Wednesday, August 29, 2018

Global Spending on R&D | as compiled by UNESCOstat

Global Spending on R&D | as compiled by UNESCOstat  

R&D Spending as % of GDP | BRICS Performance
  • China 2% 
  • Brazil 1.3%
  • Russia 1.1%
  • India 0.8%
  • South Africa 0.8% 






EPW Article "Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme: A Strategy for Adapting to Climate Change" by Anshu Ogra

Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme: A Strategy for Adapting to Climate Change
by Anshu Ogra; Economic & Political Weekly, 2018 53(31): 95-103.

Abstract: As a concept borrowed largely from the ecological sciences, adaptation to climate change has often invoked a sense of immediacy. This immediacy is often and mostly addressed in the policy domain by cherry-picking previously existing strategies that engage with weather in order to pass as climate change adaptation strategies. The Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme has effortlessly transitioned from being a type of agricultural insurance format based on the weather index, into a climate change adaption strategy. Examining the specific example of the Rainfall Insurance Scheme for Coffee shows that in its current form, the WBCIS is not designed as an adaptation strategy to face the challenges of climate change.


New Article "Emerging Technologies and Innovation Policies in India: How Disparities in Cancer Research Might be Furthering Health Inequities?" by Rajesh K & PN Desai

Emerging Technologies and Innovation Policies in India: How Disparities in Cancer Research Might be Furthering Health Inequities?
by Rajesh Kalarivayil & Pranav N. Desai, Journal of Asian Public Policy, 2018, DOI: 10.1080/17516234.2018.1511219.

Abstract: Inequity in health research is understood as a major impediment to development. The paper uses empirical analysis performed on a unique data set of publications and clinical trials related to cancer research to explore the public policy dimensions of health care research in India. It traces disparities that result from predilections in science technology and innovation policies in India. The paper analyses disparity in health research using emerging technologies and its implications for equity in health research. The paper argues that the use of emerging technologies in cancer research has shifted research focus from cancers affecting poor population in India.


Monday, August 27, 2018

Scientometrics paper "China's Rising Leadership in Science and Technology: Quantitative and Qualitative Indicators"

China's Rising Leadership in Science and Technology: Quantitative and Qualitative Indicators
by Aparna Basu, P. Foland, G. Holdridge, RD Shelton; Scientometrics, 2018, 117(1): 249–269.

Abstract: China has a long and proud history of world leadership in science and technology, but in the past two centuries it has experienced a period of instability that has challenged that leadership. However, since its political consolidation in the middle part of the 20th Century and its subsequent economic reforms, China's rise in science has been meteoric. This rise was first detected by the scientometric community through its indicators, but it has now become obvious. Indeed in 2017 the question, "Will China come to lead world science?" was becoming to some, "Does China already lead world science?" This paper tries to make the case that the answer is "yes" (or at least "soon")—but the answer depends on which metrics one considers. China already leads many countries in some measures of GDP, scientific paper production, researchers, plus high technology manufacturing and exports. China also recently passed the European Union in R&D investment. Even in some of those indicators where China has not yet taken the lead, reasonable forecasts predict that it soon will. However, there are some indicators where China is still far behind. For example while rising, it still lags the U.S. and EU in citations in Western publications, and will take years to catch up. Here, these quantitative measures are supplemented by qualitative ones from WTEC assessments and by survey results of scientists and the public, which present a more nuanced conclusion. While Chinese leadership may be difficult for Westerners to accept, it can be viewed as China merely regaining its historical position of leadership in science and technology.
Keywords: World leadership Science Technology China Indicators Peer review 

[apeid.higher_education.bgk] 7th UNESCO-APEID Meeting on Entrepreneurship Education, 9-11 October 2018, Trincomalee, Sri Lanka

Dear all

 

The 7th UNESCO-APEID Meeting on Entrepreneurship Education, Leveraging Multi-Stakeholder Engagement to Nurture Future Entrepreneurs, will be held in Trincomalee in Sri Lanka on 9-11 October 2018.

 

UNESCO Bangkok Office is organizing this meeting in collaboration with the National Enterprise Development Agency under the Ministry of Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka. The objectives of the meeting are to:

 

·           Identify various models of multi-stakeholder engagement in entrepreneurship education

·           Share good practices of stakeholder engagement in entrepreneurship education in primary, secondary, tertiary and non-formal education, with special reference to women entrepreneurship

·           Showcase selected student enterprises

·           Discuss potential areas of joint activities to enhance multi-stakeholder engagement in entrepreneurship education

 

For more information, please refer to the concept note. The local organizers in Sri Lanka will cover 4 nights' accommodation and meals during the meeting. They will also provide transportation between Colombo and Trincomalee. All other costs, including domestic and international travel, and miscellaneous expenses will be the responsibility of the participants.

 

Due to limited space, we can only accommodate up to 80 international participants. Please complete an application form at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/eenet2018 by 31 August 2018. The information you provide will help to ensure that the participants selected will derive the greatest benefit from the meeting.

 

Applicants from Sri Lanka should send their inquiries to:

 

Mr. Dhakshitha Bogollagama

Chairman and Director-General

National Enterprise Development Authority

Ministry of Industry and Commerce

Sri Lanka

Tel: +94 (0) 113443610

Fax: +94 (0) 112368393

Email: unesco.apeidee@neda.lk

            Website: https://www.neda.gov.lk

 

 

If you have any question, please do not hesitate to contact us.

 

Regards,

 

UNESCO EE-Net Secretariat

UNESCO Bangkok

920 Sukhumvit Road, Prakanong

Bangkok 10110, Thailand

Tel: +66 2 391 0577

Fax: +66 2 391 0866

Email: eenet@unesco.org

EE-Net Portal: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8654419

Web: https://bangkok.unesco.org/content/7th-unesco-apeid-meeting-entrepreneurship-education

Friday, August 24, 2018

Looking Back | Report of the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel | Prof. Madhav Gadgil Panel Report.

Report of the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel, Part I.
Report of the Panel of Experts under the Chairmanship of Prof. Madhav Gadgil, submitted on 31 August 2011 to the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF&CC), Government of India. 

Preface
India is remarkable for the deep and abiding concern demonstrated by its people and its successive Central, State and local Governments towards halting the rapid pace of degradation of the environment. Our country has been a pioneer in the area of integrating the needs of development with the desire to protect the environment, as reflected in the emphasis on sustainable development as a key feature of the development strategy of the nation since the Fourth Five Year Plan of the country in the early 1970s. The constitution of the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel by the Ministry of Environment and Forests of the Government of India is yet another reflection of the seriousness with which our country views these significant challenges.
The Western Ghats are naturally an important focus of sustainable development efforts. The protector of the Indian peninsula, the mother of the Godavari, Krishna, Netravathi, Kaveri, Kunthi, Vaigai and a myriad other rivers, Kalidasa likens the Western Ghats to a charming maiden; Agastyamalai is her head, Annamalai and Nilgiri the breasts, her hips the broad ranges of Kanara and Goa, her legs the northern Sahyadris. Once the lady was adorned by a sari of rich green hues; today her mantle lies in shreds and tatters. It has been torn asunder by the greed of the elite and gnawed at by the poor, striving to eke out a subsistence. This is a great tragedy, for this hill range is the backbone of the ecology and economy of south India. Yet, on the positive side, the Western Ghats region has some of the highest levels of literacy in the country, and a high level of environmental awareness. Democratic institutions are well entrenched, and Kerala leads the country in capacity building and empowering of Panchayat Raj Institutions. Goa has recently concluded a very interesting exercise, Regional Plan 2021, of taking inputs from Gram Sabhas in deciding on land use policies. Evidently, the Western Ghats constitutes an appropriate region of the country to attempt to make the transition towards an inclusive, caring and environment-friendly mode of development.
It is therefore with tremendous enthusiasm that the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel has approached its appointed task. The Panel embarked upon the assignment through a multi- pronged strategy which included (i) compilation of all readily available and accessible information on the Western Ghats, (ii) development of a geospatial database on ecological sensitivity for the entire Western Ghats region which would provide a multi-criteria decision support system for demarcation of ecologically sensitive areas, and (iii) comprehensive consultations with principal stakeholders which included civil society groups, government officials, and peoples' representatives, ranging from members of Gram Panchayats and Zilla Parishads to MLAs and MPs.
It is noteworthy that in all these endeavors special effort was made to have wide-ranging discussions with complete transparency. All the information generated by the Panel including the geospatial database is publicity available through a dedicated website created for the Panel.
During the course of the last one and half years, Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel has had fourteen Panel meetings wherein the Panel deliberated at length on various issues related to the Western Ghats region. The detailed minutes of all these meetings are available on the Ministry's website. These meeting were interspersed with brainstorming sessions, public consultations and field visits. The central stream of thought was to develop a sound scientific methodology/basis for arriving at decisions, with these decisions deliberated upon by adopting a participatory approach.
The report embodies among other things (i) categorization of the Western Ghats into three zones of varied ecological sensitivity, based upon careful analysis done by WGEEP, (ii) broad sectoral guidelines for each of these zones, and (iii) a broad framework for establishment of the Western Ghats Ecology Authority.
In this endeavor, the Panel has utilized the expertise of a number of people and organizations to whom the panel expresses its gratitude. The Panel thanks the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, for giving it this unique opportunity to be part of a very significant initiative directed at conserving the natural heritage of the Western Ghats – a global biodiversity hotspot.
Prof. Madhav Gadgil | Chairman, Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel



See Also:

Thursday, August 23, 2018

New Report | "A Free and Fair Digital Economy: Protecting Privacy, Empowering Indians".

A Free and Fair Digital Economy: Protecting Privacy, Empowering Indians.
Report of the Committee of Experts under the Chairmanship of Justice B.N. Srikrishna, submitted on 27th July 2018 to Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India. 

About the Report
Recognising the importance of data protection and keeping personal data of citizens secure and protected, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, had constituted a Committee of Experts on 31st July 2017 under the Chairmanship of Justice B N Srikrishna, Former Judge, Supreme Court of India and comprising of members from Government, Academia and Industry to study and identify key data protection issues and recommend methods for addressing them. In December 2017, the Committee had put out a White Paper on Data Protection Framework for India, and had sought public comments and suggestions on it. Submission of responses to the White Paper was received till 31st January, 2018.  
On 27th July 2018, the Committee handed over its final report to Information and Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad. The report comprises recommendations, including on what personal data is, the consent requirements for using such data, and the penalties for misuse of personal data. The Committee also suggested a draft Data Protection Bill. Protection of Data is expected to provide big boost to digital economy of the country.

Table of Contents (9 chapters)
  • Chapter 1: A Free and Fair Digital Economy
  • Chapter 2: Jurisdiction and Applicability
  • Chapter 3: Processing
  • Chapter 4: Obligations of Data Fiduciaries
  • Chapter 5: Data Principal Rights
  • Chapter 6: Transfer of Personal Data Outside India
  • Chapter 7: Allied Laws
  • Chapter 8: Non-Consensual Processing
  • Chapter 9: Enforcement

See Also:

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Open Science MOOC launched

The TU Delft Library together with the TU Delft Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management, has launched its Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on the topic of Open Science https://www.edx.org/course/open-science-sharing-your-research-with-the-world

 

This MOOC covers an introduction to Open Science and the FAIR principles, open research data, open access to data and publications and how to increase research(er) visibility. It might be of interest to you or colleagues.

 

The course is based on an existing online course already offered to PhD candidates by the Library, but has a wider, international and multi-disciplinary focus. It starts on October 30, takes 4 weeks (about 4 hours per week) and you can register through the link below.

 

The course is open to anyone and is completely free. We look forward to seeing you in the course!

 

Further Details:

Alastair Dunning

Head, Research Data Services & 4TU.Centre for Research Data | TU Delft Library

T +31 (0)15 27 89 618| E a.c.dunning[@]tudelft.nl | cid:image001.jpg@01D16996.1C10A9C0  @alastairdunning

E researchdata[@]4tu.nl | W http://researchdata.4tu.nl | cid:image001.jpg@01D1BA62.C8802E20 4TUResearchData

 

 

 

open-science-v3 maila

Open Science: Sharing your research with the world (MOOC)



MeitY invites Feedback on Draft Personal Data Protection Bill

Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, New Delhi, India

     

Date: 14th August 2108

Recognizing the importance of data protection and keeping personal data of citizens secure and protected, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India constituted a Committee of Experts under the Chairmanship of Justice B N Srikrishna, Former Judge, Supreme Court of India.

The Committee of Experts on Data Protection has submitted its Report and draft Personal Data Protection Bill, which are available on MeitY website.

MeitY solicits comments from General Public on the Draft Personal Data Protection Bill by 10th September 2018.

The comments may be submitted "HERE".

In exceptional cases, submissions by post may be sent to:

     Joint Secretary
     Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
     Room No. 4016, Electronics Niketan,
     6 CGO Complex, CGO Complex,
     Lodhi Road,
     New Delhi – 110003.


Thursday, August 16, 2018

[apeid.higher_education.bgk] 7th UNESCO-APEID Meeting on Entrepreneurship Education, 9-11 October 2018, Trincomalee, Sri Lanka

Dear all

 

The 7th UNESCO-APEID Meeting on Entrepreneurship Education, Leveraging Multi-Stakeholder Engagement to Nurture Future Entrepreneurs, will be held in Trincomalee in Sri Lanka on 9-11 October 2018.

 

UNESCO Bangkok Office is organizing this meeting in collaboration with the National Enterprise Development Agency under the Ministry of Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka. The objectives of the meeting are to:

 

·           Identify various models of multi-stakeholder engagement in entrepreneurship education

·           Share good practices of stakeholder engagement in entrepreneurship education in primary, secondary, tertiary and non-formal education, with special reference to women entrepreneurship

·           Showcase selected student enterprises

·           Discuss potential areas of joint activities to enhance multi-stakeholder engagement in entrepreneurship education

 

For more information, please refer to the concept note. The local organizers in Sri Lanka will cover 4 nights' accommodation and meals during the meeting. They will also provide transportation between Colombo and Trincomalee. All other costs, including domestic and international travel, and miscellaneous expenses will be the responsibility of the participants.

 

Due to limited space, we can only accommodate up to 80 international participants. Please complete an application form at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/eenet2018 by 31 August 2016. The information you provide will help to ensure that the participants selected will derive the greatest benefit from the meeting.

 

Applicants from Sri Lanka should send their inquiries to:

 

Mr. Dhakshitha Bogollagama

Chairman and Director-General

National Enterprise Development Authority

Ministry of Industry and Commerce

Sri Lanka

Tel: +94 (0) 113443610

Fax: +94 (0) 112368393

Email: unesco.apeidee@neda.lk

            Website: https://www.neda.gov.lk

 

 

If you have any question, please do not hesitate to contact us.

 

Regards,

 

UNESCO EE-Net Secretariat

UNESCO Bangkok

920 Sukhumvit Road, Prakanong

Bangkok 10110, Thailand

Tel: +66 2 391 0577

Fax: +66 2 391 0866

Email: eenet@unesco.org

EE-Net Portal: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8654419

Web: https://bangkok.unesco.org/content/7th-unesco-apeid-meeting-entrepreneurship-education

Saturday, August 11, 2018

[apeid.higher_education.bgk] 19th UNESCO-APEID International Conference-Effective School Leadership for the 21st Century

19th UNESCO-APEID International Conference

Effective School Leadership for the 21st Century: Meeting the Sustainable Development Goals

7-9 November 2018, Bangkok, Thailand

 

Call for papers

 

School leaders have an impact on the entire school system. They are expected to lead in achieving the school performance targets, enhance the school's reputation, address a diverse range of administrative and academic concerns, ensure a conducive learning environment, and deal with partners and education authorities. Often serving as the links that connect external development and demands with internal school processes and outcomes, school leaders can be highly stressed and overburdened. With limited resources, they face serious challenges in meeting their school's educational goals.

 

What does it take to be a successful school leader? How does one prepare for and grow in this role?

 

Recognizing that school leadership is a priority and school leaders need sustained support to enable them to do their job more effectively, UNESCO Asia and Pacific Regional Bureau for Education in Bangkok, Thailand, is organizing the 19th UNESCO-APEID International Conference, Effective School Leadership for the 21st Century: Meeting the Sustainable Development Goals, to facilitate discussions about school leadership in contributing to the SDGs. Special attention will be given to examples that link theory to practice.

 

Sub-themes of the Conference

 

I.         What is School Leadership in the 21st Century?

·     Defining school leadership roles, responsibilities, issues, and trends in a globalized and interconnected world

·     Examining school leadership policies and governance

·     Establishing standards and competency frameworks for school leadership

·     Linking school leadership and educational transformation

 

II.       Innovative School Leadership Practices

·     Identifying and preparing future school leaders

·     Developing school leadership capacities and skills

·     Investigating different approaches for sharing school leadership

·     Showcasing practical examples of effective school leadership

 

III.   Strengthening School Leadership and Collaboration

·       Developing indicators, approaches and tools for assessing school leadership

·       Exploring diverse models for strengthening school leadership performance

·       Supporting collaborative research on school leadership

·       Harnessing the use of technology for communication and dialogues on school leadership

 

Call for papers

The organizers invite papers on the Conference sub-themes. Submit English abstracts, no longer than 200 words, at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/apeidconf by 14 September 2018.

 

Venue

Pullman Bangkok King Power Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand

 

Registration

Register online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/apeidconf, or contact UNESCO Bangkok at apeidconf@unesco.org for further information.

 

Fees

International participant

US$ 350

Early bird*

US$ 250

Full-time student

US$ 150

Resident of Thailand

US$ 150

Group registration**

US$ 250 each

* Payment for Early bird registration must be received by UNESCO Bangkok by 19 October 2018.

** For 5 or more individuals from the same organization/institution.

 

The Conference fees will cover only the following items:

·         Attendance at all sessions

·         Conference materials

·         Lunches and refreshment breaks

·         Welcome reception

 

Payment

Send a bank draft payable to "UNESCO" at the following address:

 

UNESCO-APEID International Conference Secretariat

UNESCO Bangkok

920 Sukhumvit Road

Bangkok 10110, Thailand

 

Important dates

Submission of abstracts                           14 September 2018

Notification of abstract acceptance          28 September 2018

Payment for early bird registration fees   19 October 2018

Payment of registration fees                    2 November 2018

 

Accommodation

Participants who wish to stay in Pullman Bangkok King Power Hotel, the conference venue, should contact the hotel directly. To receive the special rates, please complete the hotel reservation form and send it to the hotel at rsvnmgr@pullmanbangkokkingpower.com.

 

For more information, contact:

 

UNESCO-APEID International Conference Secretariat

UNESCO Bangkok

920 Sukhumvit Road, Prakanong

Bangkok 10110, Thailand

Tel: (66-2) 391 0577

Fax: (66-2) 391 0866

Email: apeidconf@unesco.org

Website: https://bangkok.unesco.org/content/19th-unesco-apeid-international-conference

 

 

"High-performing principals are not just born, but can be made." - Linda Darling-Hammond

 

Wednesday, August 8, 2018

The Holy See ratified the Tokyo Convention

Dear Colleagues,

 

Good news! The Holy See has ratified the Tokyo Convention on recognition, becoming the Sixth Member State to do so (news online here).

 

We look forward to more countries in Asia and the Pacific announcing their progress to ratify and implement the Tokyo Convention (background online and attached).

 

With our heartfelt thanks,

 

Libing Wang

UNESCO Bangkok

Secretariat of the Bureau of the Regional Committee

 

 

 

Section for Educational Innovation and Skills Development (EISD)

Asia-Pacific Regional Bureau for Education

 

Mom Luang Pin Malakul Centenary Building

920 Sukhumvit Rd.,
Bangkok 10110, Thailand

Tel.: +66 23 91 05 77 Ext 371

www.unesco.org/bangkok

 

Monday, August 6, 2018

Call for Nomination: NIAS-DST Training Programme on "Policy for Science and Science for Policies" | 1-5 October | NIAS Bangalore

NIAS-DST Training Programme on "Policy for Science and Science for Policies"
October 1 to 5, 2018
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 is available to other cadre-based services.  In order to bridge this gap, this Programme which is now seventh in the series for scientist-administrators and technologists at the Directors/Divisional Heads/Chief Scientists/Senior Scientists position from various scientific organizations in the country will focus on the theme 'Policy for Science and Science for Policies'. The Programme will be conducted during October 1 to 5, 2018. Consistent with the mission of NIAS, its programmes emphasize the development of leadership qualities through the integration of multidisciplinary knowledge. 

About the Training Programme
The training programme includes several technical lecture sessions (including the Inaugural and Valedictory function), and cultural programme. There will be a session on Yoga practice in the mornings.  The defining feature of lecture pattern in our programmes consists is the interactive session with distinguished faculty drawn from different organisations and occupations. The general format is a presentation for 45 minutes followed by discussions for 45 minutes. The participants would be encouraged to interact in-depth as much as possible with the speakers. The programme will draw speakers from across the nation to address some of the following topics:
  • Information Technology and Robotics
  • Science Policy and Security
  • Science Policy, Education and Culture
  • Energy Policies and Climate Change
  • Science and Society
  • Science and Communication
More information about the lectures will be provided to the nominated participants.

Infrastructure: Situated on five acres of land within the verdant campus of the Indian Institute of Science, the buildings of NIAS have a strikingly distinctive architecture with elegant lines and arched corridors. The fully furnished guest rooms make the visitors' and programme participants' stay a pleasant one. NIAS organizes a variety of programmes and public events. The campus of NIAS is often admired for its peaceful and green environs, an atmosphere conducive to research.
The facilities of NIAS include JRD Tata Auditorium, Lecture Hall, Conference Halls, Guest Rooms, Dining Hall and Green House for open-air activities. These facilities are used from time to time for various activities of the Institute and when they are not being used by the Institute it is available for others.
Since the programme is residential, NIAS will arrange boarding and lodging facilities.  In view of this guideline, it is necessary that all the participants stay in the campus. The outstation participants will be received at the Bengaluru airport.

Nominations: The Programme participants will be 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 to Bengaluru and return are to be met by the nominating organizations as stipulated by DST.  Participation in this Programme is limited to 25 individuals.  
Last date for receiving nominations: August 31, 2018.

National Institute of Advanced Studies, Indian Institute of Science Campus, Bengaluru 560012, Telephone: 080-22185025, Email: niaspssp.dst@gmail.com


Call for Nomination: NIAS-DST Training Programme for Women Scientists (under DISHA Scheme) on "Science and Sustainability in India"

NIAS–DST Training Programme for Women Scientists (under DISHA Scheme) on "Science and Sustainability in India"
September 3 – 7, 2018
at National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bangalore, India

Invitation for Nomination
Sustainability has an important place in the enterprise of research, policy and advocacy. Indeed, it is central to quality of life for current and future generations. Evolution and rapid ascendance of sustainability as a concept and a way of life signals numerous shifts in solutions to contemporary challenges. Current engagements with sustainability have enabled imaginations and drive towards a synthesis of diverse perspectives and a deepened interpretation of connectivity amongst science, technology, ethics and society. 
Given that issues of sustainability have transcended disciplines and expert domains, it would be fruitful to understand how the diverse spheres such as academia, policy making, activism, education and advocacy are incorporating concerns of sustainability. An inquiry into the emergence of the discourse on sustainability in the Indian context would lead to a series of questions: 
  • How is scientific research and progress connected to the theories and practices of sustainability?
  • What can the considerations of sustainability inform us about scientific practice and the processes of knowledge production?
  • How can sustainability education be developed and promoted?
  • How do we understand the relationship between sustainability and development?
  • How has the national policy framework paid attention to matters of sustainability?
These are some of the questions that form the crux of the course that is being organised by National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS) Bengaluru. This Course is supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) as a part of the initiative "DISHA Programme for Women in Science" and is a week-long training programme. The Course will include a combination of invited and inhouse lectures delivered by scientists, administrators, scholars, teachers, social scientists, scholars of humanities and artists. This Course will be held in NIAS from September 3 – 7, 2018, and is meant exclusively for Women Scientists and Technologists working in India.
The importance of Science and Technology and its connection to national development is hardly contested. The centrality of science and technology in modern India can be seen in the tremendous work of institution building across the country since independence. Rigorous training and high quality research have been the markers of many of our institutions. While we started out late, inclusion of women in the enterprise of science and technology is of utmost importance. Historically, women have entered the domains of science in small numbers, due to a range of reasons. There exists, however, a huge potential for talent among women. Participation of women in science faces two major challenges in India: access to higher levels of training in science, and mechanisms to retain women in scientific institutions. 
For over a decade, NIAS has been drawing attention to the need of building professional development models and instituting formal mechanisms so that the scientific power is not lost. The institution is fully committed to creating opportunities for interaction, collaboration and capacity enhancement for women scientists through a range of mechanisms and the training programme under DISHA scheme offers such a platform. 
For the training programme the institute seeks applications from Mid-level women scientists with minimum experience of 9 years onwards upto 21 years from diverse scientific institutions and universities. The programme will be organised around 5 themes and will involve lecture demonstrations, audio-visual contents, group discussions and sessions focusing on professional development. NIAS firmly believes that sustainability as an approach and for effective implementations needs the minds and commitment of best of women scientists as individuals and their networks. Our understanding and determination is enhanced multifold by the responses from the speakers and participants of earlier courses. 
As a premier institution in the country engaged in research and development, NIAS is an excellent place to conduct a training programme on sustainability and science. Building on its strength in various disciplines and advocacy issues, NIAS offers a unique multidisciplinary perspective that lends itself well to the complex questions of sustainability. NIAS is also fully committed to supporting women scientists and scholars in their professional domains. Situated on the beautiful green campus of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), NIAS offers excellent library resources and access to scholars working on issues of contemporary relevance. Overall, the training course at NIAS is designed and delivered to leave an imprint and motivation in the professional lives of women scientists. 

Last date for receiving nominations: August 10, 2018.

For further information contact: 
National Institute of Advanced Studies, Indian Institute of Science Campus, Bengaluru 560012, Telephone: 080-22185025, Email: niasdstws@gmail.com