miércoles, 16 de octubre de 2019

Research in elite institutions must focus on the problems of their surrounding environment | The Indian Express

Written by Milind Sohoni |New Delhi |Updated: October 16, 2019 9:58:44 am

The writer is with Centre for Technology Alternatives for Rural Areas, IIT Bombay. He is currently on deputation to IIT Goa.

Research in elite institutions must focus on the problems of their surrounding environment

As a developing country, India faces many challenges. The systematic study of such problems and their solutions will lead not only to better development outcomes, but also new science, enterprises and jobs.

There should be better alignment of research and development with existing programmes at the national and state level (Illustration: C R Sasikumar)

It is good to hear that the Department of Science and Technology (DST) of the Government of India has engaged in a review of its State Science and Technology Councils (SSTC) Programme. The SSTCs were formed to spearhead the use of science and technology (S&T) for regional problems and to foster “scientific temper” within states, and the DST programme was mandated “to provide core support”. Sadly, this was neglected and most SSTCs are now intellectually adrift. The second review meeting is being held this week in New Delhi, and is led by notable bureaucrats, scientists and educationists. This provides an opportunity to reform our scientific institutions and align them with the interests of the people.