Young Scientists Learning Open Science

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Young Scientists Learning Open Science

25 November 2021 at 3.30 pm to 5.30 pm (IST)

Abstract

DST-CPR-IISc is happy to invite you for a digital conversation on “Young Scientists Learning Open Science”. This event is jointly organised by the Participatory Research in Asia (PRIA), DST Centre for Policy Research, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, the UNESCO Chair in Community-Based Research and Social Responsibility in Higher Education, and DBT/Wellcome Trust India Alliance to discuss the implications of the UNESCO Recommendation on Science and Scientific Researchers, the UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science, Science with & for society, and the Government of India’s STI Policy, with the special focus on:

1. Responsible Research and Innovation

2. Public engagement

3. Science communication

4. Inclusion of multiple epistemologies and experiential knowledge in scientific research

5. Ethical issues in open source publications, field research and Indigenous protocols

The pandemic for the past two years has brought the roles of science, scientists, and scientific research institutions into public debate. It has created a context where connections between science and society are needed to be anchored on a new framework of openness and mutuality.

As the policy brief of Open Science Beyond Open Access observes “There are three main dimensions of scientific openness: openness to publications and data, openness to society, and openness to excluded knowledge and epistemologies.” The final draft of the UNESCO Open Science Recommendation, which also incorporates these expanded meanings of ‘open science’, has now been adopted by the Member States this month in Paris. Similar ideas are adopted in the final draft of the 5th National Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Policy of the Government of India. The Scientific Social Responsibility (SSR) policy of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, already makes mention of the need for engaging with diverse stakeholders to improve the impacts of science on society.

Likewise, the UNESCO Recommendation on Science and Scientific Researchers adopted in 2017 has particular value today, especially in the Global South, in recognising the role of science in promoting “common good” and in emphasising the use of results of scientific research and development with a spirit of responsibility towards humankind and the environment.

Such testimonials create a space for science and technology systems and institutions to change and become more “open”. New conversations among scientists, science communicators, scientific researchers and civil society have begun to emerge as the need for a robust ecosystem to make science work with and for society is becoming more apparent. The experiences of the pandemic have also generated more significant public discourse about the accountability of science to society. In many regions of the world, new ways of promoting public engagement with and for science have been practised through an enabling policy framework. The European Union’s focus on Responsible Research & Innovations (RRI) has integrated several such features. There is now a growing recognition to synergise knowledge production and dissemination on such critical issues as the environment, health and food systems. A large portion of which is being carried out on the ground by a host of civil society actors in the country through community-based participatory research with the partnerships of academics with local communities.

Event Details

Date: 25 November 2021

Time: 3.30 pm to 5.30 pm (IST)

Meeting link: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_RZt26NOxT5ubKz2dASotww

Relevance of Philosophy of Science for Science Policy

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Relevance of Philosophy of Science for Science Policy

24th November, 2021 at 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM IST

Abstract

Science policy depends crucially on what we mean and understand by science. Science and Technology Studies (STS) today is a much professionalised discipline drawing upon other fields such as history of science, philosophy of science and sociology of science. STS offers a deeper understanding of the nature of science and technology, its relation to society and politics, the uniqueness of its social processes and so on. All of this matters deeply to science policy. In this talk, he will be discussing the insights we can take from a philosophy of science approach to the nature of science and the implications of it for science policy, especially for a country like ours.

About the Speaker

Prof. Sundar Sarukkai

Works primarily in the philosophy of the natural and the social sciences. He is the founder of Barefoot Philosophers (www.barefootphilosophers.org) and is currently a Visiting Faculty at the Centre for Society and Policy, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. He is the author of the following books: Translating the World: Science and Language, Philosophy of Symmetry, Indian Philosophy and Philosophy of Science, What is Science?, JRD Tata and the Ethics of Philanthropy, Philosophy for Children, and two books co-authored with Gopal Guru – The Cracked Mirror: An Indian Debate on Experience and Theory and Experience, Caste and the Everyday Social. He is the Co-Chief Editor of the Springer Handbook of Logical Thought in India as well as the Series Editor for the Science and Technology Studies Series, Routledge.

Event Details

Date: 24th November, 2021

Time: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM (IST)

Location: Seminar Hall, Centre for Society and Policy (CSP), IISc

Certificate Programme Participatory Science Advice for Policy Making

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Certificate Programme: ‘Participatory Science Advice for Policy Making’

On 11th & 14th December 2021, Time 10:00 AM to 01:00 PM IST

Abstract

The Department of Science and Technology’s Centre for Policy Research (DST-CPR) at the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore in conjunction with the Science Policy Forum and Global Young Academy is organising a virtual two-day certificate program titled “Participatory Science Advice for Policy Making” funded under the INGSA-Asia Grassroots Science Advice Promotion Awards 2021. STEM Scientists and academicians from South Asia will learn about the role of Science Advice in national policymaking through the example of India’s new Science Technology and Innovation Policy (STIP).

Workshop description

The COVID-19 pandemic brought to the fore our dependence on scientific research and technological innovation to develop quick and effective solutions. The timely need for vaccines is reflected in other global issues which have ticking clocks. The call for climate action is another such example that this month’s COP26 shone a light on. While each global issue requires unique scientific and technological developments they are undoubtedly aided by a structured plan of action. This is where the need for a well-oiled evidence-driven science-policy mechanism backed by robust scientific advice steps in.

A sustainable recovery path requires scientists to play a significant role in educating policymakers and the public. Only through evidence-based research and its communication can comprehensive and effective policies be formulated. Therefore, bridging the gap that exists between these two parties is essential.

1. The policymakers who make key decisions on funding patterns and allocation of resources.

2. The researchers and academicians who work at the grassroots of the STI ecosystem.

We know the first one well. The second is what this workshop aims to empower.

Through open conversations on science policy and the tools of advocacy, workshop attendees will be equipped to contribute to the larger government science advice mechanism.

The workshop will focus on how it was grassroots science advice that played an integral role in formulating two chapters of the STIP, ‘Open Science’ and ‘Science Communication and Public Engagement’. Through lectures, open conversations with experts and practical activities, attendees will understand the value of Science Advice for STEM stakeholders (scientists, researchers and academicians) in promoting effective policy change. Attendees will also be equipped with the various tools required to develop the skills needed to create evidence-based policy changes. Attendees would test their newfound knowledge through a concluding policy memo contest where the most effective memo would be awarded. Finally, the workshop would create a network of empowered young scientists and academicians to drive the science advice mechanism from the grassroots up.

Organising Team

Dr. Jenice Jean Goveas, Dr. Moumita Koley (Recipients of INGSA- Asia grant for the promotion of grassroots Science Advice and Postdoctoral Fellows, DST-CPR, IISc)

Dr. Karishma Kaushik (Global Young Academy- Science Diplomacy in South Asia Working group Project Leader)

Dr. Chagun Basha (Founder, Science Policy Forum)

Aishwarya Viswamitra (Intern)

Event Details

From: 04/12/2021 10:00 am (IST)

To: 11/12/2021 1:00 pm (IST)

Location: Online

Registration Deadline

24/11/2021

Registration

Click Here

Outcomes

Policy Brief:

Citizen Science as a Tool and Collaborative Approach to Address Air Pollution

Perminder Jit Kaur

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Perminder Jit Kaur

Senior Policy Fellow

Cohort-2021

E: perminder.dua@gmail.com

Background:

PerminderJit Kaur is a Chemical Engineer working as a Senior Policy Fellow, jointly hosted at the Department of Science and Technology (DST), New Delhi and DST-CPR@IISc, Bangalore. After completing graduation and post-graduation in chemical engineering from Panjab University, Chandigarh, she did her PhD from IIT Delhi and received the “Professor Meera Madan Best PhD Thesis Award”. In her last assignment, she served as an Assistant Professor in the University School of Chemical Technology, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, New Delhi. The Mentor of Change program of Niti Aayog has given her a platform to inculcate scientific temper among school children.

As a Project Scientist in the Government of India’s Unnat Bharat Abhiyan, she worked on the village development plans. During DST’s women scientist scheme, she scientifically validated traditional bamboo treatment techniques, prepared a technology manual and transferred the technology to bamboo artisans. She works on policy research, managing biomass resources, valorisation of waste materials to achieve sustainable energy and the environment. With one book published on Sustainable Extraction of Metals from Waste Streams (Wiley publisher), 37 research papers and 12 book chapters, she is the Editorial Board Member and Reviewer for many International Journals.

Research Interests:

Perminder’s research interest is to develop a sustainable environment by valorising waste materials, particularly plastic and agricultural waste. She is working on using science, technology, and policy-based interventions to manage waste and generate valuable materials that can serve as a sustainable source of energy

Publications:

Book: 1
“Sustainable metal extraction from waste stream” by Wiley publishers. VCH, ISBN: 978-3- 527- 34755-1, G. Chauhan, Perminder Jit Kaur, K. K. Pant, K.D.P. Nigam.

Publications/Conferences: 37
1. Chitosan and graphene oxide-based nanocomposites for water purification and medical applications: A review, Khandegar V., Kaur P.J.,Channan P., 16 (4), BioResources 2021
2. Management of waste tyres: properties, life cycle assessment and energy generation. Environmental Sustainability (2021). Kaur, P.J.,Kaushik, G., Hussain, C.M. et al.https://doi.org/10.1007/s42398-021-00186-6
3. Efficient Catalytic Mineralisationof Bisphenol-A by Peroxymonosulfate Activated Spinel Nano-ferrites, Mandal, U., Kaur P.J.,Tanwar, R., Kumar, P. (2021) International Online Conference on Nano Materials (ICN 2021) Organised by Wroclaw University of Technology, Wroclaw, Poland & Gdansk University of Technology Poland &Wuhan University, China, Kerala (9-11 April2021)
4. Ofloxacin exclusion using novel HRP immobilised chitosan cross-link with graphene-oxide nanocomposite, Suri A., Khandegar, V., Kaur, P.J. (2021), Groundwater for Sustainable Development, Volume 12, February 2021,100515
5. Leveraging microbial wealth from rural resources for environmentally safe food production. Dashora, K., Kaur, P.J, Mishra, M. Fasake, V. (2018) International conference on agriculture and horticulture, Zurich,Switzerland
6. Bamboo availability and utilisation potential as a building material, Kaur, P.J., Forestry research and Engineering Journal, 2018, 2(5),240-242
7. Low cost Technology development for Mass scale Production of Podophylumhexandrum Royale, Kaur, P.J, M. Ojha, K. Dashora, Udiapur Conference Feb2018
8. Waste plastic to bio-diesel, The 3R International Scientific Conference on Material Cycles and Waste Management, 8-10 March 2017, NewDelhi
9. Eco-friendly preservation of bamboo: traditional to modern techniques”, Kaur, P.J.,S.Satya, KK. Pant, S.N.Naik, Bioresources (2016), 11 (4), DOI:10.15376/biores.11.4.Kaur
10. Field investigations of selectively treated bamboo species, Kaur, P.J.,KK.Pant, S. Satya, S.N.Naik, Springer, European Journal of wood and Wood Products, DOI 10.1007/s00107-016- 1055-9, online available, April,2016
11. Bamboo: The Material of Future, Kaur, P.J., S.Satya, K.K.Pant, S.N.Naik, International Journal Series in Multidisciplinary (IJSMR), 2016, 2(2), 27-34
12. Chemical characterisation and decay resistance analysis of Smoke treated bamboo species, Kaur, P.J., K. K. Pant, S. N. Naik, S. Satya, V. Kardam, available online, Springer, European Journal of Wood and Wood Products, DOI: 10.1007/s00107-016-1029-y, March2016
13. Characterisation of commercially important Asian bamboo species, Kaur, P.J., V. Kardam,
K. K. Pant, S. N. Naik, S. Satya, Springer, European Journal of wood and Wood Products, – Springer Publication, January 2016, 74(1), 137-139
14. Eco-Friendly Preservative Treated Bamboo Culm: Compressive Strength Analysis Kaur, P.J., S. Satya, K. K. Pant, S. N. Naik, International Journal of Chemical, Nuclear, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, 2015, 9 (1), 43-46, Presented in London,U.K.
15. Comparison of Decay Resistance of Bamboo Treated with Plant Extracts and Oil Cakes, Kaur, P.J.,K. K. Pant, S. Satya, S. N. Naik, International Journal of Emerging Technology and Advanced Engineering, Volume 4, Issue 1, January2014
16. Scientific Investigation of Traditional Water Leaching Method for Bamboo Preservation, Kaur, P.J., V. Kardam, K.K. Pant, S. Satya, S.N. Naik, Bamboo science and Culture, The Journal of the American Bamboo Society, 2013, 23(1),27-32
17. Evaluation of decay resistance and fixation ability of catechu and boric acid based preservative for D. strictus bamboo species”, Kaur, P.J., KK. Pant, S. Satya, S.N.Naik,American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) Annual conference held in San Francisco, CA , USA, November 3-8,2013
18. Studies on Effectiveness of Bamboo Traditional Treatment Method “Vikaskardam, KK.Pant, Santosh Satya, Kaur, P.J.,P. Sudhakar published in the proceedings of 13th
19. International conference on “Non-conventional Materials and Technology”, September 22-24,2011, Hunan University, Changsha,China
20. Plant Extracts Based Eco-Friendly Treatment of Bamboo Species For Rural Housing, Kaur, P.J.,KK.Pant, Santosh Satya, S. N. Naik, published in 6th International Engineering and Construction Conference (IECC’6), by American Society for Civil Engineers held on June 28- 30, 2010 in Cairo,Egypt.
21. Study on Effectiveness of Traditional Bamboo Treatment Methods for Rural Housing, Kardam, K.K.Pant, Kaur, P.J, P. Sudhakar, published in 6th International Engineering and Construction, Conference (IECC’6), by American Society for Civil Engineers held on June 28- 30, 2010 in Cairo,Egypt.
22. Physico-chemical characterisation of cattle dung fibre under hydrothermal processes, V.Fasake, Kaur, P.J., Dashora, K., Reserach Square Preprint
23. Removal of Contaminants from Air and Water using Bamboo-based Green Adsorbents, M. Gupta, Kaur, P.J., S. Acharya, A. Jain, Sustainable Environment: Challenges and Opportunities, NIT Jalandhar, Sept 8-9,2021
24. Utilisation of bamboo charcoal for Biomedical Engineering, P. Yadav, Kaur, PJ..,V. Khandegar, A. Jain, Sustainable Environment: Challenges and Opportunities, NIT Jalandhar, Sept 8-9,2021
25. Bamboo for Rural Livelihood: Global to Local Perspectives, on August 31, 2021, Organised by National Institute of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, North Eastern Regional Office, Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India.
26. Solid waste management in cities, Kaur, P.J.,Organised by IITD Alumni Association & Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, held on October 112020
27. Adsorptive Removal of Cadmium using Agro-residue, C. Tomar, V. Khandegar, Kaur, P.J., ICSISCET 2019, Gwalior, 02-03 November2019
28. Electrochemical treatment for removal of antibiotics from Pharmaceutical effluent,A.Suri,S. Acharya, Kaur, P.J., V. Khandegar, ICSISCET 2019, Gwalior, 02-03 November, 2019
29. Biosorption of Precious Metals from E-waste: Prospects and Challenges, Kaur, P.J.,Garima Chauhan, Geetanjali Kaushik, National conference on Environmental challenges for new India, Organised by Environment and Social Development Association (ESDA), Delhi
30. Fluidised Bed based Pyrolysis process for the production of fuel and value added chemicals from waste car tires, Kaur, P.J.,Geetanjali Kaushik, Environmental Challenges of India (Special Discussion on: Air Pollution & Smog in Delhi – NCR) organised by Environment and Social Development Association (ESDA)and CSIR, December 28,2017,
31. Integration of eco-friendly preservative and traditional knowledge for enhancing the service life of bamboo (a modern engineering material) in Young Scientists Conference as part of India International Science Festival, 4-8 Dec,2015
32. Eco-friendly preservation of bamboo species using tannin of Acacia catechu and Myrobalanterminalia, Perminder jit Kaur, K.K. Pant, S. Satya, S.N. Naik, Full paper accepted for 65th Annual Session of Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers CHEMCON, 27-30 Dec 2012 at NITJalandhar
33. पर्यावरणहितैषीपरिरक्षकभौतिकरासायनिकपरप्रभाव”International Conference- Hindi organised by DRDO and IIT Delhi, published in Jigaysa Journal IIT Delhi, Vol 27-28, 2013, 204-207
34. “भवननिर्माणसामग्रीएवममौसमवैज्ञानिक”, S. Satya, PerminderJitkaur, K.,K. Pant, S.N.Naik, Jigaysa Journal IIT Delhi, Vol-126, 2012.
35. “बांससंरक्षणप्रणालीऔरवैज्ञानिक”,Vikaskardam, K.K.Pant, Santosh Satya, PerminderJit Kaur, Jigyasa, Hindi Journal , IIT Delhi, Vol 25( 2011), 87-91
36. Eco-friendly treatment of bamboo species”in National Conference of Bamboo, organised by AFRI, Jodhpur, March 17, 2010
37. Review of preservation strategies wood, Young scientist conference, organised by MP Council of Science and Technology, Bhopal, Nov 2007.

Book Chapters Technology manual: 12

1. Biomass to liquid fuels: recent trends and techniques in catalytic conversions, Kaur P.J, Praveen Kumar, Shivani Chaturvedi, Biorefinery: A Sustainable Approach for the production of Biomaterials, Biochemicals and Biofuels (accepted for publication)
2. Utilisation of activated carbon obtained from biomass in waste-water treatment, Kaur P.J, Vinita Khandegar, Biorefinery: A Sustainable Approach for the production of Biomaterials, Biochemicals and Biofuels (accepted for publication)
3. Biomedical Applications of Algal Extract -Biosynthesied Silver Nanoparticles, Vinita Khandegar, Kaur P.J., Green and Sustainable Nanotechnology (accepted for publication)
4. Thermal Degradation of Plastic Polymers: Recent Developments, Kaur PJ, Mandal UK, Shah V., in book, Solid Waste Management: Chemical Approaches (accepted for publication) 2021
5. Biomedical applications of some green synthesised metal nanomaterials, in book Green Nanomaterials for Industrial Applications. Kaur P.J, Kaushik G., 2021, eBook ISBN: 9780128236222
6. Adsorptive Removal of Cadmium Using Agro-Residue, Tomar, C., Vinita, K.,Kaur, P.J. In book: Intelligent Computing Applications for Sustainable Real-World Systems, April 2020, DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-44758-8_31
7. Properties and Importance of Various Bamboo Species for Multi-Utility Applications”.
Kaur P.J, Pant K.K., Kaushik G In: Sustainable Agriculture, Forest and Environmental Management. Springer, Singapore, June 2019. DOI:10.1007/978-981-13-6830-1_8
8. Ozonze: Applications in the Food Industry”, Singhal P, Kaur PJ, Chaturvedi S., Mechanism and Action, of Phyto-constituents, RPMP Vol. 31, page 169-176
9. Background material on Utility Products and Processes based on Panchgavya, Perminder Jit Kaur, Anushree Malik, January 2017
10. Technology manual of Bamboo Preservation, published by Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) (both Hindi, English), March 2015
11. Green remediation of soil, using composting technique, Royal Society of Chemistry, The Handbook of Environmental Remediation, DOI:10.1039/9781788016261-00254, In book: The Handbook of Environmental Remediation: Classic and Modern Techniques. Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry
12. Land farming: a green remediation technique, Royal Society of Chemistry, The Handbook of Environmental Remediation, DOI: 10.1039/9781788016261-00357. In book: The Handbook of Environmental Remediation: Classic and Modern Techniques. Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry

Nidhi Singh

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Nidhi Singh

Senior Policy Fellow

cohort-2021

E: nidhisingh@iisc.ac.in

Background:

Nidhi’s specialisation is on Biomedical Innovation System of the country with a special focus on Emerging Technological Innovation System. Prior to joining, DST-CPR-IISc, she worked as Scientist C, at Department of Health Research- (DHR) and Indian Council of Medical Research- (ICMR), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, during (July 2017- September 2021). Here, she was the member of COVID response team constituted at ICMR during the pandemic and also involved in the scientific evaluation and monitoring of institute’s funded research projects. She also worked as Research Associate at the Institute for Studies in Industrial Development (ISID), ICSSR, New Delhi, during (2013-2016), and as Research Assistant at the National Institute of Science Technology and Development Studies (NISTADS), CSIR, New Delhi, during (2009-2012). During her tenure at both ISID and NISTADS, she got the opportunities to assist research projects funded by World Health Organization (WHO, India), Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), National Health Systems Resource Centre (NHSRC). She has obtained her PhD degree from the Centre for studies in Science Policy, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. All these experiences enabled her to study and learn different aspects of science policy.

Research Interests:

Nidhi’s research interest revolves around the discipline of Science Technology and Innovation Studies to understand the social dynamics of technologies specifically the healthcare and biomedical technologies. The major focus of her research is to develop a better understanding of interface between science, technology and society in order to drive the Technological Innovations towards the needs through effective mobilization of the resources as well as optimal utilization of innovation system building activities.

Her present work “Emerging Biomedical Innovation System and its Issues and challenges” facilitates the contribution towards the development of Socially Responsible Innovation System Framework. This helps in analyzing the development and diffusion of biomedical innovations and their effective use in clinical practices for addressing the country’s specific needs.

Publication:

Nidhi Singh and Kirti Tyagi (2020), “Development of ‘TrueNat’ Innovation System in India for detection of Tuberculosis and COVID-19: A System Based Perspective. Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) – Discussion Paper Series- 257, 1-28.

Pramod Kumar Prajapati and Nidhi Singh (2019), “Malaria Innovation System in India: A System Based Analysis”; International Journal of Applied and Universal Research, Volume VI, Issue VI, Dec, 2019

Dinesh Abrol, AmitavaGuha, Rollins John, Nidhi Singh (2019), “India’s Domestic Pharmaceutical Firms and Their Contribution to National Innovation System- building”, Economic & Political Weekly, Vo11IV no 34, August 31, 2019, 34-43.

Singh Nidhi, & Abrol, D. (2017), ‘In-vitro diagnostics (IVDs) innovations for resource-poor settings: The Indian experience’. African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development, 9(5), 617-636.

Dinesh Abrol and Nidhi Singh (2016), “Post-TRIPS Contribution of Domestic Firms to Pharmaceutical Innovation in India: An Assessment”; International Journal of South Asian Studies: A Biannual Journal of South Asian Studies; Vol.9, No.2,2016, 155-204.

Dinesh Abrol, Sivakami Dhulap, Malini Aisola, Nidhi Singh, (2016), “Pharmaceuticals, Product Patent & TRIPS implementation”. Institute for Studies in Industrial Development (ISID) Working Paper Series –191, 1-42.

Dinesh Abrol and Nidhi Singh (2016), “PostTRIPS Contribution of Domestic Firms to Pharmaceutical Innovation in India: An Assessment”. Institute for Studies in Industrial Development (ISID) Working Paper Series –189, 1-50.

Nidhi Singh and Dinesh Abrol (2014),”Challenge of in-vitro diagnostics for resource poor settings: An Assessment” Institute for Studies in Industrial Development (ISID) Working Paper Series –166, 1-31.

Abrol Dinesh, Prajapati Pramod, and Singh Nidhi (2013), Innovation patterns, limits to learning and the pathway of neoliberal Globalisation: Evidence from Indian pharmaceutical multinationals. International Journal of Technological Learning, Innovation and Development 2, 6(1-2), 102-135.

Dinesh Abrol, Pramod Prajapati and Nidhi Singh (2011), “Globalization of the Indian Pharmaceutical Industry: Implication for Innovation”. International Journal of Institutions & Economics; Vol.3, No.2,327-365.

Dinesh Abrol, Pramod Prajapati and Nidhi Singh (2011), “Economic Reforms and Pharmaceutical Production and Innovation in India”; Rising Powers and Global Standards Network; www.risingpowers.net/node/46.

Book Chapters

Nidhi Singh and Dinesh Abrol (2020), “In-Vitro diagnostics innovation for resource poor settings: The Indian Experiences” Swapan Kumar Patra and Mammo Muchie (Eds) Science Technology and Innovation in BRICS Countries”, Routledge.

Dinesh Abrol and Nidhi Singh (2018), “Indian Pharmaceutical Industry: Policy and Institutional Challenges of Moving from Manufacturing Generics to Drug Discovery”, in Nathan, D., Tewari, M., & Sarkar, S. (Eds.) (2018). Development with global value chains: Upgrading and innovation in Asia. Cambridge University Press.

Dinesh Abrol, Pramod Prajapati and Nidhi Singh (2014), “Recent Trends in India’s Pharmaceutical Innovation” in Sakthivel Selvaraj, Dinesh Abrol and K.M. Gopakumar (Eds) “Access to Medicines in India”, Academic Foundation.

Paper Presented in Research Conferences (National/International)

Paper Presented in Research Conferences (National/International)
“Pathways towards the development of Molecular Diagnostics Innovation System in India: Issues and Challenges” in World Conference on Access to Medical Products Achieving the SDGs 2030, 19-21 November 2019, New Delhi.

“Development and Diffusion of Molecular Diagnostics for Health care in India: Role of Industrial Based Actors” in XIV annual international conference of Knowledge Forum 2019, held at the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, IIT Madras (11-13 October 2019).

“Development of Tuberculosis Diagnostics in India: An Innovation System Perspective” in YSI Asia Convening 2019 (Aug 12-14, 2019), Hanoi, Vietnam.

“Role of Industrial Base Actors in the Development of Molecular Diagnostics Innovation System in India: An Empirical Study” in 16th International GLOBELICS conference held at Accra 2018 (24-26 October 2018) on the theme ‘Innovation, Economic Growth and Sustainable Development: Strengthening Institutions for Greater Relevance, Effectiveness and Inclusivity’.

“Economic Liberalisation and the Development of Molecular Diagnostics Industry in India: An Innovation System Perspective” in National Seminar organized by Sikkim University, Gangtok, Sikkim, India (5-6 October 2018) on the theme ‘India after a Quarter Century of Economic Reforms – The Benefits and Costs’.

“Emerging Biomedical Technology and Healthcare System in Developing Economies” 4S SYDNEY Transnational STS: Society for Social Studies of Science annual conference Sydney International Convention Centre (29th August- 1stSeptember 2018).

“Development of Molecular Diagnostics Innovation System in India: Analysis of innovation System Functions” in The Fourth IndiaLICS International Conference (2nd – 4thNovember 2017), Organized by Centre for Studies in Science Policy (CSSP) JNU, Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), National Institute for Science Technology and Development Studies (NISTADS), New Delhi on the theme ‘Innovation for Sustainable Development: Perspectives, Policies and Practices in South Asia’.

“Challenges in development of Molecular Diagnostics Innovation Systems in India” in The Third IndiaLICS International Conference (16th – 18th March 2016), Organized by Centre for Development Studies (CDS), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala and RIS, New Delhi on the theme ‘Innovation for Sustainable Development’.

“In-vitro diagnostics innovation for resource poor settings: Indian Experience” in 13th International GLOBELICS conference held at Havana Cuba (23rd-25thSeptember 2015) on the theme ‘Innovation to reduce poverty and inequalities for inclusive and sustainable development’.

“TB and Molecular Diagnostics-Case Study in Personalized Medicine” at the King College-JNU Workshop on Biomedical Innovation and the Public, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, March 13–14, 2014.

“Innovation, Intellectual Property Rights and Pharmaceutical Industry: Lessons from India, in National Consultation on “Improving Access; Promoting Innovation” In the context of Universal Health Coverage, WHO and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras, IIT Research Park Auditorium, Chennai 7-9 August 2014

Avinash Kumar

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Avinash Kumar

POST-DOCTORAL POLICY FELLOW

E: avinashkuma2@iisc.ac.in

E: avinasholmes@gmail.com

Background:

Avinash’s research interests lie in Science, Technology and Society, Information and Communication Technologies, R&D Collaborations, and Social Network Analysis. He has been critically engaged in analyzing the structure, pattern, properties, and functions of networks- particularly scientific, social, and policy networks – studied using a combination of theoretical and empirical methods broadly situated within the scope and ambit of Science and Technology Studies.

Research Interests:

Avinash obtained an MA in Development Studies and a Ph.D. with a specialization in Science, Technology, and Society from the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati. His Ph.D. dissertation focused on the dynamics of R&D collaboration in agricultural biotechnology. He was a Research Fellow at the Institute for Advanced Studies on Science, Technology and Society (IAS-STS), Graz, Austria (October 2016 to June 2017). He was the recipient of the ICSSR Post-Doctoral Fellowship hosted by the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (January 2019 to January 2021). Avinash engaged as a Post-doctoral researcher in a transnational project called ‘COMPON,’ where he focused on comparative climate policy networks involving Australia, Brazil, India, and Japan. He also worked as a Post-Doctoral Fellow in a project funded by Princeton University at the Climate and Energy Research Lab (CEPRL), Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (January 2021 to September 2021).

Publication:

Kumar, A. and Mallick, S. (2020). Interests, Norms, Meanings: A Study of Rice Biotechnology in India, Bulletin of Science, Technology & Society, 40 (3-4): 31-39.

Kumar, A. and Mallick, S. and Swarnakar, P. (2020). Mapping Scientific Collaboration: A Bibliometric Study of Rice Research in India, Journal of Scientometric Research,9 (1): 29-39.

Kumar, A. and Mallick, S. (2019). Confirmations and Contentions over GM Technology: Socio-Political Construal of Innovations in Rice Biotechnology Research in India, Asian Journal of Social Science, 607-630.

Kumar, A. and Mallick, S. (2019). Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS) in Rice Biotechnology Research in India, Perspectives on Global Development and Technology, 18 (3): 293-314.

Kumar, A. and Mallick, S. (2015). Plant biotechnology representation and resistance: a study of plant breeding community in Bihar, India, Perspectives on Global Development and Technology, 14 (5): 544-66.

Conference Papers

Swarnakar, P. and Kumar, A., ‘Structure, Institutions and Organizations: Intricacies of Climate Change Policy Network in India’, IV ISA Forum of Sociology, Porto Alegre, Brazil, February 24, 2021 (shifted to online due to COVID 19 crisis).

Satoha, K., Swarnakar, P., Kumar, A. and Trencher, G., Climate Change Policy Network and Policy Cleavage Structure: India and Japan Comparison, 115 American Sociological Association Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA, August 8-11, 2020 (shifted to online due to COVID 19 crisis).

Kumar, A., ‘Climate policy network of India and Brazil’, Indo-Japan Workshop on Climate change and Energy policy of India and Japan, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, December 20-21, 2019.

Shukla, R. and Kumar, A., ‘Tracing Discursive Practices through Media Framing of Renewable Energy’, International Workshop on Socio-ecological relations of energy transition in Australia, Germany, and India, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, November 12-13, 2019

Kumar, A. andMallick, S., ‘GMOs and Questions of Sustainability: A Case Study of Rice Biotechnology in India’, International Conference on Agriculture and Human Development in India: Indigenous Practices, Scientific Views and Sustainability, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, India, September 8-9, 2017.

Kumar, A., ‘Rice Biotechnology and Sustainable Agriculture in India’, 16th Annual Conference on Critical Issues in Science, Technology and Society Studies, Institute for Advanced Studies – Science, Technology and Society (IAS-STS), Graz, Austria, May 8-9, 2017.

Kumar, A. and Mallick, S., ‘Scientific Collaboration in Rice Biotechnology: Response of the Scientific Community in Bihar’, Indraprastha International Conference on Biotechnology (IICB 2013), Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, New Delhi, India, October 22-25, 2013.

Kumar, A. and Mallick, S., ‘Debates and Discourses: Innovations in Rice Biotechnology in India’, National Conference on Science, Technology and Society, National Institute of Science Education and Research Bhubaneswar, India, July 22-23, 2017.

Kumar, A. and Mallick, S., ‘Interests, Norms and Meanings: Socio-Political Construal of Rice Biotechnology Research in India’, Silver Jubilee National Seminar on Contemporary Debates on Science, Technology and Nationalism in India, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, India, October 31 – November 2, 2018.

DST – CPR, IISc Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Governance in India

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DST-CPR-IISc Policy Lecture Series

Lecture 2

‘STI Governance: Institutional Mechanisms and Policy Intervention‘

Date: 15th September 2021, Time 4:30 PM

Abstract

STI governance is a set of defined institutional arrangements and associated policy positions that shape the ways in which Research, Technology and Innovation is governed within the larger socio-economic ecosystem. India’s STI governance mechanism is primarily facilitated through Prime Minister’s Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC), Empowered Technology Group (ETG) and recently announced National Research Foundation (NRF). These mechanisms, through collective stakeholder engagements, result in appropriate policy interventions that impact various aspects of our S&T and Innovation landscape.

About the Speaker

Dr. Arabinda Mitra

Scientific Secretary, Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor to Government of India

Arabinda Mitra holds a PhD in Marine Geology from University of Cambridge, U.K. As an Earth Scientist by training, he has held various scientific positions in the Departments of Atomic Energy; Ocean Development (now Ministry of Earth Sciences); and Science & Technology of the Government of India. At the National Centre for Polar & Ocean Research, Goa, he played a seminal role in formulating and implementing the long-term science strategy of the Indian Antarctic expedition and establishing the low temperature ice-core laboratory. In 2004, Dr. Mitra was appointed as the first Executive Director of the bi-national Indo-U.S. Science and Technology Forum. He proficiently enriched the scope and contents of Indo-American cooperation in Science, Technology and Innovation by linking academia, research laboratories and industry. Dr. Mitra assumed the position of Adviser & Head International (Bilateral) Cooperation at the Department of Science & Technology in 2011, where he oversaw India’s bilateral STI engagements with 44 countries across the globe including collaboration with Africa. In 2018, he was appointed as the Scientific Secretary in the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India with the mandate to assess the national status in emerging scientific and technological domains, formulate policy interventions, develop national missions in S&T and render periodic advice to the Government.

He has won several academic awards including Cambridge-Nehru Fellowship, ORS Award of UK; Bursary Award of St. Edmund’s College UK; JSPS Award of Japan and was elected as a Fellow of the Geological Society, London. He has been a member of the Indian expedition to Antarctica and has undertaken several scientific cruises to the Indian, Atlantic and Southern Oceans.

Click here to join the lecture on 15th September, 4:30PM

DST – CPR, IISc Policy Lecture Series-Building Research Universities

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DST-CPR-IISc Policy Lecture Series

Lecture 1

‘Building Research Universities’

Date: 11th August 2021, Time 4:00 PM – 5:00PM

Abstract

Research universities (RUs) are those degree-granting institutions which strongly emphasize their research mission while providing excellence and leadership in education, and whose systems are aligned to succeed in this mission. A large higher education system is necessarily a differentiated system of which RUs are a small, but essential and important portion. The seminar will briefly discuss the criticality of RUs even in a relatively poor country like India, and how RUs can be differentiated from the rest. It then mentions some key characteristics of a RU and briefly discusses them – these provide pointers for a university regarding what it can do to improve as a RU, and what can be done to develop strong RUs in the overall HE system.

About the Speaker

Prof. Pankaj Jalote

Distinguished Professor (CSE), IIIT- Delhi

Pankaj Jalote is Distinguished Professor at IIIT-Delhi, of which he is also the founding Director. Prior to this, he has been a Chair Professor at IIT Delhi, Head of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the IIT Kanpur, and an Assistant Professor at the University of Maryland at College Park.

On leave from academia, he was Vice President at Infosys Technologies Ltd. for 2 years, and a Visiting Researcher at Microsoft Corporation, Redmond for a year. He has a B.Tech. from IIT Kanpur, MS from Pennsylvania State University, and Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

He is the author of five books including the highly acclaimed CMM in Practice, which has been translated in Chinese, Japanese, Korean etc, and the best selling textbook An Integrated Approach to Software Engineering. He has recently authored Building Research Universities in India (SAGE, Nov 2020).

He writes a blog on Higher Education in India (jalote.wordpress.com ) and has written many opinion articles in leading newspapers. He is a Fellow of the IEEE and INAE.

Click here to join the lecture on 11th August, 4:00PM

International Women’s Day: Mainstreaming Gender in STEM: Policies and Practices

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Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India and DST-Centre for Policy Research – IISc Bangalore

invite you to a Panel discussion on

Mainstreaming Gender in STEM: Policies and Practices

Date: 8th March 2021, Time 6:00 PM IST Onwards

Live on YouTube

Click here to Register

Among the global efforts towards sustainable development goals, addressing Gender Inclusion and Equity is essential to leverage the untapped potential of women trained and educated in STEM. The panel discussion will deliberate on various policies and best practices at national, regional and global levels, and challenges and opportunities in planning and implementation of such interventions, models and frameworks for addressing gender inequities and biases in STEM and STI.

The Panel discussion will revolve around following dimensions:

1. Trends and trajectories of gender disparities in STEM in developed and developing countries

2. Socio-economic, cultural and institutional transformations and best practices in bringing gender inclusion

3. Challenges and way forward in replicating and contextualising policies, frameworks and models for gender mainstreaming in STI

Chair

Dr. Anita Gupta

Adviser and Head, National Science & Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board (NSTEDB), Department of Science and Technology, Government of India