Last updated on June 29th, 2023 at 05:23 pm
“Inputs to Policy on Empowering Young Scientists” was an international webinar conducted jointly by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India, the Indian National Young Academy of Sciences (INYAS), and the Indian Institute of Technology – Banaras Hindu University.
The Office of PSA’s Empowering Young Scientists initiative will hold a webinar on January 9, 2023, to collect input for a new policy document aimed at promoting excellence in scientific and technological leadership among the next generation of young researchers and scientists (≤45 years) in India.
Speakers from different parts of the world participated and put forward their views. The speaker of the webinar was Prof. T.K. Oommen, Michigan Technological University, USA; Dr. Manu Vora, ASQ Fellow, Chairman, and President, Business Excellence, Inc., USA; Professor Anupama Prakash, Provost, and Executive Vice Chancellor, University of Alaska; Ganesh Bora (Associate Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation at Fayetteville State University), and Professor Manoj K. ShuklaProfessor Manoj K. Shukla, professor of soil physics, New Mexico State University, USA; Dr. Keshav Swarankar, Consultant General Surgeon, Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport, UK; Professor Nitin K Tripathi, Professor (Remote Sensing & GIS), Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok; Prof Sanjay K. Shukla, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia; Professor Bipashye Ghosh, Research Fellow, Deep Transitions, University of Sussex, UK; Prof Vikram Alva, Project Leader, Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, Germany.
The key points which were brought up during the webinar were suggestions on how to fund early career researchers; letting them research what they’re interested in; developing their skills – both practical and interpersonal skills; involving them in the decision-making process; making it easier for them to collaborate internationally by simplifying administrative procedures; acknowledging and rewarding young scientists for their work; and investing in networking opportunities so that young scientists are aware of different collaborations and funding opportunities.
The final policy document will include these recommendations, which were gathered from scientists and researchers in India and the Indian diaspora through a questionnaire, an international webinar held on January 9, 2023, and an upcoming brainstorming session.
“It is our constant endeavor to empower the young scientists of India as it is an investment for the future of India,” said Prof Ajay K Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, speaking on occasion.
