growth and to provide young potential researchers an opportunity to develop scientific research skills. The workshop was attended by 25 participants from both PG and PhD streams from various universities and colleges in online and offline mode. CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR), a premier science publishing institute in India, has also been playing a key role in training of young researchers by conducting several workshops and training programs in diverse fields.

The program was started with lighting of the lamp ceremony by the dignitaries on the Dias which was followed by the prayer. Dr N K Prasanna, Senior Scientist and Scientific editor (Indian Journal of Biochemistry and Biophysics) (IJBB) and coordinator of the workshop delivered the introductory address and briefly explained the details regarding the program. The Opening remarks by Prof. Shri Hasan Jawed Khan, Chief scientist, CSIR-NIScPR highlighted the importance of research oriented skills in young researchers and appraised the gathering that the workshop has not only created an impact among young researchers, but also enriched the scientific personalities as well.

The workshop was inaugurated by the guest of honour, Dr. KN Rao, Director, DESIDOC. The chief Guest, Dr. K N Rao briefed the participants about the appropriate modes and means to disseminate science to diverse constituents of society at all levels. The intention behind organizing such a workshop is to provide a platform for researchers and scientific personalities to share knowledge, update and upgrade themselves. The inaugural session was concluded and followed by the introductory lecture by Shri R S Jayasomu, Chief scientist and editor, (IJEB), CSIR-NIScPR.

12/05/2022: Talk on “Research Communication- Writing research papers”

The inaugural session was followed by the first technical session which was delivered by Shri. R S Jayasomu, Chief scientist, CSIR- NIScPR, on “Research Communication – Writing research papers”. He mentioned that writing a research paper is the most important platform for providing knowledge to scientists, public and others in the related fields. He stated that research is an act of acquiring something carefully in order to obtain deep knowledge. He discussed the procedures of writing an effective research paper and importance of research communication in developing scientific temper in young minds. He also emphasized the need of public awareness in science communication that right information is very important in communication and if it is presented in an understandable way, good decisions can be made which is very effective in Research communication.

12/05/2022: Talk on “Choosing a right journal”

In the second technical session, Shri R S Jayasomu, Chief scientist, CSIR-NIScPR delivered a talk on “Choosing a right journal”. He stated that publishing in a journal is an important achievement for a researcher that it is a way to assess ones academic achievement.

Explaining the importance of a journal, he highlighted that Choosing an appropriate journal should be the first step that must be considered by a researcher before publication.

After the presentation, an interactive session was held with the participants of the workshop with Shri R S Jayasomu. Chief scientist NIScPR Dr. N K Prasanna, coordinator of the workshop, proposed the vote of thanks to the resource person and participants for the day.

26-Apr-2022: CSIR-NIScPR, New Delhi organises a National Workshop to commemorate World Intellectual Property Day on 26th April 2022

As part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, the CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) organized a National Workshop on “IP and Youth: Innovating for better future” to commemorate World Intellectual Property Day on 26th April 2022.

CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) organized a National Workshop on World Intellectual Property Day (26th April) for school students and innovators. During the inaugural function, Prof. Ranjana  Aggarwal, Director, CSIR-NIScPR welcomed the gathering. In her welcome address, Prof. Ranjana Aggarwal highlighted various aspects of Intellectual Property, Patents and communication; emphasizing the importance of innovations and the necessity of a platform to bring the students and the experts at one place. She added that the amount of innovations that emerged during the COVID-19 lockdown period is tremendous. COVID-19 has taught us how public-private participation has brought digital transformation to the country. The quantum of patents filed in the digital sector during the last five years speaks about the innovation that happened in the field. She stressed that inquisitiveness is the key to innovations.

During his speech, the guest of honour Dr. Sameer Kumar Swarup, Deputy Controller of Patents & Designs, IPO, Delhi mentioned that the number of inventions that happened during the COVID-19 pandemic period was higher than the normal times. It has been observed that whenever there is a constraint the drive for innovation increases. Children can develop innovations as they always carry vague ideas and are always curious to know more and more. It's this curiosity that brings out more and more innovations. He highlighted the importance of such workshops and IPR outreach programmes targeting school students have greatly increased the IP awareness among the school children. The increase in the Indian applicants who file for IPR in recent times is a good indicator of economic growth. 

The chief guest of the program, Prof. Anil Kumar Gupta, Coordinator, SRISTI and Honey Bee Network and Executive Vice-Chair, National Innovation Foundation delivered his lecture on “IP and youth: strategies for engagement, empowerment and entrepreneurship” through online mode. He mentioned that the vision of Honey Bee Network is to give voice, visibility and velocity to creative and innovative people in the formal and the informal sector. Prof, Anil Kumar Gupta focused on the difference between open innovations and intellectual property. He asked young innovators to develop sensitivity towards inefficiencies, deficiencies and problems existing in the society. Learn not to live with any problem, but find solutions. He highlighted the four dimensions of innovation and how drivers of innovation can bring in changes, meeting the unmet needs. He mentioned that innovators need to look for oddities and inculcate the habit of thinking out of the box. Passion, purpose, and process will lead to performance through platforms to engage youngsters towards entrepreneurship. He stressed the need to reward the innovators, as incentives inspire them to work more on the innovation, that would transform society. He also appreciated the teachers who acted as mentors and extended support to these students.

The workshop also gave opportunity to the school students and young innovators to present their innovations in the workshop. Agnij Moitra, a student of Birla Vidya Niketan School who won the A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Innovation Award was felicitated on the occasion. Agnij Moitra, gave a presentation on his design of an improvised tetra-pack. He innovated a two-slit design for tetra-pack to solve the issue of food wastage.

In the following technical sessions, the experts delivered the lectures on various aspects of Intellectual Property Rights. Dr. Sujit Bhattacharya, Chief Scientist, Advisor/Dean Policy Research, CSIR-NIScPR spoke on Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Dr. Kanika Malik, Sr. Principal Scientist, CSIR-NIScPR delivered the lecture on “Introduction to Intellectual Property Rights” and Dr. Vipan Kumar delivered a lecture on 'Technology Readiness Level (TRL) Assessment'.

The technical sessions were followed by the presentations by students who won the CSIR Innovation Award for School Children (CIASC) 2021.

The workshop observed the participation of budding student innovators and teachers from various schools in different parts of the country. The students actively participated in the brainstorming sessions.

14-Jan-2021: Dr Harsh Vardhan inaugurates the new entity CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) with a new Vision

The Union Minister of Science &Technology, Earth Sciences and Health & Family Welfare Dr. Harsh Vardhan inaugurated a new institute of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) i.e. CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR), in New Delhi today. The new institute has been established consequent to the merger of two prestigious institutes of CSIR namely, CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources (CSIR-NISCAIR)and CSIR-National Institute of Science, Technology and Development Studies (CSIR-NISTADS) which work at the interface of S&T and Society; and Science Communication and Policy Research.

Dr. Harsh Vardhan unveiled the plaque of the new Institute , followed by plantation of saplings in the central lawn of CSIR-NIScPR campus on this occasion. He highlighted that the purpose of this merger is to combine the strength of the two institutes in a synergistic way with a VISION to become a globally respected Think Tank and Resource Centre for understanding Science, Technology & Innovation (STI) Policy Research and Communication. He emphasized that CSIR-NIScPR will serve the society with its core areas of science communication and policy research which has proved to be so important during the Covid19 pandemic. He also emphasized that evidence driven policy will play a crucial role in making ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ a reality driven by S&T and Innovation.

The Minister told the audience that the merge of these two great institutions is a turning point in their history as now the repository of knowledge vested in the two institutes will combine to make the new entity an even larger and more prestigious institute in the global scientific arena. He urged all to change their  perspective, and start looking at the future with ever new dreams that will lead to a  “New India”.

Dr. Shekhar C. Mande, Director General CSIR, highlighted that the MISSION of the institute is to promote STI policy studies and science communication among diverse stakeholders and act as a bridge at the interface of science, technology, industry and society which is essential to a robust S&T ecosystem in the country. He said that the merger of the two institutes is like what he called, “One plus one equaling to ELEVEN and not two”. He exuded confidence in scientists saying they will take the new Institute to ever new heights.

Prof. Ranjana Aggarwal, Director CSIR-NISCAIR & CSIR-NISTADS highlighted the key roles played by both the institutes in the past few decades. CSIR-NISCAIR, has been a frontier institute in Science Communication publishing popular science magazines (Vigyan Pragati and Science Reporter) and Scientific Journals. CSIR-NISCAIR is also managing the largest and oldest National Science Library and also distributes International Standard Serial Number (ISSN). It has been the custodian of the National Knowledge Resource Consortium (NKRC) which facilitates access to more than 5000 e-journals of all major publishers, patents, standards, citations, and bibliographic database.

Likewise, CSIR-NISTADS has earned its reputation in its long journey in Policy research and has a rich research experience in the area of History of Science, S & T and Society, and S&T and Innovation. It has executed projects from UNESCO and the Commonwealth Science Council, State S&T Councils and international agencies to review their respective S&T promotional schemes. CSIR-NISTADS has created a Techno-Socio-Economic platform to enable development and application of socially acceptable, relevant, scalable and cost-competitive products.

Shri Hasan Jawaid Khan, Chief Scientist, CSIR-NISCAIR, delivering the vote of thanks, assured that the new Institute will achieve new heights in its specialized fields.

All the scientific institutes and laboratories of CSIR and other Government science communication and policy research agencies witnessed this program virtually through live streaming.