Friday, December 15, 2017

Conference on Emergence of Modern Science in Colonial India | INSA, New Delhi | 14–16 March

Conference on Emergence of Modern Science in Colonial India
Venue: Indian National Science Academy, New Delhi
Dates: 14 – 16 March, 2018

Organizing Committee: Arnab Rai Choudhuri FNA (Chair), Deepak Kumar, Suprakash C. Roy, Rajinder Singh

Aim: Modern Western science began in colonial India at the initiative of the British rulers, who needed geological, botanical, zoological and meteorological surveys of their empire, as well as an understanding of tropical diseases. From the closing years of the nineteenth century, several pioneering Indian scientists started making path-breaking contributions in basic sciences (J.C. Bose, P.C. Ray, C.V. Raman, M.N. Saha, S.N. Bose) some of which have remained among the most important scientific contributions made by any Indian till today. The emergence of modern science in colonial India presents one of the most extraordinary case studies of the transplantation of science from one society to another – a topic of considerable interest to historians of science.
This conference aims to bring together scholars trained in history of science as well as scientists seriously interested in this subject. One aim will be to identify important topics on which not much work has been done and to chalk out strategies how to fill up these gaps. One of the difficulties of doing research in this field is that not much of the relevant source materials have been preserved properly. We shall try to make an inventory of source materials which may be known to different participants and discuss ways of preserving these, perhaps even the possibility of setting up an archive specifically for this purpose.

Participation: Apart from several invited talks by eminent scholars, there will be a few contributory talks of 15-minute duration on focused themes. If you are interested in participating in this conference, please write to science.history.conference@gmail.com before 30 November 2017. You should write about 4-5 lines describing what work you have done in this field and why you want to participate in this conference. If you wish to give a contributory talk, then send also the title of the talk and a short abstract to this e-mail address.
Due to the limited accommodation available at the INSA guest house, this conference will be restricted to about 30 participants. All the selected outstation participants will be provided full local hospitality with accommodation at the INSA guest house. Limited funds for travel inside India will be available primarily for young scholars and retired persons. If you would require travel support, please indicate this when you write for participation, mentioning an approximate amount.

JNU SCDR : Call for Nominations of Faculty to attend ICSSR Sponsored Capacity Building Workshop on "Social Science Approach to Disaster Research"

Call for Nominations of Faculty to attend

ICSSR Sponsored Capacity Building Workshop

on

Social Science Approach to Disaster Research

February 5-18 ,  2018

at HRDC, JNU, New Delhi

 

Faculty from colleges and universities in the remote rural and disaster affected areas in the country would be given preference. The participants would be exposed to the best experts from across the country and the world (Harvard University and from the International Network of Disaster Mitigation experts in Japan, China, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh)  The workshop sessions would be interactive, innovative and the ones which provoke originality and sensitivity in public policy, law and institutions. It will be a new generation resolution of an old problem of disaster through a synergy of transdisciplinary possibility experts.

 

All travel and stay would be supported by ICSSR and JNU

 

Last date for receiving nominations 2nd  January 2018

 

SCDR is zero paper usage so please apply online  to the address give below with: NAME/DOB/ INSTITUTIONAL ADDRESS/DEPARTMENT/ SUBJECT EXPERTISE/

 

A short write up in 500 words on why you want to apply for this workshop?

 

Principals and Vice Chancellors can nominate  two faculty members for the workshop from  their institution, one of whom should preferably be an SC or an ST.

Your participation is solicited.

 

Participants are requested to fill an online registration form. Click here for registration 

STIP Forum Lecture Series on 'Reversing Climate Change with Molten Salt Technologies' | 21 December | India Habitat Centre, New Delhi

STIP Forum Lecture Series on "Reversing Climate Change with Molten Salt Technologies"
Date: 21 December 2017 
Venue: India Habitat Centre, New Delhi




Monday, December 11, 2017

CfPs: Workshop on "Multi-scale Climate Governance in India: Understanding the Challenges and Opportunities" | 18-19 Jan, TERI School of Advanced Studies, New Delhi

Workshop on "Multi-scale Climate Governance in India: Understanding the Challenges and Opportunities"
18-19 January 2018
Organized by TERI  School of Advanced Studies (earlier TERI University), New Delhi in association with Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR)
 
Call for Posters
We are inviting Poster Proposals  of around 300 words highlighting the research relating to various aspects of multi-level climate governance issues. Details related to the submission of proposals and other information about the workshop can be found in the Workshop Brochure.

Poster proposals selected to be presented in the workshop will receive certificate of presentation. For submissions of proposals and more information about the workshop, please see the Brochure and feel free to contact me.


********
Gopal Krishna Sarangi, PhD
Assistant Professor
TERI School of Advanced Studies (earlier TERI University)
Plot No. 10 Institutional Area, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi - 110 070
Tel. +91 11 71800222, 26122222, 26139110, 26139011, Fax +91 11 26122874

Saturday, December 9, 2017

What Role for Social Sciences in Innovation? Re-Assessing How Scientific Disciplines Contribute to Different Industries | OECD STI Policy Paper

What Role for Social Sciences in Innovation? Re-Assessing How Scientific Disciplines Contribute to Different Industries 
by Caroline Paunov, Sandra Planes-Satorra, Tadanori Moriguchi; OECD Science, Technology and Industry Policy Paper No. 45, 2017, http://dx.doi.org/10.1787/8a306011-en

Abstract: Knowledge transfer between industry and science is fundamental to innovation. There are important differences across scientific disciplines and sectors of activity in that, for instance, the financial and pharmaceutical sectors have different demands for science inputs. This paper reviews the data sources and associated methodologies available to measure different types of science-industry interaction. It applies these insights to re-assess the contributions of social sciences to industry and the disciplinary needs of the ICT sector. The paper finds that commonly used methodologies fail to shed light on a number of important industry-science interaction channels, and introduce biases in assessing connections. Using new evidence from labour force and university graduate surveys can help to some extent. The paper shows how these additional data allow to better capture the contributions of social scientists and the complexity of disciplinary demands of the digital economy. However, new data sources and methods should be further explored.

Keywords: Review of data sources and associated methodologies, knowledge transfer, innovation, social sciences, industry sectors, Science-industry linkages, academic disciplines, information and communication technologies (ICT)


Wednesday, December 6, 2017

The Key to Resolving Straw Burning: Farmers’ Expertise | by P Pandey, G Valkenburg, A Mamidipudi, & W.E. Bijker

The Key to Resolving Straw Burning: Farmers' Expertise
by Poonam Pandey, Govert Valkenburg, Annapurna Mamidipudi, Wiebe E. Bijker
Maastricht University, 2017, Policy brief on missing cultural perspectives

Key insights
  • The problem of straw burning is persistent: rules and regulations nor technological alternatives have been able to end it. This points at the need for a much deeper understanding of the underlying causes.
  • Using agricultural waste for energy is not only a technological and supply-chain problem, but requires integrated policies from the agricultural and energy-domain ministries.
  • Without the collaboration of farmers, no solution will work. Farmers thus need to be involved in finding solutions that help their communities and livelihoods, values their skills and knowledge, and respects their identities and dignity.
  • The problem has such diverse technological, economic and cultural dimensions, that a diversity of solutions should be pursued. This diversity should include localized and community-based solutions. One centralised industry-led bioenergy approach, such as 2G ethanol, will not accommodate the diverse forms in which the problem exists.


Tuesday, December 5, 2017

United Nations announces Decade of Ocean Science

UNESCO press release N°2017-146

United Nations announces Decade of Ocean Science

Paris, 6 December - The United Nations announced the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) to mobilize the scientific community, policy-makers, business and civil society around a programme of joint research and technological innovation.

The announcement of this Decade consolidates efforts by UNESCO's Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) to boost international cooperation in ocean sciences. It will enable better coordination of research programmes, observation systems, capacity development, maritime space planning and the reduction of maritime risks to improve the management of ocean and coastal zones resources.

UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay welcomed the announcement and called on all stakeholders to join the scientific cooperation effort of the Organization. "The ocean is a new frontier. It covers 71% of the globe and we have explored less than 5%. The Decade will ensure greater coordination of research. UNESCO's IOC is proud to be at the forefront of this effort," she said.

Nearly 3 billion people depend on marine and coastal biodiversity to meet their needs. It absorbs around a third of the CO2 produced by humans and reduces the impact of climate change. However, science has not yet managed to fully evaluate the cumulative effects of human activities on the ocean, including the impact of pollution, warming and acidification, which threaten this environment, which is vital for our survival. According to the IOC's Global Ocean Science Report, national spending on ocean sciences accounts for between 0.04 - 4% of the total invested in research and development.

Surveying the ocean requires costly ships and equipment, satellite imaging, underwater robots and remotely controlled vehicles that need significant investment. It also involves thousands of scientists collecting and analysing the data, either in laboratories or in marine environments. One of the priorities of the Decade will be to strengthen and diversify financial sources, particularly for Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries.

By providing natural, yet innovative solutions for the major challenges facing the planet - from climate change to poverty eradication—the ocean is essential for ensuring our social, economic and environmental balance. This Decade, will provide a framework for international coordination and partnership to reinforce research capacities in marine sciences and the transfer of technology.

The Decade of Ocean Science will help accelerate progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 14 for the conservation and sustainable use of the ocean, seas and marine resources. This announcement affirms the UN Member States' support for the IOC-UNESCO initiative expressed during the UN Ocean Conference (New York, 5-9 June) and by the Ministerial Declaration on Oceans and Human Health (Lisbon, 8 September,).

 

***

For more information

 

Press contact: 

Laetitia Kaci, UNESCO Media Relations, l.kaci@unesco.org, +33(0)145681772

 

 

Follow us on our social media channels:

Twitter / Facebook

 

 

 



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UNESCO, 7, place de Fontenoy, PARIS, NA FRANCE France

World leaders, civil society and experts mark 2nd anniversary of Paris global climate change deal

UNESCO Media advisory NĀŗ2017-35

World leaders, civil society and experts mark 2nd anniversary of Paris global climate change deal

Paris, 4 December– Five days before the day the historic Paris Climate Change Accord marks its 2nd anniversary, UNESCO will host a Forum bringing together international civil society partners to strengthen competencies related to education, natural and social sciences, cultural and communication which contribute to tackling climate change on 7-8 December.

The Forum will precede the One Planet Summit, organized by the United Nations and the World Bank, at the initiative of the French government, which will take place on the 12th and be attended by several world leaders.

Taking stock of the "COP 21 Paris Agreement", the NGOs will discuss UNESCO competencies, particularly the ocean, as well as cultural heritage, biosphere reserves and indigenous peoples' knowledge, and the role of civil society organizations.

They will build on UNESCO's updated Strategy for Action on Climate Change, adopted by the 195 Member States in November at the General Conference. It focuses on several UNESCO programmes which promote interdisciplinary climate knowledge and scientific cooperation for climate change mitigation and adaptation, including those related to hydrology, geosciences, and biospheres, as well as the work of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission.

Discussions will also devise concrete actions related to UNESCO's Declaration of Ethical Principles in Relation to Climate Change which outlines globally-agreed ethical principles that should guide decision-making and policy-making at all levels and help mobilize people to address climate change.

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Journalists wishing to attend the event are invited to request accreditation from Laetitia Kaci l.kaci@unesco.org/ +33 1 45 68 17 72

 

*

For more information:

Concept note

Programme and list of speakers

 

*

Follow the conversation via our social media channels:

Twitter / Facebook

Using the hashtags

#ChangingMindsNotTheClimate / #OnePlanetSummit #unescongoforum

 

 



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UNESCO, 7, place de Fontenoy, PARIS, NA FRANCE France

Monday, December 4, 2017

A Talk by Prof. Stephen Stigler on "Mahalanobis & Fisher: Mathematical Statistics As A Global Enterprise" | ISI Delhi on Friday, 8th December

Online Registration is open for a talk by Professor Stephen Stigler from the University of Chicago on "Mahalanobis & Fisher: Mathematical Statistics As A Global Enterprise" on Friday, December 8th, 2017 from 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM at the Indian Statistical Institute, Delhi (ISI Delhi Auditorium; Address: 7, S. J. S. Sansanwal Marg, New Delhi, 110016).

We look forward to meeting you at the event.


      

 


New Book | Science Diplomacy: India and the World, Global Science Cooperation Opportunities | by Dr Pawan Sikka

New Book
Science Diplomacy: India and the World, Global Science Cooperation Opportunities
edited by Pawan Sikka, 2017, Synergy Books India, ISBN 9789382059752. 

About the Book
Science Diplomacy, in the age of the accelerating science and technology is increasingly becoming a central element of the foreign policy and a soft power. This book, Science Diplomacy: India and the World: Global Science Cooperation Opportunities, points out that science is now becoming even more critical in the complex international relations while addressing global challenges such as Climate Change, Nuclear and Renewable Energy, Natural Catastrophize, Diseases and Disaster Mitigation etc. It Covers: Science, Technology & Innovation in India; National Policy of India on International Science Cooperation; India's Engagement with the World; Science Diplomacy and Diplomacy for Science; Climate Change, Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement; lndo-US Nuclear Energy Deal; FDI and technology transfer; Make in India and Intellectual Property Rights etc. India should create a crop of Science-Diplomats in foreign service to get advantage of the World Science. It is a FIRST book of its kind and is a useful one for the science policy-planners, researchers and readers and students of political science, International relations, foreign affairs etc. A must for the libraries in India and abroad. 

About the Author
Dr. Pawan Sikka (b. 1944) is a former Scientist-G, Advisor, Government of India, Department of Science and Technology (Ministry of Science and Technology) New Delhi. Prior to it as Director (International Relations) for about 7-8 years, he coordinated the Bilateral and Multi-lateral programmes of Iwo international cooperation towards extending the frontiers of new and emerging fields in science and technology. He was Leader of the Indian delegation to SAARC Group Meeting on Science and Technology at Dhaka, Bangladesh, in 1995. He has received his M.Sc., Ph.D. as well as, D.Sc. degrees in Physics. He is recipient of the Commonwealth Visiting Fellowship (1984-85), at the University of Oxford, Oxford, U.K for carrying out Science & Technology Policy and Society and Government related studies, to shape the national and international development agenda. He also received Italian, Sweden, Switzerland, UNESCO, etc. scholarships for understanding the progress of science, technology and industry there. He is a well-read author and widely travelled in India and abroad. He has also delivered special lectures on Science Policy related issues to the M.Phil. and Ph.D. students at the Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. He is a Life-Member of the: Materials Research Society of India, Semi-Conductor Society of India, Association of British Scholars (British Council, New Delhi), and Oxford and Cambridge Society of India.

Sunday, December 3, 2017

ISID Workshop on Audio-Visual Media as a Tool in Research for Social Science Researchers | 29 January – 03 February, New Delhi

Workshop on Audio-Visual Media as a Tool in Research for Social Science Researchers
January 29 – February 03, 2018
Venue: Institute for Studies in Industrial Development (ISID), Vasant Kunj, New Delhi

The Institute for Studies in Industrial Development (ISID) is organizing a six-day workshop on Audio-Visual Media as a Tool in Research for Social Science Researchers during January 29 – February 03, 2018. The workshop is sponsored by the Northern Regional Centre, Indian Council of Social Science Research (NRC-ICSSR), New Delhi.
Print media is a format which most researchers and scholars use extensively to bring out their fi ndings and raise issues. In recent years, Audio-Visual Media (AVM), and the technology needed for its production, is becoming increasingly accessible, both in terms of ease of use, as well as cost. Digital media is being used by government departments, corporate houses, non-governmental organisations and others. However, social scientists and researchers in academic institutions have yet not fully realized the potential of integrating audiovisuals in their work.
The focus of the workshop is to familiarise the participants with AVM tools and motivate researchers and academics to use this medium as a tool, to not only enhance the content but also reach a wider audience and have greater impact of their research. Practical hands-on training in production of audio-video material will also be emphasised. Broad elements of the programme are: (i) understanding AVM – mass media in India and its use in various fi elds like social sector, health and corporate sector; (ii) AVM as a tool in research – providing visual insight, supplementing other data, confi rming or refuting fi ndings, collecting video-based data, subjectivity, authenticity and ethical issues; (iii) presentation and dissemination – effective communication of research fi ndings, presentation skills and the new technology, integrating audio-visual data into powerpoint presentations, the internet; (iv) AVM production techniques – understanding the technology, basic camera equipment, editing software, streaming video; and (v) hands-on production of AV output.
Young researchers/teachers in academic institutions, colleges and university departments who are primarily from the social sciences discipline and whose work requires field surveys are eligible to apply. All applications should be made through respective departments/ institution. The batch will consists of 25–30 participants and selection will be based on relevance of research areas on all-India basis. Preference will be given to suitable SC/ST candidates applying with proper documentation. The selected scholars will be paid to and fro 2nd class railway fare from the place of study/work. For outstation participants there is provision for boarding and lodging at the Institute for the duration of the programme.
Those desirous of participating in the programme may kindly send their brief CV along with a write-up of around 500 words on their research topic so as to reach the Programme Coordinator, preferably through email at avmprog@gmail.com, before December 25, 2017.

EPW Article "Science and the Scientist in a Changing Climate"

Science and the Scientist in a Changing Climate
by Radha Gopalan, Economic & Political Weekly, 2016,  51(28): 30-35. 

Abstract: Is sustainability an idea, a science, a philosophy or a way of life? The premise of this article is that sustainability is all of these and more. Furthermore, science and technology of both today and the future must be re-visioned to understand and enable sustainability.

Friday, December 1, 2017

Call for Applications: Faculty/ Scientist Positions in CSIR/ SAU/ ISID




ISID Faculty Positions


The Institute for Studies in Industrial Development (ISID), a national level policy-oriented research institution sponsored by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), wishes to recruit faculty positions at the levels of ProfessorAssociate Professor and Assistant Professor with specialisation in industrial economics, corporate sector, trade, investment & technology, industrial finance and banking, competition, sectoral studies and other issues allied to industrialisation.

  1. Prospective candidates for the position of Professor should possess a doctoral degree and evidence of published policy relevant work of high quality with a minimum of 10 published papers in reputed national/international journals/books or equivalent ones. They should have been actively engaged in research/teaching for a minimum of 12 years and not less than 7 years as Associate Professor, excluding the period of Ph.D. research work, in research institutions/universities.
  2. For the position of Associate Professor, the candidates should possess a doctoral degree and evidence of published policy relevant work with a minimum of 5 publications as books and/or research/policy papers in refereed journals of repute. They should have been actively engaged in research/teaching for a minimum of 8 years, excluding the period of Ph. D. research work, in research institutions/universities.
  3. For the position of Assistant Professor, the candidates should possess a doctoral degree in social sciences or any discipline relevant to the work of ISID and the demonstrated ability to undertake independent research. Preference will be given to those having publications in reputed journals. Those who have submitted their thesis can also apply.

The Selection Committee reserves the right to select from outside the list of applicants and to offer higher salary to candidates having outstanding research experience and publications to their credit. ISID follows the UGC pattern of scales of pay for faculty. The other benefits include NPS, gratuity, medical insurance coverage & additional medical reimbursement, LTC, leave encashment, etc.

ISID follows the reservation policy for SC/ST/OBC. The concessions and relaxation in qualifying standards such as age, qualifications etc. will be applicable as per the Govt. of India reservation rules.

The prescribed application can be downloaded from the Institute's website <http://isid.org.in>. Completed applications (in five sets) with copies of publications, testimonials, attested certificates, mark-sheets, a short statement of proposed research, along with names of two referees, should reach the Director, Institute for Studies in Industrial Development, 4 Institutional Area Phase 2, Vasant Kunj, P.B. No. 7513, New Delhi – 110070, before December 15, 2017. Advance copy of the application can be sent by email at director.isid@gmail.com.

Applications received after the last date will not be entertained and the Institute takes no responsibility for any delay in receipt or loss in postal transit. Canvassing in any form by the candidates will result in disqualification of the candidature. The Institute reserves the right not to recruit any candidate if no suitable candidates are found. The ISID does not entertain any correspondence on short listing or selection.

APLLICATION FORM IN PDF

click here to download