IIT BHU, national science academy hold webinar for policy on empowering young scientists

NEW DELHI: The office of principal scientific adviser (PSA), Indian National Young Academy of Sciences (INYAS) and Indian Institute of Technology- Banaras Hindu University jointly organise an international webinar named 'inputs to policy on empowering young scientists.' The webinar was organised on January 9, 2023.

The aim of the webinar was to collect inputs on a new policy document to empower and nurture the next generation of young scientists below the age of 45 years in India. This would translate into scientific and technological leadership for furthering research and development in the country.

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The main points covered in the webinar were-

• recommendations for funding support for early career researchers,
• giving young scientists freedom to take up research in their area of interest,
• hard and soft skill development,
• involving the researchers in decision-making,
• easing on the the procedures on international collaborations;
• rewarding and recognising young scientists in their early careers and spread awareness about opportunities for career growth to retain and encourage them,
• providing good mentorship programmes and incentive for the mentors,
• education on research ethics, research paper publications and supporting patent filing.

These recommendations will be included in the final policy document s an outcome of the consultations with scientists and researchers in India and the Indian diaspora done through questionnaire circulated to scientists and researchers below 45 years of age. A brainstorming session is scheduled to be held at IIT BHU with senior scientists across the country.

The international speakers from different parts of the world included Michigan Technological University, professor, TK Oommen; Business excellence, president and chairman, ASQ fellow, Manu Vora; University of Alaska, executive vice chancellor and provost, Anupma Prakash; Fayetteville State University, associate vice chancellor, research and innovation, Ganesh Bora; New Mexico State University, professor, soil physics, Manoj K Shukla and Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport, consultant general surgeon, Keshav Swarnkar among many others.