Wednesday, May 28, 2014

CfPs: International Conference on Data Sharing and Integration for Global Sustainability (SciDataCon 2014), 2-5 Nov, at JNU Convention Centre

International Conference on Data Sharing and Integration for Global Sustainability (SciDataCon 2014)
2–5 November 2014
Venue: Jawaharlal Nehru University Convention Centre, New Delhi, hosted by the Indian National Science Academy.

Organizer: The Committee on Data for Science and Technology (CODATA) and the World Data System (WDS), interdisciplinary committees of the International Council for Science (ICSU)

Call for Papers (Deadline: 16 June 2014)
Addressing the theme of Data Sharing and Integration for Global Sustainability, SciDataCon 2014 will feature four main tracks: (A) Dynamic Planet, (B) Global Development, (C) Transformations Towards Sustainability, and (D) Data Science and Services.  This structure is intended to bridge cross-cutting data themes and research themes of Future Earth, an international research programme on global sustainability coordinated by ICSU and its partners and starting in 2015. By focusing on the intersection of data issues and scientific research challenges—and by advancing data science and developing international data services—SciDataCon will also amplify the message of like-minded global data initiatives promoting data sharing and interoperability, such as the Group on Earth Observations (GEO) and the recently established Research Data Alliance (RDA).
SciDataCon will provide a unique platform bringing together international experts and practitioners in data sciences, technologies and management; researchers from the natural, social, health, and computer sciences; research funders and sponsors; and policy makers and advisors.

Abstracts for Oral Presentations
Proposed Oral Presentations must be submitted online. This involves completing an online form and uploading a two-page abstract, with additional information, using the following MS Word template: Template for Oral Presentation proposal. Please note that Abstracts acceptance is subject to delegate registration for the Conference.
 
Abstracts and Full Papers Publication
All accepted abstracts will be published in the Conference Proceedings, following the prescribed submission format https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&id=0B4qnUFYMgSc-alNvLUp4SmV5ZVk . Selected authors, who indicated their intention to submit full papers, will be invited to publish a peer-reviewed manuscript in a special issue of the CODATA Data Science Journal.

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

CfPs: Fifth National Seminar on Industrial Statistics, 29th October at Kolkata

Fifth National Seminar on Industrial Statistics

29th October 2014, at Kolkata

Organized by Central Statistics Office, Industrial Statistics Wing, National Statistical Organisation, MOSPI


Beginning with 2010, CSO, IS Wing has already organised four National Seminars on Industrial Statistics with impressive attendances and significant contributions in the given area. The seminar of this kind is actually providing a platform to experts and users of official statistics on Indian industries held from government organisations, academic institutions and business houses & associations for sharing experiences end exchanging of ideas that would be beneficial for improving the system.

The fifth National Seminar on Industrial Statistics will be held on 29 October 2014, Wednesday at Kolkata. In this context, seminar papers, based on industrial statistics/economic analysis on industry are invited from government organisations, academic institutions, researchers and business houses & associations. The proposed paper should be original and unpublished. It is likely that the paper presented in the seminar. if selected, may be published in The Journal of Industrial Statistics. Any individual interested to contribute a paper is requested to submit a synopsis (about three pages) on MS-Word format electronically at the following address. On selection, the contributor will be intimated separately about further details. For any query all the seminar or paper, the undersigned may be contacted (Ph. 033- 2231 0970, email: bivaschaudhuri@gmail.com, Dr Bivas Chaudhuri, Director CSO).


Submission address: cso _isw@yahoo.co.in, bivaschaudhuri@gmail.com

Important deadlines:    

  • Submission of synopsis: July 23, 2014
  • Full Paper submission: August 29, 2014

Essay Competition on "In Science Communication, why does the idea of a public deficit always return?"

Essay Competition on "In Science Communication, why does the idea of a public deficit always return?"

At the recent PCST conference in Bahia, the issue of the deficit model was raised again, in the session on science communication and its audiences. To stimulate the debate and to contribute to the community, the journal Public Understanding of Science would like to announce an essay competition.

The essay theme:

"In Science Communication, why does the idea of a public deficit always return?"

In line with the new constitution of PCST, we'd like to encourage submissions from both younger and older scholars. The implication is that authors will have to disclose their date of birth.
The reward, other than the glory, is that the essay will be fast tracked to print publication in 2015 and made freely available online.

The rules:
1. Deadline for submission 15th January 2015
2. Two essays will be selected: One from authors under 36 on 15th January 2015; One from authors 36 and more on that date
3. 8000 words or less
4. The editorial team and the editorial board of PUS will select the two winners
5. Winners will be supported by peer review and published with fanfare
6. Please send submissions to Sue Howard at pusedit@lse.ac.uk

We look forward to hearing from you.

Martin Bauer and Sue Howard
Public Understanding of Science

------------------------------
-------------------------------------
Professor Martin W Bauer
Editor Public Understanding of Science
Director MSc Social and Public Communication
Institute of Social Psychology (ISP) & Methodology Institute (Mi)
London School of Economics
Houghton Street London WC2A 2AE
E: pusedit@lse.ac.uk

2014 rules and regulations for the “Research in Paris” call for applications

Research in Paris : 2014 rules and regulations for the "Research in Paris" call for applications
2014 rules and regulations for the "Research in Paris" call for applications.

An outline of the conditions to be fulfilled by the applicants and host laboratories, and methods of selection.

 

 


The programme

Receiving researchers from abroad is one of the main priorities of local policy in favour of research. Fostering exchanges on a global scale and researchers' mobility plays a key part in ensuring that Parisian Research flourishes.

Since 2003, the City of Paris has offered a selective programme to draw researchers from abroad – postdoctoral and senior researchers – to public-sector research laboratories located within inner Paris for a fixed period of time.

This programme aims to forge new ties and strengthen existing ones with research centres in major international cities and Paris.

Jean-Louis Missika, Deputy Mayor in charge of Innovation, Research and Universities, has stepped up this programme so that almost 70 scientists from all fields of study are taken in every year, with a view to meeting the needs of the research teams in Paris.

Eligibility

- Applicants:

The research programme is intended for researchers from abroad only.

The programme gives priority to junior researchers from abroad, who attended their PhD less than 5 years ago. However, several grants will be awarded to senior researchers from abroad (a third maximum), who attended their Phd over 5 years ago.

Applicants should hold a PhD and be affiliated with a research body in their country, where they must be resident and work.

Ineligible applicants:

- French nationals

Applicants from abroad are ineligible to apply if they: 
- already live in France
- already work in France
- have already taken part in the programme in the past.

Important: grant is awarded by the City of Paris. Researchers cannot hold more than one grant of this kind at any one time.

Host laboratories:

All of the public-sector research laboratories located within inner Paris are eligible, including those which have already taken part in the "Research in Paris" programme in previous years.

Fields of study: All fields of study are eligible. Cross-cutting research work or topics tackling emerging fields are encouraged.

Selection criteria:

The scientific merit of a proposal (applicant-project-host laboratory) plays a key part in the selection process.

Once the quality of their scientific proposal has been considered, other aspects are also taken into account:
-The various fields of study (social sciences, humanities, life sciences, earth sciences, physical and engineering sciences, mathematics, etc.) must be represented on an equal footing..
- Projects must include objectives and avenues for cooperation between the applicant's home and host laboratories.


Jury and release of final results

The applicants' proposals will be closely studied by experts from the City of Paris Scientific Committee and external experts appointed by the Committee.
A jury presided over by the Deputy Mayor in charge of Innovation, Research and Universities will award the grants in light of the assessments provided by the Scientific Committee and external experts.

The final results will be published on the City of Paris website - www.recherche.paris.fr and www.en.paris.fr

Host laboratories that have been selected shall confirm acceptance by mail within an 8-day time limit. Once this time limit has passed, the grant will be awarded to the next applicant on the reserve list.

Yes, applicants on the reserve list shall replace applicants who withdraw.


Managing the researchers' stay in Paris

Length of stay

-Postdoctoral researchers: minimum stay of 6 months and maximum stay of 12 months 
- Senior researchers: stay may vary between 2 and 6 months

The arrival date must fall sometime between 1 September 2014 and 28 February 2015.

Receiving and accommodating researchers

The City of Paris has made arrangements for the Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris (accommodation for international students) to take care of the researchers by welcoming them, completing the necessary administrative formalities and reserving accommodation.

The Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris department which deals with receiving researchers from abroad, Acc&ss Paris Centre (formely BACE), will contact the researchers to take account of their needs before they arrive.

Researches can benefit from administrative help and assistance in finding accommodation. Accommodation may be proposed to the researcher. It is however his/her responsibility to pay for the rent..

Stay allowance

Grant amount and payment methods

-Postdoctoral researchers: €2500 net per month 
-Senior researchers: €3000 net per month

Researchers cannot hold more than one grant of this kind at any one time.

The grant payment for the last month is made provided a report in French dealing with the scientific work carried out during the stay (approx. 15 pages) is submitted.

Travel expenses and social security

The expenses of return travel between the home country and France are covered on a fixed price basis depending on the location of the home country and receipts of the amount paid.

The costs of researchers' health insurance are also covered by the programme.

Submitting your application

Applications are to be sent electronically using the City of Paris website. All of the elements required may be sent using this website. Supplementary material submitted separately, incomplete applications and/or faxed or emailed applications will not be considered.

Important: Proposals are only considered if they are submitted in full before the deadline date. Applications sent after 13th February 2014 at 12:00 am (noon) local time will not be considered.

Please note that if you deliberately give any false or misleading information, we will withdraw your application or, if a grant has already been awarded, ask you to pay back any money we have given you. This will also have implications for any future applications you may submit.

Researchers must fill in the online form and provide the following attachments in French or in English:

- Curriculum Vitae (scan)
Two pages in length. It includes a summary of your educational and academic backgrounds as well as teaching and research experience, publications. Mention of your current position is mandatory.

- Thesis certificate or accreditation (scan)
Each candidate for the grant must hold a doctorate degree.

- Attestation, or certificate from the current laboratory on headed paper with the laboratory's stamp (scan)
The present is to certify that the applicant is a researcher currently affiliated to a university or research institution in a Foreign country and that the laboratory support his/her application to the "Research in Paris" programme in order to establish a basis for long-term research cooperation.

- Attestation, or certificate from the host laboratory on headed paper with the laboratory's stamp (scan)

- Applicant and host laboratory project proposal (download form) » Applicant and host laboratory project proposal (example, pdf) 

  Apply until 13th February 2014 at 12:00 am  local time (noon) 

http://www.paris.fr/english/paris-a-city-with-an-international-profile/research-in-paris/2014-rules-and-regulations-for-the-research-in-paris-call-for-applications/rub_9105_stand_65215_port_22098

Professor Prajit K. Basu on "Good Life, Self Sufficiency and Moral Compass of Science"

Professor Prajit K. Basu, of Central University of Hyderabad, India, delivers a Lecture "Good Life, Self Sufficiency and Moral Compass of Science" on 2nd May 2014.

Listen to this lecture: http://i.mixcloud.com/CIDI9j ; http://www.mixcloud.com/cssp_jnu/

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Orientation Programme on Social Science Research, at CPR New Delhi, 10-12 July

Orientation Programme on Social Science Research
for Research Scholars and Lecturers belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Marginalised Groups
10-12 July 2014
Organised by Centre for Policy Research, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi

Centre for Policy Research is organising a three-day Capacity-Building Workshop for research scholars and faculty members belonging to the above Social Groups from Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Uttarakhand. The programme is sponsored by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) and will be held during 10-12 July 2014 in New Delhi. It seeks to help the participants in three areas: 1) to refresh their knowledge of research on discrimination and exclusion, including source material and new directions; 2) to equip them with latest methods in social science research, and; 3) to impart knowledge and insights into soft-skills, the importance of ICT in research, avenues to disseminate their output.
The workshop will consist of lectures, seminars, group discussions and practical guidance. A candidate, belonging to any of the social groups and states mentioned above, must meet the following requirements:
  • Below the age of 40 years
  • From any of the Social Sciences
  • Currently enrolled in a PhD programme
  • Completed PhD but not in employment
  • Teaching in degree and above courses in a college/university
About 25-30 candidates will be selected based on their suitability. The participants will get free boarding and lodging on twinsharing basis. Three-tier AC train fare by the shortest route will be reimbursed. Candidates may send their CVs and a brief write-up of about 300 words, giving their future research plans. The CV, in addition to other particulars, must also contain the following: 1) date of birth; 2) gender; 3) social group; 4) state of domicile and the state in which currently working/ studying; 5) subject(s) studied in post-graduation; 6) title of one's PhD thesis, and; 7) whether ever attended an orientation programme sponsored by ICSSR. The CV and brief note must be sent by email to workshop@cprindia.org on or before May 20, 2014. Selected candidates will be intimated by May 27, 2014.

Centre for Policy Research
Dharma Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi – 110 021
Tel: 011-26115273-76 (4 Lines) Fax: 011-26872746
http://www.cprindia.org/

CfPs: Eleventh Biennial Conference on Entrepreneurship, at EDI Ahmedabad, 18-20 Feb 2015

Eleventh Biennial Conference on Entrepreneurship

February 18-20, 2015

Organized By Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India, Ahmedabad

Call for Papers

The Eleventh Biennial Conference on Entrepreneurship testifies to the institute's pursuit of excellence and clear contribution to entrepreneurship education, training, research and institution building within India and internationally. Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDI) derives much satisfaction in assisting and building entrepreneurship development institutes in countries namely, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Vietnam. Based on the successful establishment of these institutes, EDI has been further assigned by Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India to help build entrepreneurship development institutes in five countries of the African Region and Uzbekistan.

As India's preeminent institute of entrepreneurship education and research, EDI invites researchers, educators and practitioners in the field of entrepreneurship to participate in and contribute to the Eleventh Biennial Conference on Entrepreneurship to be held during February 18-20, 2015 at EDI, Ahmedabad.

In keeping with ten biennial conferences over the past 20 years, the Eleventh Biennial Conference on Entrepreneurship continues to be an established forum for researchers, educators and practitioners to share their ideas and research results with other researchers and thinkers in the field, exchange feedback and hone their own research pursuits. Whereas researchers are invited to contribute papers and reports that bear upon and enfold the field of entrepreneurship theory and practice, some indicative themes are:

  •     Entrepreneurship: Perspectives & Practices
  •     Entrepreneurship Education and Pedagogy
  •     Pan India Entrepreneurship
  •     Innovation and Entrepreneurship
  •     Entrepreneurship in the SME Sector
  •     Intrapreneurship
  •     Family Enterprises
  •     Social Entrepreneurship
  •     Women's Entrepreneurship
  •     Sectoral Entrepreneurship (e.g.)
    •        Agripreneurship
    •         Edupreneurship
    •         Healthcare Entrepreneurship
    •        Tourism Entrepreneurship, etc.

Contributors may e-mail their submissions and inquiries to conference@ediindia.org.

Submission deadline:

  • An Abstract (about 200 words) should be submitted through email by November 15, 2014.
  • An electronic version (MS Word) of the full paper should be submitted by December 15, 2014. Full papers (less than 4000 words, typed double space) must adhere to formatting and referencing guidelines of academic/professional journals. Papers  (less  than  4000  words,  typed  double  space)  must  adhere  to  formatting  and  referencing guidelines of academic/professional journals.
  • Acceptance decisions on papers will be made by January 09, 2015.

Delegates to the conference shall be the guests of EDI. The EDI will meet on-campus boarding, lodging and conference kit expenses for paper presenters. Need based and limited support for travel expenses by rail/road may be considered for Ph.D. candidates whose papers are accepted for presentation in the conference.

Further Details

CfPs: International Symposium on Megacities, at Kolkata, 11-14 November

International Symposium on Megacities to be held in Kolkata

An International Symposium on MEGACITIES will be held in Kolkata, India, 11- 14 November 2014. According to United Nations statistics, a megacity is defined to have a population of 10 million or more (see a list of the current 32 megacites in the world). During four days, world leading experts in architecture and city planning participate and give presentations. A Concluding Lecture entitled "Need for research on Megacity" will be given by Professor Shin Muramatsu from the Research Institute of Humanity and Nature, Kyoto and Institute of Industrial Science, University of Tokyo, Japan. Abstracts for both oral and poster presentations should be submitted before 31 July 2014. 

The symposium is being organised by the Centre for Built Environment (CBE), an umbrella organisation of professionals from the government, university, private organisations and institutions. The symposium intends to discuss the megacity concept in a comprehensive way, and almost all megacities in the world will be presented for the first time – about the transformation and about its challenges and problems, prospects and future visions. How grandeur and splendour are seen with squalor and decay, with poverty and plenty. How utopian ideas come and how magacities take the challenges. Where and how future megacitie will come? The symposium also includes special features and account of megacities in art, cinema and music. The organizers hope that the symposium should lead up to a resolution, that is called the Charter of Kolkata.

Full information about the symposium.

Call for the European Institutes for Advanced Study Fellowship Programme

Call for the European Institutes for Advanced Study Fellowship Programme

A Call for the 2015–2016 EURIAS Programme has been released. EURIAS – the European Institutes for Advanced Study Fellowship Programme – was initiated by NetIAS (Network of European Institutes for Advanced Study) in 2004, and receives funding from the European Union's Seventh Framework Programme. It  is an international researcher mobility programme building on the strong reputation of the Institutes for Advanced Study for promoting the focused, self-directed work of excellent researchers within the stimulating environment of a multidisciplinary and international group of fellows. 

The Programme offers 10-month residencies in altogether 16 Institutes for Advanced Study across Europe – mainly in the field of Humanities and Social sciences. They are located in Berlin, Bologna, Budapest, Cambridge, Delmenhorst, Edinburgh, Freiburg, Helsinki, Jerusalem, Lyon, Marseille, Paris, Uppsala, Vienna, Wassenaar, and Zürich. The Swedish institute being part of the programme is the Swedish Collegium for Advanced Study (SCAS) in Uppsala.

Over the years, several South Asia scholars have been fellows at SCAS. Among them can be mentioned Amit Bhaduri from Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi (1997); T. K. Oommen, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi (1998); Veena Das, University of Delhi, and New School for Social Research, New York (1999); Swati Chattopadhyay, University of California, Santa Barbara (2007); and Krishnan Srinivasan, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies, Kolkata (2008). In recent years appear Professor Jyotirmaya Sharma from the Dept. of Political Science, University of Hyderabad in 2012; and again Krishnan Srinivasan for the academic year 2012/13. More information about South Asia related activities at SCAS.

EURIAS Fellowship Programme offers 44 fellowships (22 for senior researchers and 22 for junior ones) for the 2015/2016 academic year. The key target group is scholars from within the fields of the humanities and social sciences, but fellowships may also be granted to scholars in life and exact sciences, provided that their proposed research project does not require laboratory facilities and that it interfaces with humanities and social sciences. The Programme welcomes applications worldwide from promising young scholars as well as from leading senior researchers. Deadline for applications is 5 June 2014.

More information.

Monday, May 19, 2014

Interesting Article "Social Metabolism and Environmental Conflicts in India" by Joan Martinez-Alier et. al.

Social Metabolism and Environmental Conflicts in India

By Joan Martinez-Alier, Leah Temper, Federico Demaria

Indi@logs, 2014, 1(1),  pp. 51-83, ISSN: 2339-8523

Abstract: This paper explains the methods for counting the energy and material flows in the economy, and gives the main results of the Material Flows for the economy of India between 1961 and 2008 as researched by Simron Singh et al (2012). Drawing on work done in the EJOLT project, some illustrations are given of the links between the changing social metabolism and ecological distribution conflicts, looking at responses in Odisha to bauxite mining, at conflicts on sand mining, at disputes on waste management options in Delhi and at ship dismantling in Alang, Gujarat. The aim is to show how a history of social metabolism, of socio-environmental conflicts, and of the changing valuation languages deployed by various social actors in such conflicts, could be written in a common framework.

(with inputs from CSSP for EJOLT project)

Full-text PDF: https://ddd.uab.cat/pub/indialogs/indialogs_a2014v1/indialogs_a2014v1p51.pdf

ICCR Looking for Scholars/Academics Interested to be Included in ICCR’s Panel for Deputation to Its Chairs Abroad

ICCR Looking for Scholars/Academics Interested to be Included in ICCR's Panel for Deputation to Its Chairs Abroad

ICCR requests interested scholars and academicians to register with ICCR if they would like to be nominated to fill one of ICCR's India Studies Chairs in universities abroad. ICCR has an international Chairs Programme and presently we require Chair/Professors in the following subjects:

(a) Archaeology with background in Buddhist/Hindu Studies

(b) Corporate Governance & Responsibility

(c) Indian Cinema and Film Studies

(d) International Trade Law

(e) Journalism/Media Production/Photography

(f) Indian Literature in English & Translation

Anyone with a doctoral or equivalent qualification and 8 to 10 years teaching/research experience in a reputable institution of higher learning is eligible. The terms and conditions of ICCR Chairs include protection of pay (basic pay +Grade Pay) received in India, additional allowance, accommodation, air travel, medical coverage and office space. If interested, please send your CV along with a recommendation from the Head of your institution to Shri Sunil Mehdiretta, Director(C&S), Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Azad Bhavan, I.P. Estate, New Delhi - 110002, email: sunil.mehdiretta@iccrindia.net. Your application should reach ICCR by 31st May, 2014.

Further Details: http://www.iccrindia.net/chairs/chairspanel-2014.pdf

Thursday, May 15, 2014

A Book Chapter "Technology development through selection and concentration: Case study of Korean nanotechnology initiative" by J.A. Pushkaran & S. Bhattacharya of CSSP

Pushkaran, J.A. and Bhattacharya, S. (2014). Technology development through selection and concentration: Case study of Korean nanotechnology initiative. In: Socio Economic and Technological Innovation in the Globalisation World: Mechanisms and Institutions, Editors: Kasturi Mandal, Nadia Asheulova, Svetlana G. Kirdina. Narosa Publishing House, New Delhi, pp. 498-513.

About the Book:
The study of institutions and innovation is currently high on the agenda of the social sciences. There is growing concern about how the institutional framework of societies leads to variation in their innovation systems. Around the world, countries have set ambitious plans to drive innovation and move towards a knowledge driven economy. Social and institutional backgrounds differing significantly across countries induce and allow different pathways to the business of innovation despite the homogenizing forces of science technology, finance and commerce. This book investigates aspects where mutual country institutions could learn or even strongly collaborate or else where the country institutions should necessarily follow singular track. Contributors from Russia, India and a few other countries look for policies and institutions that encourages creation of an economic and social environment helping boost the capacity for innovation, ranks their relative importance, and how do they interact with each other, and how successful have countries been in identifying and adopting them. The book is a rich collection of diverse aspects of innovation; socio-economic and technological, how they are inter-linked and how at several occasions institutional mechanisms have played a central role.

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Book Chapter "Modern Science and Indigenous Techniques: Subalternity of Knowledge Production in India" by Madhav Govind of CSSP

Modern Science and Indigenous Techniques: Subalternity of Knowledge Production in India
by Madhav Govind
Govind, Madhav (2014). Modern Science and Indigenous Techniques: Subalternity of Knowledge Production in India. In Ashok K. Pankaj & Ajit K. Pandey (Eds.) Subalternity, Exclusion and Social Change in India (pp. 118-148). New Delhi: Cambridge University Press India, 2014. ISBN: 9789382993247.

Introduction: The debates on the indigenous knowledge and practices have mainly focused on how to get the indigenous people acquainted with modern scientific and technological systems and very little effort has been made to make modern scientists to understand the indigenous techniques and practices which could provide important clue to find solutions to many of the current problems. Based on the analysis of occupational roles of two-service castes - Washerman and Barber - this chapter explores the importance of indigenous techniques and practices in the development of modern science. The analysis shows that discourse on knowledge production in India has centered mainly on Hindu religious texts and has overlooked/undermined the importance of subaltern techniques and practices. The chapter shows that many traditional practices and techniques of marginal people in Western societies triggered the development of modern science and technology and their position improved with it; while In India the marginal people despite having almost the same level of expertise and technical skills got further marginalized and subjugated along with their techniques and practices. In tracing the presence of science and technology in India, there were two groups of scholars: one dominated by the colonial perspective who viewed India as a 'tabula rasa' onto which modern science and technology had to be inscribed as part of the colonial civilizing mission. The other group of scholars' acknowledged the philosophical and theoretical ingenuity of native people but relied mostly on the Hindu sacred literature to prove their arguments. As Orientalists, they mastered a number of classical Indian languages, which enabled them to study and translate a wide range of ancient texts to underscore the natives' achievements whether it was in the field of medicine, chemistry, mathematics, astronomy, agriculture and metallurgy. In this debate, the indigenous practices and techniques evolved and used by lower sections of the society have not been recognized as a precursor/constituent of many modern techniques and practices.

About this Book: This book emphasizes the need for adopting an integrated approach to understand the concepts of subalternity, exclusion and social change in India. It also explores the dynamic relations between these three concepts, instead of treating them as unconnected and discrete social facts. The contributors address some important questions of political economy: Why are subalterns, subalterns, and how does a society produce and reproduce them? Are subalterns a historical construction, and, if so, what are those historical forces and how have they produced subalterns? Also, are there any contemporary forces of subaltern reproduction? What are those forces and how do they operate? How do we place the differentially positioned social groups within the larger subaltern category? The essays in this volume capture ideology, knowledge and power as forces of subaltern reproduction in Indian society, and map the dominant trajectories of emancipation and assertion adopted by different subaltern social groups. Contributors show how subalterns are negotiating emancipation amidst continued oppression, subjugation and atrocities.

Further Details: http://www.cambridgeindia.org/showbookdetails.asp?ISBN=9789382993247

Saturday, May 10, 2014

Book Chapter "Innovation Network in IT Sector: A Study of Collaboration Patterns Among Selected Foreign IT Firms in India and China" by Swapan K Patra of CSSP

Innovation Network in IT Sector: A Study of Collaboration Patterns Among Selected Foreign IT Firms in India and China

by Swapan Kumar Patra

Patra, S. K. (2014). Innovation Network in IT Sector: A Study of Collaboration Patterns Among Selected Foreign IT Firms in India and China. In S. Chakraborty, & A. K. Das (Eds.) Collaboration in International and Comparative Librarianship (pp. 148-170). Hershey, PA, USA: Information Science Reference. doi:10.4018/978-1-4666-4365-9.ch014

Abstract: Multinational Enterprises usually keep their crucial R&D close to their home base. However, recent trends show that MNEs are increasingly offshoring their R&D activities. A couple of decade ago this R&D offshoring phenomenon was mainly restricted in the developed countries. Since early 1990's this paradigm has changed and many Multinational firms prefer developing countries as their R&D destination. Among developing countries, India and China are favorable destinations for many MNEs. The R&D alliance trends of foreign firms show that, in India they prefer Indian domestic firms and in China, they prefer universities and government research institutes. Government of both these countries should take policy measures to strengthen the linkages between foreign firms and local actor of innovation system. Also, innovation is no longer restricted to or confined within a firm's border. Firms are acquiring knowledge from outside its boundary by "Open Innovation Mode."

Full-text PDF: http://dx.doi.org/10.4018/978-1-4666-4365-9.ch014

Another Article "Embedded information structures and functions of co-authorship networks", Avinash Kshitij of CSSP and others,

Embedded information structures and functions of co-authorship networks: evidence from cancer research collaboration in India
Avinash Kshitij, Jaideep Ghosh, Brij Mohan Gupta
Scientometrics, DOI 10.1007/s11192-014-1310-y
Abstract: In this exploratory study, we analyze co-authorship networks of collaborative cancer research in India. The complete network is constructed from bibliometric data on published scholarly articles indexed in two well-known electronic databases covering two 6-year windows from 2000 to 2005 and 2006 to 2011 inclusive. Employing a number of important metrics pertaining to the underlying topological structures of the network, we discusses implications for effective policies to enhance knowledge generation and sharing in cancer research in the country. With some modifications, our methods can be applied without difficulty to examine policy structure of related disciplines in other countries of the world.
Full-text PDF: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11192-014-1310-y

Yolmo, Nima Lamu (2013). "Book Review: Resisting Economic Globalization: Critical Theory and International Investment Law, D. Schneiderman, in: Series: Palgrave Socio-Legal Studies".  Journal of Asian Economics, DOI: 10.1016/j.asieco.2014.03.005
Full-text PDF: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.asieco.2014.03.005

Friday, May 9, 2014

Journal Papers by CSSP Scholars "Overview of Nanobiotechnology Public R&D System in India" by Amit Kumar & PN Desai; "Moving Forward Responsibly: Agribiotechnology to Agrinanotechnology in India" by Poonam Pandey

Overview of Nanobiotechnology Public R&D System in India
by Amit Kumar and Pranav N. Desai
Asian Biotechnology and Development Review, 2013, 15(5): 67-79. In Special Issue on Nanotechnology and Nanobiotechnology in Agriculture and Food, Guest Editors: R. Kalpana Sastry and N.H. Rao.
Abstract: Nanobiotechnology, as an area of application of nanotechnology in the domain of biotechnology, is poised to have a strong influence on the various facets of the biotechnology sector such as agricultural biotechnology, animal biotechnology, environment biotechnology or health biotechnology. Many countries have initiated various programmes/schemes to harness the potentialities that nanotechnology has to offer in the biotechnology sector. This article attempts to present an overview of the nanobiotechnology public R&D system in India and carry out its SWOT analysis.
Download Full-text PDF: http://www.ris.org.in/images/RIS_images/pdf/ABDR%20November%202013.pdf

'Moving Forward Responsibly: Agribiotechnology to Agrinanotechnology in India
by Poonam Pandey
Asian Biotechnology and Development Review, 2013, 15(5): 81-101. In Special Issue on Nanotechnology and Nanobiotechnology in Agriculture and Food, Guest Editors: R. Kalpana Sastry and N.H. Rao.
Abstract: The agribiotechnology debates in India over the last decade have set precedents for reflecting on the changing relationship between science and society. This article tries to engage with these lessons in order to stress the need to assimilate them while imagining new technological interventions such as nanotechnology for agriculture and their governance. While searching for an appropriate governance mechanism, the artilce opens up the parallel international debate on 'Responsible Innovation' (RI) in the context of emerging technologies, for scrutiny in the Indian context. In doing so, the article highlights the neglected power dynamics in the overall debates on responsible innovation and proposes a 'beam-balance' metaphor to engage with the idea of 'Responsible Innovation' in order to take the inequalities and alternative perspectives into account.
Download Full-text PDF: http://www.ris.org.in/images/RIS_images/pdf/ABDR%20November%202013.pdf


Thursday, May 8, 2014

Recent Article "Consumption Conundrum of Bottled Water in India: An STS Perspective" by Aviram Sharma & Saradindu Bhaduri of CSSP

Consumption Conundrum of Bottled Water in India: An STS Perspective
Aviram Sharma and Saradindu Bhaduri
Bulletin of Science Technology & Society, 2014. DOI: 10.1177/0270467614532441
Abstract: The rapid growth in consumption of bottled water across the globe has drawn attention of policy makers and academicians alike. However, its consumption practices have been examined primarily in the context of industrialized countries. Drawing on studies of Science, Technology and Society, Public Understanding of Science, and institutions, this article explores the nuances of the consumption conundrum of bottled water in India. This mixed method study relies on data collected through surveys and ethnography of consumption practices at selected sites in Delhi. We find reasons for bottled water consumption to vary with the site of consumption. Although the notions of "purity" and "scarcity" drive consumption behavior, these attributes are far from being objective. Rather, they are shaped by a complex mix of sociocultural factors, public understanding of science, and trust on various institutional mechanisms of water provisioning.
Download: http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0270467614532441

Research Articles by former CSSP Students

Understanding Margins, State Power, Space and Territoriality in the Naga Hills

by Debojyoti Das

Journal of Borderlands Studies, 2014.

Abstract: The Naga Hills frontier of British India, located between present day India and Burma, should not only be seen as a geographical or political construction, territorialized by states' administrative and political practices, but as a space of culture and resources. In this paper I argue that the colonial frontier of the Naga Hills does not present a homogenous "out-of–the-way" place, but is mediated by the practice of colonial territorialization, based on the politics of "cultural difference" and the construction of the "other." The notion of a uniform state space is contested in the present reading of Naga Hills as a frontier. Indeed, I seek to show how multiple, contingent spaces exist, which are the converse of a homogenous marginal state space. Further, I argue that the practices of territorialization are to be located against the backdrop of the late 19th century global economic transformation (the establishment of world markets through trade and monopoly through plantation farming) and territorial portioning and redefinition, and based on ethnic classification or "ethno-genesis" (the classification of hill people as opposed to the plains). The present analysis is of relevance to world regions, as it helps us to understand the colonial strategies of territorialization that have shaped contemporary ethnic identity struggles within borderlands.

Download: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/08865655.2014.892693

 

Emerging Scenario of Nanobiotechnology Development in India

Azamat Ali & Kunal Sinha

European Academic Research, 2014, 2(2): 1707-1727.

Abstract: The paper is an attempt to explore the emerging nanobiotechnology development in India. Nanotechnology and biotechnology is one of the most important emerging fields of science in the 21st century and their merging offers opportunities for novel solutions to needs in biology. The development of these two research fields are proving beneficial for both diagnostic and novel therapies such as drug discovery, drug delivery, gene, vaccine delivery, and tissue engineering in India. The main thrust of this paper is to trace out the overview of research and development (R&D) activities among different players in Indian nanobiotechnology sector. It contributes to policy making by providing new information on the commercialisation of nanobiotechnology product in India. The paper is based on information and data gathered through from various websites, annual report, and R&D projects by the different agencies in the field of nanobiotechnology research in India.

Download: http://www.euacademic.org/ArticleDetail.aspx?id=523

Monday, May 5, 2014

Call for Applications: IndiAfrica Young Visionaries Fellowship 2014

INDIAFRICA Young Visionaries Fellowship 2014
INDIAFRICA Young Visionaries Fellowship seeks to identify promising young entrepreneurs in India and Africa to offer them opportunities for growth and collaboration across the two geographies. Entries are invited from entrepreneurs under 40 years of age from Africa and India, who have demonstrated success in terms of achieving significant profit and/or substantial social impact through a venture in any of the following industry sectors:
  • Creative & Cultural Industries (Art, Music, Handicraft, Design, Cinema...)
  • Education
  • Energy
  • Environment
  • Agriculture, Food & Nutrition
  • Healthcare
  • Information & Communication Technologies

The Awards
  • 10 Indians and 10 Africans will be selected as Young Visionaries. The final announcement will be made on June 10 during the Awards Function of the INDIAFRICA Business Venture Competition at Accra.
  • Each winner will receive a cash grant of USD 2000 and will be invited to attend a 5 day Boot Camp in Delhi between 23rd and 27th June, 2014 with a view to exploring possibilities of new collaborative business ventures between Africa and India.
  • The Boot Camp will close with a Valedictory Function on 27th June, likely to be attended by all African Heads of Mission in Delhi and top decision makers from government, media, academia and business.
Important Dates:
  •  Application Deadline: 18th May 2014
  •  Announcement of Shortlist: 26th May 2014
  •  Skype Interviews: 29th May to 3rd June 2014
  •  Announcement of Winners: 10th June 2014
Eligibility Criteria
  • Candidates must be under the age of 40 years as on 31st December 2014
Contest Categories
  1. Africa: Open to citizens of the African continent only
  2. India: Open to Indian citizens and non-resident Indians only
Guidelines: http://www.indiafrica.in/Download/IA2014_YoungVisionariesFellowshipGuidelines.pdf

Online Application: http://www.indiafrica.in/RegisterYVFellowships2014.php

Thursday, May 1, 2014

Interesting Article "Role of the Indian Supreme Court in Shaping Technology Development"

Role of the Indian Supreme Court in Shaping Technology Development
Nupur Chowdhury
Science Technology Society, 19(1):57-77. March 2014.

Abstract: Public interest litigation questioning risk regulation of emerging technologies has been a mechanism through which the Supreme Court has become increasingly involved in the national narrative on technology, development, risk and the role of the state. Such litigations include biotechnology and nuclear technology which have also been identified as important ingredients of the national development agenda. This is similar to other developing countries where identification of emerging technologies that help the economy leapfrog, have become part of the development agenda. Understandably the focus of the state is on development rather than on risk regulation. This has attracted considerable criticism from civil society groups and legal challenges to the regulatory framework. The Supreme Court despite its stated lack of competence to understand and address technological issues and its innate restraint to comment on what it deems to be policy matters, has been forced to address issues of risk regulation and in the process play a critical role in constituting the technology and shaping the imagination of that technology within the national narrative. The aim of this article is to examine and evaluate the role of the Supreme Court in this context through an analysis of two case studies of nuclear technology and biotechnology.
Download Full-text PDF: http://sts.sagepub.com/content/19/1/57.full.pdf+html

Interesting Article "Socio-economic empowerment of women through ‘Science, Technologyand Innovation Policy, 2013’ – the missing link? by Sunita Sangar

Socio-economic empowerment of women through 'Science, Technologyand Innovation Policy, 2013' – the missing link?
Sunita Sangar
Current Science, 106(8): 1074-80. 25th April 2014
Abstract: Inclusive development must involve women since poverty is particularly acute for women living in rural households. There is a need to empower these poor women through science and technology (S&T). Discussions on the recently announced Science, Technology and Innovation Policy, 2013, however, have not deliberated what the policy entails not only for women involved in S&T but also what S&T has to offer to the poor rural women and improve their lives. This is not a new phenomenon in India as S&T policies have not been particularly favourable to women in S&T since the inception of the Five-Year Plans. The foundation set up during the Nehruvian era continued during later years as well. To understand this the present article attempts to explore how the concerns of women were addressed during the initial Five-Year Plans to the current phase with particular focus on bringing socio-economic empowerment of women through S&T.
Download Full-text PDF: http://www.currentscience.ac.in/Volumes/106/08/1074.pdf