Call for Nomination: NIAS-DST Training Programme on "Science, Technology and Innovation Policy" | 13-24 March | NIAS Bangalore

NIAS-DST Training Programme on "Science, Technology and Innovation Policy" for Senior Scientists/ Technologists

13-24 March 2017

at National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bangalore, India

Invitation for Nomination

The National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS) has been organizing with support from the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, training programmes to provide the orientation and planning skills required for scientists/ technocrats of the country, and in particular, to offer views of the broader scientific, economic, social and cultural milieu in which the Indian scientific enterprise could develop in this century. The large pool of scientific and technical manpower in many Indian institutions has not had the benefit of either induction training or a system of regular in-service training that are available to other cadre-based services. In order to bridge this gap, this Programme which is now first in the series for scientist-administrators and technologists at the Senior Level with 15 years of experience and above from various scientific organizations in the country will focus on the theme "Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy". The Course will be conducted during March 13-24, 2017. Consistent with the mission of NIAS, its courses emphasize the development of leadership qualities through the integration of multidisciplinary knowledge.

About the Programme

This program will impart training to participants on how science policies are important and are evolved and what is the government's role in the science and technology innovation system. Given the challenges that lie ahead in India's S&T programmes, this training capsule will aim to equip those planning careers in science and technology and related areas. Similarly, the course will dwell on how S&T policies are formulated when government and the society/public look increasingly to experts to do more for the society than conduct research and produce knowledge, which helps protect against the misuse or unintended consequences of science and technology. This training program will impart sufficient knowledge to participants so that they can contribute to decision making related to S&T issues in public, private and civic settings. The training programme includes lectures by eminent speakers, presentations by the participants, group discussions, project work, week end technical visits, public lectures, cultural programme, 'Yoga' practice from health point of view and feedback. The defining feature of lecture pattern in our courses consists of interactive sessions with distinguished faculty drawn from different organizations and occupations. The general format is a presentation for 45 minutes followed by lively discussions for 45 minutes. The participants would be encouraged to interact as widely as possible with the speakers. 

The course will address broadly the following topics:

• Origin, evolution and history of science policy;
  
• Role of government in regulating, promoting and financing science;
  
• Science and Ethics;
  
• Science and IPR;
  
• S&T in advancement of national goals;
  
• Science and Diplomacy;
  
• Science and gender;
  
• Perception and acceptance of risk in evolution of science policy;
  
• Influence of social, cultural and political forces on the production of scientific knowledge;
  
• Science Policy and Security;
  
• Science Policy, Education and Culture;
  
• Advocacy, Special interest or Action Groups in influencing science policies;
  
• Science policy in global context: the rise of China, Korea in S&T field;
  
• Professional organisations and Science & Engineering Societies;
  
• Discussion on Industrial Revolution, Green, Blue and White revolutions;
  
• Discussion on DARPA, NSF, NASA, European Research;
  
• Discussion on US National Genome Plan Initiative (Five Year Plan: 2014-18); 
• Discussion on Moon Mission, Mars programme, Antarctica program; etc.
  

More information about the lectures will be provided to the nominated participants.

Infrastructure:

NIAS has unique infrastructural facilities like accommodation, dining hall, library, auditorium (lecture hall), rest rooms, browsing centre, campus with good ambience. Since the programme is residential, NIAS will arrange boarding and lodging facilities. In view of this, it is necessary that all the participants stay in the campus. In addition, the outstation participants will be provided with transport for their pick-up and drop.

Nominations:

The participants will range from various institutions like DST, DRDO, DAE, ISRO, ICMR, ICAR, CSIR, DSIR and Universities. No participation fee is involved for attending this essentially residential programme. Only the travel expenses from Head Quarters to Bangalore and back are to be met by the nominating organizations as stipulated by DST. Participation in this Programme is limited to 25 individuals. 

Contact Information: Contact the following for further information 

• Prof.V Bhujanga Rao, Course Coordinator, ISRO Chair Professor, National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS) Indian Institute of Science Campus, Bangalore-560012, INDIA Ph: 91-80-22185074 (Office); 91-8800990254 (Mobile); Email: vepcrew1@rediffmail.com
  
• Dr. Nithin Nagaraj, Co-Coordinator, Assistant Professor, National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Indian Institute of Science Campus, Bangalore-560012, INDIA. Ph: 91-80-22185053 (Office); 91-9663861742 (Mobile); Email: nithin.nagaraj@gmail.com 
  
• Mr. KS Rama Krishna, Course Secretary, National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Tel: 080-22185132, 91-9448066052 Email: niasdst.stip17@gmail.com
  

Concept Note

Nomination Form

Biodata Form

Call for Participation: Workshop on 3RS (Reduce, Reuse & Recycle) | 13 February | NPC, New Delhi

Productivity Week Celebration

Workshop on 3RS (Reduce, Reuse & Recycle)

13 February 2017

Venue: NPC Conference Hall, New Delhi, India

National Productivity Council (under Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Govt. of India) is observing "Productivity Week" during 12th to 18th February, 2017. The theme of productivity week is "Waste to Profit – 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse & Recycle)". A workshop on 3Rs will be organized on 13th February 2017 at NPC Conference Hall, New Delhi. In connection with this, NPC in collaboration with Ministry of Urban Development, Govt. of India has decided to award "Certificates of Excellence in 3Rs" in different categories on 13th February, 2017.

National Productivity Council (NPC) of India, founded on 12th February, 1958, with mission to promote productivity for socio-economic development of the country, has been organizing observance of its Foundation Day as "Productivity Day" and the ensuing week as "Productivity Week" throughout the country. It has been decided to adopt "Waste to Profit - 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse & Recycle)" as the main theme of the Productivity Week for the year 2017. 

Organized by: National Productivity Council (Under Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Govt. of India) & Asian Productivity Organization (APO)

Registration: As seats are limited, a pre-registration is necessary to confirm your nomination. The nomination/s can be sent to: yogendra.p@npcindia.gov.in or o.samuel@npcindia.gov.in, Tel: 011-24607368/25

Tentative Program Schedule

11:00 – 11:05 Welcome Address | by NPC Official

11:05 – 11:15 Inaugural Address | by Director General, NPC

11.30 – 12:00 Waste Management Hierarchy and the 3R Concept | by NPC Official

12:00 – 12:30 Role of Municipal Bodies in applying 3Rs towards Swachh Bharat Mission | by Official from Ministry of Urban Development, Govt. of India

12:30 – 13:00 Policy Framework in India for promotion of 3Rs | by Official from Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change, Govt. of India

14:00 – 16:00 Award Ceremony for distribution of "Certificates of Excellence in 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse & Recycle)" in the categories of: Municipal Corporations (Metropolitan Cities), 5 Star Hotels, Townships of Public Sector Enterprises, Cantonment Board Townships, Schools in Delhi NCR.

16:00 – 16:05 Vote of Thanks | by NPC Official

​Further Details

Call for Participation: 3-Day Programme on Monitoring & Evaluation for RBM (Result Based Management) | 14-16 February | NPC, New Delhi

Productivity Week Celebration

3-Day Programme on Monitoring & Evaluation for RBM (Result Based Management)

14-16 February 2017

Venue: NPC Conference Hall, New Delhi, India

Organized by: National Productivity Council (Under Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Govt. of India) & Asian Productivity Organization (APO)

Participant Profile: Government / Public sector officials, Urban/Local bodies, Policy makers/ Regulatory bodies, Statistical and Economic Service industries, Researchers/ scholars from institutions, SME Consultants, Entrepreneurs, etc.

Nomination: Fee has been waived off. As seats are limited, a pre-registration is necessary to confirm your nomination. The nomination/s can be sent to: shukla.pal@npcindia.gov.in, nikita@npcindia.gov.in, Tel: 011-24607310/325

 

Programme Coverage:

• RBM and M&E concept, principles, tools and techniques
  
• Productivity in public sector
  
• RBM tools for M&E of government schemes/programs/projects
  
• Productivity integrated M&E framework
  
• Basics and benefits of M&E
  
• Integration of RBM and M&E
  

International Faculty: Dr. Shin Kim,  APO Resource Speaker

​

Further Details

CfPs Seminar on Folk Philosophy in South Asia: Exploring the Cosmic and Mundane in the Folklore | 25 -26 March | Rajasthan, India

National Seminar on Folk Philosophy in South Asia: Exploring the Cosmic and Mundane in the Folklore

Date: 25 -26 March 2017

Organized by Banasthali University in collaboration with South Asian University

Venue: Banasthali University, Tonk, Rajasthan, India

Calls for Papers 

The proposed seminar seeks to bring together researches on various aspects of folklore from across the regions of South Asia contributing to the idea of folk philosophy dealing with key philosophical issues such as cosmology, myths, deities, ritual performances, material relations, everyday life inter alia. The key objective is to offer the possibility of making humble contribution to non- western paradigms of knowledge production- a much needed imperative in the time of cultural globalization. The seminar connects philosophical with folkloric in order to enrich the domains of philosophical inquiries in South Asia. Thematic areas include:

• Ideas of Folk Philosophy: Conceptual Contours and Methodological Discussions
  
• Folk Cosmology (creation, the attributes of god, human soul, death and after life) in various communities, tribal, peasant, and modern. 
  
• Fluidity and Flows of folklore in the region of South Asia
  
• Philosophy of Consciousness (essential harmony of all creation, light and darkness) in the folklore 
  
• Paradigm of Experiential and Epistemological Knowledge (myths and symbols, folklore, proverbs, songs, traditions, rituals, medicine) in Folklore from across the region of South Asia
  
• Systems of religious and philosophic beliefs – sects and deities, rituals and performances
  
• Moral, and Ethical Discourses in Folklore from across the region of South Asia
  
• Identity perceptions and projections (self and others) in Folklore from across the region of South Asia
  
• Material Relationship (Relationship with land, forest, environment and culture in tribal world - Social forestry) in Folklore from across the region of South Asia
  
• Tribal lore - as a memory of events, historical narratives 
  
• Messianic movements in Rajasthan - Lasodia, Govindgiri, Gulia, Mavaji, Motilal Tejawat
  
• Gender and Caste issues in Folklore of Tribal and Peasant Society from across the region
  

Submission of Abstract: Send us an abstract of 500 words latest by 30th January 2017 and first draft by 10th of February 2017. The registration fee will be charged on selection of abstract, from academicians (Rs 1500) & student scholars (Rs 1000). For abstract and paper submission & any queries or information, write us at philosophyfolk@gmail.com. 

Convener: Prof. Dr. Preeti Sharma, Department Of History & Indian Culture, Banasthali University | Co-convener: Dr. Dev N Pathak, Department of Sociology, South Asian University.

​​Further Details

Call for Entries | Dr. Ambedkar Foundation National Essay Competition - 2016

Dr. Ambedkar Foundation National Essay Competition - 2016

Last Date for Submission is 10.02.2017

Essay Topic for Category 1 (School Students): "Ambedkar's Views on Nation & Nationalism"

Essay Topic ​for Category 2 (College/ University Students): "Personality of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, his Social Environment, his Education, or Western Thoughts"

Further Details and Download Application Form

JMI, New Delhi organizes "BRICS and the Multipolar World: Workshop on BRICS Studies" | on 1st February

BRICS and the Multipolar World: Workshop on BRICS Studies

Date: 1^st February 2017

Venue: Ho Chi Minh Conference Room, MMAJ Academy of International Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi

The five countries that comprise BRICS - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – are emerging economies striving to create of a more just and balanced system of global economic relations. BRICS focuses on good neighbourly relations, mutually beneficial cooperation, climate change, security issues, sustainable growth and reform of the international economic architecture to find means to solve unemployment. It promotes multilateral trade cooperation. Its multi-sectoral cooperation among members includes science, technology, internet governance and security, social security, agriculture, intellectual property, tourism, health, etc. Formed in 2006, it is the largest interregional grouping. South Africa was added to the group in 2010. BRICS has worked through and formulated policies at its summits in member countries (the First Summit was in 2009 in Russia and the Eighth Summit took place in Goa in October 2016). The workshop will have eminent specialists examine and critically evaluate the role of BRICS and its contribution to a multipolar world order.

Who Can Apply for the Workshop? The workshop is open to all MA, MPhil, PhD students from NCR.

How to Apply for the Workshop? A Rs 200 demand draft in favour of "Registrar, JMI" will have to be submitted along with a copy of the latest degree of the applicant to the AIS office. The workshop will register 50 participants on a first come, first served basis.

Deadline for Application: 25 January 2017. 

A certificate of participation will be given to participants at the end of the workshop. Further Information

New Book | The Data Librarian's Handbook | by Robin Rice & John Southall, 2016

The Data Librarian's Handbook

by Robin Rice and John Southall, Facet Publishing, 2016, 192 pages, paperback, ISBN: 9781783300471.

About the Book 

An insider's guide to data librarianship packed full of practical examples and advice for any library and information professional learning to deal with data. Interest in data has been growing in recent years. Support for this peculiar class of digital information – its use, preservation and curation, and how to support researchers' production and consumption of it in ever greater volumes to create new knowledge, is needed more than ever.  Many librarians and information professionals are finding their working life is pulling them toward data support or research data management but lack the skills required. 

The Data Librarian's Handbook, written by two data librarians with over 30 years' combined experience, unpicks the everyday role of the data librarian and offers practical guidance on how to collect, curate and crunch data for economic, social and scientific purposes. With contemporary case studies from a range of institutions and disciplines, tips for best practice, study aids and links to key resources, this book is a must-read for all new entrants to the field, library and information students and working professionals. 

Readership: This title is for the practising data librarian, possibly new in their post with little experience of providing data support. It is also for managers and policy-makers, public service librarians, research data management coordinators and data support staff. It will also appeal to students and lecturers in iSchools and other library and information degree programmes where academic research support is taught.

Table of Contents

1. Data Librarianship: Responding to Research Innovation

2. What Is Different about Data?

3. Supporting Data Literacy [Sample Chapter]

4. Building a Data Collection

5. Research Data Management Service and Policy: Working Across Your Institution

6. Data Management Plans as a Calling Card

7. Essentials of Data Repositories

8. Dealing with Sensitive Data

9. Data Sharing in the Disciplines

10. Supporting Open Scholarship and Open Science

About the Authors

Robin Rice is Data Librarian at EDINA and Data Library, an organisation providing data services for research and education based in Information Services at the University of Edinburgh.

John Southall is Data Librarian for the Bodleian Libraries at the University of Oxford. He is based in the Social Science Library and is subject consultant for Economics, Sociology and Social Policy & Intervention.

​Further Details

EC OA Report | Evaluation of a National Research System: Morocco | ed by Roland Waast & Mina Kleiche-Dray

Evaluation of a National Research System: Morocco. 

Ed by Roland Waast & Mina Kleiche-Dray. European Commission: Directorate General for Research, 2009, ISBN 9789279129575, doi: 10.2777/36998.

Abstract: The report ends with a synthesis of the evaluation, and a posteriori analysis of this operation by the people in charge of research today (i.e. Ahmed El Hattab and Said Belcadi); they present the lessons retained by the Ministère Délégué à la Recherche Scientifique (Moroccan Ministry for Scientific Research), and the results that followed. This report appears just at the right time. The question of the role and usefulness of the scientific system is an up-to-date one. Genuine financial and resource efforts have been laid out in Morocco. However, what is at stake is not only a question of mobilising means but also of structuring research - not only institutions but links with society, motivation, human resources and, finally, imagination for choosing relevant and anticipating niches. This a constant concern of the Académie Hassan II des Sciences et des Techniques (Sciences and Technologies Academy of Morocco), which, among other missions, has to contribute to defining the general orientations of scientific and technological development of the country.

Table of Contents

Preface | Prof. Omar Fassi-Fehri

Methodology 

1.1 The approach | Roland Waast

1.2 Role of the ministry | Ilham Laaziz el Malti

Framework of Moroccan Research

2.1 A history of research organisation | Mina Kleiche-Dray

2.2 The Moroccan research system: organisation and new initiatives | Mina Kleiche-Dray

2.3 Detailed bibliometric analysis: methods and outcomes | Pier Luigi Rossi and Roland Waast

2.4 The role of the e-survey in evaluating national research systems: a study of Moroccan research laboratories | Anne-Marie Gaillard and Jacques Gaillard

Synthesis and Continuation

3.1 Evaluation overview | Roland Waast

3.2 Lessons learned and follow-up | Said Belcadi and Ahmed El Hattab

References | Mina Kleiche-Dray

Download Full-text PDF (Open Access)

AJSTID Book Review | Understanding the Dynamics of Indian Higher Education | Review of "India Higher Education Report 2015"

Mukherjee Das, A. (2016). Understanding the Dynamics of Indian Higher Education, African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development, DOI: 10.1080/20421338.2016.1256595. 

Reviewed book: India Higher Education Report 2015, edited by NV Varghese & Garima Malik, Routledge India, 2015. 

​​​Download Book Review

Call for Participation: General Course on Intellectual Property (DL101) | Free eLearning Course by WIPO Academy - Distance Learning Program

General Course on Intellectual Property  (DL-101)
Free eLearning Course by WIPO Academy - Distance Learning Program

Overview: This course provides an in-depth view of the fundamentals of IP law, and is considered as indispensable to pursue more advanced courses of study on specific areas of IP law. Self-assessment tools are strategically placed throughout each module to assist participants with gauging their respective levels of knowledge and progress, as well as their ability to apply the concepts and facts presented within the course. Academic support is provided throughout each module by experienced tutors who are expert practitioners in the field of IP.

Curriculum

The DL-101 course is comprised of the following modules and final exam:

Module 1: Introduction to IP
Module 2: Copyright
Module 3: Related Rights
Module 4: Trademarks
Module 5: Geographical Indications
Module 6: Industrial Design
Module 7: Patents
Module 8: WIPO Treaties
Module 9: Unfair Competition
Module 10: Protection of New Varieties of Plants
Module 11: Summary and Discussion on Intellectual Property Rights
Module 12: IP and Development - The WIPO Development Agenda

Final Exam and Certificate: The final exam for this course is comprised of a series of multiple choice questions. A fixed amount of time is allocated for participants to complete and submit the exam on-line. Participants are contacted regarding modalities for accessing the final exam approximately one week prior to the deadline for completion of the DL-101 course. Participants who pass the DL-101 final exam are awarded an electronic certificate of course completion.
Eligibility: This course is open to individuals who are/will be employed in the field of administration of intellectual property rights; those seeking general knowledge of IP; and those who generate various forms of IP and seek a deeper understanding of the effective management and protection of IPRs.
To be enrolled before: 31 January 2017
Course Dates: 1 February 2017 to 15 March 2017

Duration: 55 hrs 

Further Details and Free Registration

CfPs: First Workshop on Indian Science & Technology Entrepreneurship Partnership (ISTEP) | 24-25 February | CSIR-NISTADS, New Delhi, India

First Workshop on Indian Science & Technology Entrepreneurship Partnership (ISTEP)

24-25 February 2017 

CSIR-NISTADS, New Delhi, India

Background: It is generally accepted that Science and Technology can be the major drivers of innovations and enterprise of our times. In particular, a systematic and focused effort to utilize S&T in enterprise holds the promise of revolutionizing the country's economic and industrial landscape. However, this potential of S&T driven enterprise has not yet been fully realized in India. The first step towards such a realization is to identify the key characteristics of an S&T driven enterprise. The first meeting on ISTEP will focus on the characterization of S&T driven enterprise and develop a roadmap for realizing ISTEP.

Approach: While an enterprise automatically includes innovation, the reverse is not true. ISTEP will move beyond innovation by integrating innovations into products for value addition and cost-competitiveness. ISTEP will complement traditional discipline driven research with S&T synergies with enterprise goals. 

Plan of the Workshop: The primary goal of the Workshop will be to identify enterprise goals based on compelling necessities that can significantly value-add national aspirations and provide global leadership. The meeting will examine and explore major thematic areas to make a successful ISTEP. The first session will highlight these thematic areas and bring out critical issues. In the second (parallel) session, groups will discuss each thematic area in detail to develop working models. The third (day 2) sessions will synthesize the inputs from the six groups to arrive at an integrated ISTEP plan. The third day (panel discussion) will create a comprehensive set of recommendations; a Draft Agenda is available online.

Participants: Realization of ISTEP will require sustained, significant and synergetic efforts systematically involving thought leaders, established researchers and young researchers. Accordingly, the meeting will include all the three tiers from industry and academia to develop strategies and roadmap for ISTEP:

• Thought Leaders
  
• Policy Makers
  
• Subject Experts including Finance and Management
  
• Industry Leaders
  
• Young Researchers
  

In addition to the invited speakers, a few contributed presentations will be included through open call. 

Organization of the Workshop: The event will be jointly organized by CSIR NISTADS, Delhi and NIAS, Bangalore. A Scientific Organizing Committee will design the Agenda and identify the invited speakers. 

Output: The main output will be a document containing the frameworks, recommendations and roadmap for implementation of ISTEP. In addition, a Pilot Project will be considered for a Proof-of-Concept.

Outcome: The primary outcome of the meeting will be the first step towards design and implementation of ISTEP. Another important outcome would be an ISTEP Working Group for sustained follow up.

Follow Up: The first Workshop will be followed up with subsequent events as recommended. A Pilot Project will be developed to create a Proof-of-Concept. 

For Submission to the Workshop 

Key Dates

• Deadline for submission of extended abstracts January 31, 2017
  
• Communication of acceptance of abstracts February 10, 2017
  

Format of Extended Abstract: Extended abstract (of around 1500 words) should be submitted outlining the main research questions and their relevance to ISTEP. Extended Abstract should be under following sub-heads (a) Purpose (b) Design/Methodology/Approach (c) Findings (d) Implications (e) Originality/Value (f) Keywords (maximum 5).

The work submitted should not have been published earlier in any form. All submissions and communications should be sent through email at istipworkshop2016@gmail.com. Subsequent notifications and other details will be posted on this site. 

Registration/ Online Submission of Abstract 

Gujarat Government announces Biotechnology Policy | ​Download Full-text PDF

Gujarat Government announces Biotechnology Policy

PTI | December 26, 2016 | http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/gujarat-government-announces-biotechnology-policy/1/843482.html

Gandhinagar, Dec 26 (PTI): With an aim to establish Gujarat as a preferred destination for manufacturing of biotechnology products, the state government today announced its Biotechnology Policy-2016. The policy has various incentives for investors who are keen to set up their units in the state. Under the policy, the state government would provide capital subsidy up to Rs 25 crore on the total investment for developing a Biotechnology (BT) Park, said Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel while announcing the policy. In addition, the developer of such park will be eligible for 100 per cent reimbursement of stamp duty paid on sale or lease of the land for setting such park, stated the policy document. BT Park developer will be given 100 per cent reimbursement for electricity duty paid for a period of five years, it added. For individual BT manufacturing units having gross fixed capital investment(GFCI) up to Rs 50 crore, government would give capital subsidy up to Rs 10 per cent of the GFCI with a ceiling of Rs 5 crore. Further, BT units with borrowings up to Rs 50 crore shall be entitled to an interest subsidy at the rate of 5 per cent with a ceiling of 2.5 crore per annum, the document added. To encourage new start-ups in this sector, government would give 100 per cent reimbursement of stamp duty paid on sale or lease of the land for setting such start-up, it added. According to Patel, governments aim is to make Gujarat number one in Biotechnology sector by attracting new investment. "At present, there are 175 BT units in Gujarat having total turnover of Rs 4,500 crore per annum. We are on number three spot in India. Our aim behind bringing this policy is to take this turnover to Rs 15,000 crore within next three-four years and make Gujarat number one in this sector," said Patel. Source.

M S Swaminathan: 

Happy to see progress in #biotech policy. Was involved in 1st policies of Gujarat & TN & Chair of India's 1st National Biotechnology Board.

Congratulate the Gujarat government for its new policy on #biotechnology in the state and in appointing a Mission Director. @CMOGuj

Video of Gujarat Govt announcing New Biotechnology Policy

​Download Full-text PDF (Open Access)