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India is taking significant steps to enhance its technological capabilities and promote inclusivity through two key collaborations aimed at serving its citizens and empowering underrepresented groups, particularly women in technology. These initiatives reflect the nation’s commitment to harnessing technology for societal benefit and driving gender equity in STEM fields.
The CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Gurugram University at NIScPR’s Vigyan Sanchar Bhawan in New Delhi. This partnership aims to leverage the strengths of both institutions to advance science communication, science, technology, and innovation (STI) policy research, and traditional knowledge, among other areas.
Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh Roushan, Controller of Administration at CSIR-NIScPR, and Dr. Rajiv Kumar, Registrar of Gurugram University, formalised the agreement, marking a pivotal step toward enhancing the impact of scientific research on society.
Representatives from both sides emphasised the importance of this collaboration in addressing societal needs through innovative scientific solutions. The agreement lays the groundwork for future projects that will benefit various segments of society, enhancing public understanding of science and improving the dissemination of vital information.
CSIR-NIScPR, which boasts a legacy of seven decades in science communication and policy research, is set to host an International Conference on Communication and Dissemination of Traditional Knowledge (CDTK-2024) in collaboration with Gurugram University on November 13-14, 2024.
This conference will provide a platform for scholars and practitioners to share knowledge, best practices, and insights, focusing on traditional knowledge systems and their relevance in contemporary society.
In a parallel effort to promote gender equity in science and technology, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) launched the Women in Space Leadership Programme (WiSLP) on the same day, in collaboration with the British Council.
This initiative is part of the UK-India Education and Research Initiative (UKIERI) and aims to strengthen gender-inclusive practices within the field of space sciences by developing a strategic leadership framework. Coventry University serves as the delivery partner for this program, bringing international expertise to bolster women’s leadership in this crucial domain.
“This program is a significant step towards creating a gender-inclusive environment in space sciences,” remarked Dr. Vandana Singh, head of the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE)-KIRAN division at DST. She stressed that by building a robust leadership framework, the initiative can empower women to make meaningful contributions to scientific research and innovation.
Michael Houlgate, Deputy Director of the British Council India, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the need for increased representation of women in STEM fields and the importance of collaboration in solving global challenges.
The WiSLP is designed to build leadership capacity among 250 early-career researchers, equipping them with the tools necessary to navigate gender biases and build sustainable support networks. Participants in the program, including academics and policymakers, will engage in discussions on promoting gender equity in space sciences, ensuring that women can thrive in this expanding field.
Additionally, the ‘Viksit Bharat Ambassador – Yuva Connect’ event held at Fergusson College in Pune highlighted the importance of youth participation in shaping India’s future. He discussed various government initiatives, such as the Lakhpati Didi Yojana, aimed at providing economic independence to women, and the Jan Dhan Yojana, which facilitates financial inclusion.
India is transitioning towards a more progressive mindset, prioritising the empowerment of all citizens to play a vital role in national development. These initiatives demonstrate India’s dedication to harnessing technology for societal progress while ensuring that women are positioned to lead in the fields of science and technology. By promoting collaboration and inclusivity, India is creating a more equitable and innovative technological landscape, thereby advancing the overarching goal of a developed and inclusive society.
