Research in Centre for Studies in Science Policy

Call for Proposals: 2011 Emerald/IAM Indian Management Research Fund Award

2012-01-25T05:09:00.001-08:00

2011 Emerald/IAM Indian Management Research Fund Award

Supporting knowledge creation and dissemination for the social good in India

Call for Indian management research proposals

This year, Emerald and the IAM – Indian Academy of Management – are delighted to offer a research grant for an Indian project in the field of management research. There will be one award of £2,000 (approximately US$3,000 equivalent) for the winning research project, and two awards of £500 each for highly-commended runners up, to fund or part-fund these projects.

Applications should address the creation and dissemination of knowledge for the social good with a specific orientation toward benefit for India.

Eligibility

The main member of the research team must be based in India.

Judging criteria

Each application will be judged, by a panel of experts, on the criteria below. The research must:

Be of significance, and in particular, illustrate how it will benefit the social good.
Demonstrate originality and innovation.
Make an outstanding contribution to theory and its application.
Illustrate the appropriateness and application of the methodology.
Demonstrate sound implications for theory and practice.

Application requirements

Each proposal must be submitted using the online application form at:
http://ww2.emeraldinsight.com/awards/indianmgmt.htm

The following documents will be required electronically:

A summary stating specific goals, outcomes and benefits of the research. This should not exceed 2,000 words (note that tables, figures, appendices and reference lists, if provided do NOT count to the 2,000 word total).
A covering letter containing full contact details (affiliation, full address, telephone number/s and e-mail address) for all researchers involved in the project. Please state clearly which researcher will be the main point of contact.

The 2,000-word summary must:

Display clearly a statement of purpose and intent.
State clearly the methodology(ies) applied and explicitly describe the research process.
State expected research outcomes and expected impact and possible application.
Specify the expected timescales of the research process.
Outline projected costs and total research grant required.

Key dates

The closing date for applications is 1 February 2012.
Winners will be announced in April 2012.

Last year's winner

Last year Emerald was delighted to receive almost 60 research proposals of outstanding quality. The winning research proposal was "Development Of Rural Healthcare Provisions In India: From The Perspective Of Effectuation" by Niharika Garud, Indian Institute Of Management Bangalore, India

"Winning the Emerald/IAM research award is exciting and a significant achievement for my research in rural healthcare sector. I feel honored and privileged to receive this recognition by prestigious and esteemed scholars. By participating in the Emerald/IAM award process, I was able to evaluate my work critically, and by doing so, I was able to articulate my ideas and be more precise about my research objectives. Being found worthy of the award and being recognized for my work in itself is a great reward which motivates other institutions to acknowledge and support this research further. The award motivates me to put more effort and strive harder to understand and solve social issues. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Emerald and Indian Academy of Management for supporting academic research around the world."

Contact

For further information, please contact:

Emma Stevenson
External Relations Executive
Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Howard House
Wagon Lane
Bingley BD16 1WA
United Kingdom

Tel +44 (0) 1274 785198
E-mail estevenson@emeraldinsight.com
http://www.emeraldinsight.com/research/awards/indianmgmt.htm

Recent Research Papers of Sujit Bhattacharya & Jayanthi A.P. of CSSP

2012-01-09T01:37:00.001-08:00

Investigating the role of policies, strategies, and governance in China's emergence as a global nanotech player
by Sujit Bhattacharya; M. Bhati; A. P. Kshitij
2011 Atlanta Conference on Science and Innovation Policy (September 2011), pg. 1-14

Abstract
China has challenged the dominance of advanced OECD countries in high technologies by emerging as a leading country in nanotechnology; projected as a key technology of the 21st century. Stakes are high as estimated market value and economic and social benefits are immense for countries that can attain competency in this technology. The study makes a broad assessment of nanotechnology performance of China; to reveal to what extent it is making an assertion in this technology. We then investigate macro and micro level policies and strategies in China's emergence as a key player in nanotechnology. China's emergence in nanotechnology is discussed in a broader context to distill how a country that is still at a low end of technology value chain with limited innovative ability has been able to create capacity and capability in a high technology area. This can be learning for countries in transition that face similar constraints in trying to become an `innovation oriented' society.
Full-text Link

Research and Innovation for Drug Development in Neglected Diseases: A Case Study of India
by Sujit Bhattacharya; Jayanthi A. Pushkaran
African Journal of Science Technology and Development, 2011, 3(3), p. 236-258.

Abstract
This study investigated the research and innovation in 'neglected diseases' in India and the various modalities being undertaken to develop 'novel' drugs for these diseases. In spite of increase in scientific research and patent filing, examination of Indian pharmaceutical firm's activities shows that only a few firms are involved in the domain of neglected disease. Government is trying to bridge the 'translational gap' by stimulating public-private research partnership; however, private firms primarily exhibit profit motive for coming into public partnership. This model, as the evidences show, is not suitable for drug development in neglected diseases. The study explores other models that can broadly be placed under open innovation and argues that they are more promising for drug development in neglected diseases. It calls for more attention to these approaches as they provide incentives for actors to participate and moves away from the 'market centric' focus on drug development by firms leading to research only for lifestyle diseases effecting the north.

For full-text papers please contact the authors.

CfPs: Asia Competitiveness Forum 2012; April 26-27; New Delhi

2012-01-09T00:56:00.000-08:00

Asia Competitiveness Forum 2012
New Delhi, India
April 26-27, 2012

Theme: Competitiveness - Economic Development, Prosperity and Creating Shared Value

Capitalism is an idea that has stood the test of time, but along the way it has changed dramatically. It is an idea which has not changed continuously but in a series of discontinuous leaps. We are in the midst of one such discontinuous transition wherein the world economies are grappling with slow down and reconfiguration. The world economy would be driven by the growth of Asia.
The challenge for tomorrow would be to look at Economic Development that is just, humane and inclusive. The idea that would be driving the world tomorrow would be creating shared value.
This year's Asia Competitiveness Forum center's on three pillars of Competitiveness i.e. Economic Development, Prosperity and Shared Value Creation.

Why this Forum?

Meeting place for Practitioners and Researchers working in the field of Competitiveness, Clusters and Economic Development
An opportunity to enhance prosperity by initiating a dialogue on unique Business Models, Cluster Competitiveness and Shared Value Creation
A place to discuss current thinking and future challenges in the field of Public Policy, Social Business, Clusters and Competitiveness

Theme Span

The Forum will be designed as a combination of academic presentations and practical knowledge involving interactive sessions (workshops, open space sessions etc.). The broad areas for the Forum include Economic Development, Prosperity and Creating Shared Value.

Call for Papers and Presentations

Business and Cluster practitioners around the world are invited to submit proposals for presentations on the central theme of the Forum. The Forum will include sessions where ideas and processes examining Clusters and Competitiveness are to be presented. You can contribute by presenting new ideas and practical solutions for your fellow practitioners managing change, transition and other challenges in developing Sustainable Competitiveness and Creating Shared Value.
Format: The proposed presentations should consist of a cover page and an abstract.
The cover page should contain: Title of the presentation- full name and title (Mr., Mrs., Dr., Professor etc.); name of the organization/company, country, job title, a brief CV of not more than 200 words, contact email address and telephone number
The abstract should cover the core theme of the Forum and should be no longer than 1000 words. We specially encourage young practitioners to submit an abstract
CV's and abstracts must be emailed to: submissions@competitiveness.in

Deadlines: 14 February 2012: Submission of abstracts; 28 February 2012: Notification for selected abstracts

About Organizer: TCI
TCI is the leading global network for practitioners, policy makers, researchers and business leaders working towards improving competitiveness in regions and clusters. TCI is a non-profit, non-governmental organization, with a global scope, open to members from all countries throughout the private, public and voluntary sector. The membership base currently consists of 3000 leading practitioners from 100 countries. By sharing knowledge and experience, TCI members gain access to leading insights and expertise and the most recent global developments about competitiveness and innovation.

Further Details

"Understanding Innovation: the Indian Context" a Bulletin; November 2011 issue

2012-01-08T22:32:00.001-08:00

Understanding Innovation: the Indian Context

November 2011 issue

A Bulletin Initiated by

National Science and Technology Management Information System (NSTMIS), DST, India

National Institute of Science, Technology and Development Studies (NISTADS), New Delhi, India

Download Full-text PDF

HBL Article "How Not to Discuss Water with China" by Rohan D'Souza, CSSP

2012-01-02T21:46:00.001-08:00

How Not to Discuss Water with China
Rohan D'Souza
The Hindu Business Line, January 1, 2012
Source: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/columns/article2766410.ece

China has never been daunted by big engineering. The Great Wall, the Grand Canal and recently the Three Gorges Dam all testify to an almost habitual pursuit of projects involving enormous scale.
Small wonder that many in India see it but inevitable that China will divert the Yarlung Tsang-po for its thirst-ridden cities in the north. An idea made even more spectacular, given that this siphoning will literally involve taking the waters in a hop-jump-skip equivalent over the head reaches of three other mighty rivers: the Salween, Mekong and the temperamental Yangtze.
And even when this unforgiving route is overcome, the non-evaporated flows of the Tsang-po will then still have to be pumped, dropped and shuffled across a whole set of connecting channels, tunnels and sprawling pipelines before finally gushing from turned taps in Beijing.
To many, understandably, this kind of engineering is between implausible and impossible.
But can one confidently conclude that a desperately thirsty China is beyond great, grand and gigantic imaginations about water?
Officially, the Chinese government intends to move 38-48 billion cubic meters of water annually from its southern rivers for populations in the north, through the unambiguously titled scheme, the South North Water Diversion Project (SNWD).
Should these ambitious water diversions, however, unequivocally hold for trans-boundary rivers as well?

HARNESSING BRAHMAPUTRA
One of China's southernmost rivers is the Yarlung Tsang-Po, which, after entering Arunachal Pradesh as the Siang, opens up majestically within the Assam valley to become India's 'moving ocean', the masculine Brahmaputra. Later on, these flows briefly meander as the Jamuna in Bangladesh before entirely folding into the Padma River (Pôdda), near Goalundo Ghat.
But one river stringing three nations is inescapably a natural geo-political muddle. Anyone, for example, pinching flows can send political ripples and cross-border anxieties. Added to which, this complicated fluvial regime comprising innumerable tributaries, bifurcations and branches remains little understood as a hydraulic process.
As yet, the vast mosaic of ecological niches and fluvial habitats borne by the Yarlung-Brahmaputra-Jamuna (YBJ) system is yet to be credibly studied in terms of its environmental webs and linkages. Ironically enough, the absence of such knowledge on the river's flora, fauna and intricate ecological relationships has hardly humbled those shaping a vibrant discourse over water security for the region. If anything, ignorance seems bliss in this case, with the entire effort focused on ascertaining and intensely debating quantifiable flows.
Put differently, the YBJ has been conveniently denied recognition as a river regime bearing environmental qualities. Instead, it has become a river of volumes, compiled as numbers, as averages and as simple statistics.

ANOTHER TACK
And herein lies the Chinese water conundrum for Indian diplomacy and its non-traditional security strategists.
If negotiations are reduced to ascertaining who is entitled to how much of the volume, the game might, in fact, be lost in a single move.
Thus far, the Indian side seems to be fashioning a two-point emphasis: constructing a dialogue for 'sharing benefits' from probable hydro-electric projects on the Yarlung-Brahmaputra stretch and developing a mutually agreeable format for exchanging hydraulic data.
The strategy, however, rests too much on hope and expectations about reciprocal goodwill. Moreover, China's imperatives or ability to realise kilowatts and cusecs do not, in any sense, provide a compelling urgency for regional cooperation.
Flow data, similarly, even when transparent and accessible, can only be read against the grain of several other imponderables.
And most critically, can such water arrangements, even if concluded as a treaty, be contained as a specific deal between India and China? That is, can India's understandings with China be prevented from an interpretative spillover into existing water treaties, or significantly trouble other delicately poised discussions over trans-boundary rivers in the region? Secondly, India held the upper riparian position on previous major treaty negotiations: the Indus Water Treaty (1960) and the Ganges Water Treaty (1996).
Upper riparians possess an unstated advantage in the creation of hydraulic facts and can carry their topographical strength into concluding any arrangement.
Clearly, not so in the case of the Yarlung Tsang-po, and bargains with China over a likely water treaty will put Indian negotiators in a technical context that for the latter, at least, entirely lacks historical precedence.
Put differently, a new language game will need to be evolved by the Indian side which, above all else, provides a novel architecture for discussions that are based on an entirely different set of hydraulic concepts and categories.
Interestingly enough, cutting such a fresh path will be a lot easier than pursuing an intense, dogged and grinding exchange over contested river flow data. Since the 1990s, a dramatic scholarly turn has occurred in several social science disciplines with the theme of water as a central narrative. A range of publications in anthropology, sociology and history, have decisively altered our understandings on river management and hydraulic control.

BEYOND STATISTICS
A recent issue of the journal Nature (vol. 4, September 30, 2010), highlighted the urgency for an "integrative water approach".
In effect, hydraulic and riverine habitat diversity have to be sustained, if human consumption requirements were to be met in the long term.
It is imperative that Indian water negotiators harness this fresh research turn. Lazy argumentations that continue to evoke nineteenth century quantitative hydrology and twentieth century large-dam monumentalism are most likely to fail.
Indian negotiators can make a more meaningful case by discussing thick interconnections between hydraulic diversity on the one hand and livelihood complexity and intricate social dependencies on the other — rather than foregrounding statistical simplifications about river flows.

(The author is with the Centre for Studies in Science Policy, Jawaharlal Nehru University)

Fox International Fellowship for JNU Researchers

2011-12-27T23:31:00.001-08:00

Fox International Fellowship

The University has signed an MoU with the Yale Centre for International and Area Studies (Yale University), USA, to administer the programme of Yale University "Fox International Fellowship" in JNU.

As per the agreement, two Fox International fellows from Yale will spend a year at JNU and two fellows from JNU will spend a year at Yale and the students of JNU will be fully funded by Yale University. The Committee shall recommend of M.Phil/Ph.D students to be sent to Yale University in order to conduct research in any of the following fields: Economics, Finance, Political Science. International Relations, Law and Contemporary History. Although the Committee shall decide regarding selection of students of the University for the year 2011-12, the Fox International Fellowship will be awarded by the Yale University for the year 2012-13.

The students eligible for the year 2011-12 will be only those who have joined M.Phil/Ph.D or Direct Ph.D programme in the Monsoon Semester of academic year 2010-11 or earlier. Hence, they should have completed 3 semesters of M.Phil/Ph.D programme but should not have completed more than 6 semesters of the said programme as on 1st January, 2012.

In the light of the above decision, kindly forward us the recommendations of eligible candidate(s) in the enclosed proforma at the earliest, not later than 13^th January, 2012, so as to enable us to take further appropriate action in the matter.

Selection Criteria

Fellowship Form

Application form for Fox International Fellowship 2011-12

EPW Article "Decentralised Procurement and Universalised PDS" by Kaustav Banerjee, CSSP

2011-12-23T00:59:00.001-08:00

"Decentralised Procurement and Universalised PDS"
by Kaustav Banerjee

Decentralisation of food procurement could facilitate universalisation of the public distribution system under the proposed National Food Security Act. Non-green revolution crops such as millets, coarse cereals, pulses, oilseeds, etc, should also be covered in the PDS.

Economic & Political Weekly, December 24, 2011 vol xlvi, no 52, pages 19-22.

Download Full-text PDF

IWMI-Tata Policy Research Program: Inviting young researchers to contribute field-based research papers, case studies

2011-12-23T00:02:00.001-08:00

IWMI-Tata Policy Research Program: Water, Energy, Climate, Agriculture, Livelihoods, Environment

Inviting young researchers, development professionals, journalists to contribute previously unpublished field-based research papers, case studies for Annual Partners' Meet 2012

March 13-15, 2012

Session Theme & Theme Manager

Studies of innovative approaches in improving the working of public irrigation schemes in major, medium or minor sectors [Meghna Brahmchari, meghna.brahmachari@gmail.com]
Costs and benefits of piped distribution (authorized or unauthorized) of canal or tank water [Tushaar Shah, t.shah@cgiar.org]
Livelihood impacts of water infrastructure created/renovated under MGNREGA [Shilp Verma shilpv@gmail.com]
Impacts of the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) [K. Palanisami k.palanisami@cgiar.org]
Issues in expanding groundwater irrigation in eastern India [Aditi Mukherji a.mukherji@cgiar.org]
Impact of farm power supply policies on agriculture and rural development [Aditi Mukherji a.mukherji@cgiar.org]
Water quality deterioration and its impact on public health [Sunderrajan K sunderrajan@gmail.com and R Indu rajnarayan.indu@gmail.com]
Performance of policies and programs for promoting micro-irrigation [K Palanisami k.palanisami@cgiar.org]
Gender and equity issues in irrigated agriculture [Seema Kulkarni seemakulkarni2@gmail.com]
Water harvesting and groundwater recharge in a basin/catchment context [Shilp Verma shilpv@gmail.com]

Researchers are invited to submit field-based research papers, case studies, thought pieces, review articles (not exceeding 4500 words) on any of the 9 themes by January 15, 2012. Submission of a paper is no guarantee of selection for presentation in the Meet. IWMI-Tata Program will provide travel support to the lead author of each selected submission to participate in the Meet at Anand, Gujarat and present her/his paper. In addition, an honorarium of Rs 25,000 will be provided for each selected entry.

Please mail your submission, mentioning the theme for which it is submitted to: itp.apm2012@gmail.com
IWMI-Tata Policy Research Program
C/O INREM Foundation
Smruti Park, Opp. Mangalpura
Anand 388001, Gujarat
+91-2692-263816/7 +91-9825931984

Growth Analysis report on Energy Research & Development in India

2011-12-22T23:11:00.001-08:00

Growth Analysis report on Energy Research & Development in India

In 2005 Sweden and India signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Science & Technology for which the Swedish Governmental Agency for Innovation Systems, VINNOVA, was assigned the operational responsibility on the Swedish side. VINNOVA has asked the Swedish Energy Agency (Energimyndigheten) to engage in supporting Swedish-Indian research collaboration under this agreement. At the same time, the Swedish Energy Agency is responsible for bilateral collaborations within the area of energy, including research collaborations, with India according to an MoU on Renewable Energy from 2010 that refers to the 2005 S&T MoU.

In order to prepare for this engagement the Swedish Energy Agency has commissioned the Swedish Agency for Growth Policy Analysis (Growth Analysis) to map out areas where India has a strong position in energy research. The mapping should cover subject areas, geographical areas and universities/institutes as well as other relevant players. This report has been prepared and written by Rajeev Palakshappa under the auspices of Andreas Muranyi Scheutz who is head of Growth Analysis New Delhi office, and was published in September 2011.

Download the report (as a pdf-file)

CfPs: 8th International Conference on Webometrics, Informetrics and Scientometrics (WIS) & 13th COLLNET Meeting, 23-26 Oct 2012, Seoul, Korea

2011-12-02T03:19:00.001-08:00

Eighth International Conference on Webometrics, Informetrics and Scientometrics (WIS) & Thirteenth COLLNET Meeting

23-26 October 2012, Seoul, Korea

Host : Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information (KISTI)

Call for Papers
Scope: Quantitative aspects of science of science. Collaboration and communication in science and in technology. Science policy. Combination and integration of qualitative and quantitative approaches.

Theoretical, methodological and applied aspects, for example:

Emerging issues in Scientometrics / Informetrics /webometrics and history
Science Policy and collaboration
Collaboration Studies for Science & Society
Collaboration, Knowledge Management & Industrial Partnership
Collaborative Bridge between Academic Research and Industry
Techniques for Collaboration Studies
Visualization Techniques in Collaboration Studies
Quantitative analysis of S&T innovations
Informetrics laws and distributions, mathematical models of communication or collaboration
Nature and growth of science and of collaboration in science and its relation with technological output
Evaluation indicators
Collaboration in science and in technology from both quantitative and qualitative points of view.

Please, note that these examples listed above give a broad outline of the scope of the workshop theme but do not limit it.
Please send your extended abstracts to: Hildrun Kretschmer at Kretschmer.h@onlinehome.de with a copy to Kyungran Noh at infor@kisti.re.kr .

COLLNET and ISSI
COLLNET is a global interdisciplinary research network of scholars who are concerned to study aspects of collaboration in science and in technology (see COLLNET web site at: http://www.collnet.de/). This network of interdisciplinary scholars was established in January 2000 in Berlin with Hildrun Kretschmer as coordinator. Since that time there have been twelve meetings: the first in Berlin, September 2000, the 2nd in New Delhi, February 2001 and the 3rd in Sydney (in association with the 8th ISSI Conference), July 2001. The former ISSI President Mari Davis has mentioned in the Newsletter, July 2003: Importantly, ISSI needs alliance with other groups, such as COLLNET, for broader reach among a range of interdisciplinary researchers and to encourage new thinking and perspectives on investigations in science and in technology. The 4th COLLNET Meeting took place on August 29th in 2003 in Beijing in conjunction with the 9th International ISSI Conference; the International Workshop on Webometrics, Informetrics and Scientometrics and 5th COLLNET Meeting in Roorkee, India, in March 2004. The 6th COLLNET Meeting took place in association with the 10th ISSI Conference in Stockholm, Sweden, in July 2005 and the International Workshop on Webometrics, Informetrics and Scientometrics and 7th COLLNET Meeting in Nancy, France, in May 2006. The Third International Conference on Webometrics, Informetrics, Scientometrics and Science and Society & Eighth COLLNET Meeting took place in New Delhi, India, in March 2007 (http://www.collnet-delhi.de), the Fourth International Conference on Webometrics, Informetrics and Scientometrics & Ninth COLLNET Meeting in Berlin, Germany in July 2008 (http://www.collnet-berlin.de) and the Fifth International Conference on Webometrics, Informetrics and Scientometrics & Tenth COLLNET Meeting in Dalian, China, in September 2009 (http://www.wiselab.cn/collnet-dalian).The Sixth International Conference on Webometrics, Informetrics and Scientometrics & Eleventh COLLNET Meeting took place in Mysore, India, in October 2010 and the Seventh International Conference on Webometrics, Informetrics and Scientometrics & Twelfth COLLNET Meeting in Istanbul, Turkey, in September 2011 (http://collnet.cs.bilgi.edu.tr/).

General Chair: Hildrun Kretschmer (Germany, China)
Local Chair : Honam Choi (South Korea)

Important Dates:
Extended Abstract (3 pages. Abstracts less than 2.5 pages are not accepted): April 15, 2012 (deadline)
Acceptance: May 15, 2012
Full Paper: July 30, 2012 (deadline)
(Camera-ready version, maximum 10 pages including tables, figures, references). The extended abstracts will be peer reviewed by the Programme Committee. The accepted full papers will be published in the proceedings.

Further Details: http://collnet2012.ndsl.kr

Fwd: Presentations of the Evaluative Bibliometrics workshop

2011-11-28T04:48:00.001-08:00

View on Mobile or Online

Workshop on Evaluative Bibliometrics, held at the Hotel Jaypee Siddharth on November 09, 2011 organized in partnership with CSIR-NISCAIR.

The presentations are now available for you to download. Please click on the name of the speaker whose presentation you wish to download.

Dr Gangan Prathap, Director, CSIR-NISCAIR
Dr Aparna Basu, Emeritus Scientist, CSIR-NISTADS
Dr Sujit Bhattacharya, Senior Principal Scientist, CSIR-NISTADS
Dr N G Goswami, Chief Scientist & Head, Information Management & Dissemination Centre, CSIR-NML Jamshedpur
Dr N Raghuram, Associate Professor, School of Biotechnology, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University
Ms Nobuko Miyairi, Principal Business Development Consultant, Thomson Reuters
Dr Jonathan Adams, Director, Research Evaluation, Thomson Reuters

Thomson Reuters

Phone: +91 11 304466 76
Mobile: +91 9810 69 7897
prashant.tomar@thomsonreuters.com

1500 Spring Garden Street, Fourth Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19130 USA
77 Hatton Garden, London EC1N 8JS, UK
Palaceside Bldg. 5F, 1-1-1 Hitotsubashi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0003 Japan
18 Science Park Drive,Singapore 118229

JNU Lecture on Climate Change by Prof. Arun K. Attri, SES at Committee Room, SSS-1, on 16 November, 3.00 pm

2011-11-04T05:31:00.001-07:00

JNU Seminar Series

Towards lnterdisciplinarity

Lecture on

Climate Change

Prof. Arun K. Attri

School of Environmental Sciences

Chair: Prof. V.V. Krishna, CSSP, SSS

Discussant: Dr. Rohan D'Souza, CSSP, SSS

Venue: Committee Room, School of Social Sciences

Date: 16th November, 2011

Time: 3.00 pm

The JNU Seminar Series addresses the challenge of interdisciplinarity. Specifically, it seeks to enable, sustain and nurture dialogues across disciplines. This initiative intends to close the gap between the 'two cultures' within JNU and aims to generate and energize research ideas and ways of thinking about knowledge and scholarship.

The seminar series will invite faculty members from various Schools to present key ideas on cutting edge concerns in their respective fields. These interactions by speaking to general audiences will strive to evolve common languages for research and contemplation, while crafting academic possibilities for interdisciplinary efforts. In thus forging fresh and creative academic bonds between the 'two cultures', research and teaching in JNU will produce an innovative learning frontier.

UNESCO launched Global Open Access Portal

2011-11-03T22:46:00.001-07:00

UNESCO launched Global Open Access Portal

The Global Open Access Portal (GOAP) [http://www.unesco.org/ci/goap], aiming at presenting a top level view of Open Access to scientific information, was launched at a special side event organized during the36th session of the UNESCO General Conference, on Tuesday 1 November 2011, at Paris Headquarters.

The Global Open Access Portal (GOAP) presents a snapshot of the status of Open Access (OA) to scientific information around the world.

For countries that have been more successful in implementing Open Access, the portal highlights critical success factors and aspects of the enabling environment. For countries and regions that are still in the early stages of Open Access development, the portal identifies key players, potential barriers and opportunities.

The portal has country reports from over 148 countries with weblinks to over 2000 initiatives/projects in Member States. The portal is supported by an existing Community of Practice (CoP) on Open Access on the WSIS Knowledge Communities Platform that has over 1400 members.

The GOAP is a knowledge portal that has the following features:

Country-wise distilled knowledge on the status of Open Access
Key organizations engaged in OA in Member States
Thematic focus areas of OA
Important publications on OA coming from different regions of the world
Critical assessment of major barriers to OA in each country
Potential of OA in UNESCO Member States
Funding and deposit mandates
Links to OA initiatives in the world

The Global Open Access Portal (GOAP), launched together with the revamped Open Training Platform (OTP) and the first UNESCO Open Educational Resources (OER) Platform, provides the information for policy-makers to learn about the global OA environment and to view their country's status, and understand where and why Open Access has been most successful.

Development of the Global Open Access Portal has been made possible with support received from the Governments of Columbia, Denmark, Norway, and the United States. This GOAP will be a work in progress, and shall be further improved with the support received from the community of OA practitioners.

Open Access is at the heart of UNESCO's mandate to provide universal access to information and knowledge, and the UNESCO Open Access programme shall continue to facilitate policy dialogue in Member States, share knowledge and best practices in the field of Open Access, and build and share local capacities through North-South and South-South co-operation to build knowledge societies for sustainable development.

Source: UNESCO

Just Published "Unsung Innovators of Kashmir" by Sheikh Fayaz Ahmad

2011-11-03T00:32:00.001-07:00

"Unsung Innovators of Kashmir" by Sheikh Fayaz Ahmad (M.Phil Student, Centre for Studies in Science Policy, School of Social Sciences). Srinagar: Gulshan Books, 2011. ISBN: 978-81-8339-120-7. Price: Rs. 495/-

Abstract

Political turmoil of past couple of decades in Kashmir has affected more or less every sphere of life in the valley. Besides the physical and material costs, the psychological impact of the conflict too has been very profound. However, even in the face of psychologically stressful situations, over the years, there have been other changes as well in Kashmir that have influenced the innovation ecosystem somehow .As of now, the situation is not so pleasing although it is not hopeless. My effort in compiling all my stories on unsung innovators of Kashmir in a book form is a small endeavor to prove all those people wrong who think that the people of Kashmir can't be innovative either.

More...

Launch of the UNESCO Report "Engineering: Issues, Challenges and Opportunities for Development"

2011-11-01T22:24:00.001-07:00

Launch of the UNESCO Report "Engineering: Issues, Challenges and Opportunities for Development"

Paris: UNESCO Publishing, 2010, ISBN 978-92-3-104156-3

Engineers create knowledge, technology and infrastructure. Our knowledge societies and economies were built by engineers and much of the history of civilisation is the history of engineering.
Engineering is so omnipresent and pervasive in our lives that it is often overlooked by policy makers and the public. In many countries fewer and fewer young people are going into engineering, and there are worldwide concerns about declining human capacity and the consequences for poverty reduction and sustainable development. Reports of shortages of engineers in key sectors are common.
This is compounded by the brain-drain of engineers from developing countries and from the profession.
These issues are linked and provide an opportunity for change: the public perception of engineering reflects the changing needs of engineering, and need for engineering to change, and young people are concerned about global issues and attracted to engineering as a means to address them. The report will share information, experience, practical ideas and examples for policy-makers, decision-takers, planners and governments to promote the application of engineering to important global agendas. It will examine: the context of engineering; areas of engineering; the engineering profession; a review of engineering around the world; the future of engineering; capacity needs; engineering and technical education and training systems; and applications of engineering.

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Fellowships in Sustainability Science at Harvard University, 2012-2013

2011-11-01T21:52:00.001-07:00

Fellowships in Sustainability Science at Harvard University, 2012-2013

What is the Sustainability Science Fellowship?
The Sustainability Science Program at Harvard University offers doctoral, post-doctoral, and mid-career fellowships in Sustainability Science. The fellowships are tenable during Harvard's academic year beginning in September 2012. Fellowships are available for 10 months (September 2012-May 2013), 12 months (September 2012-August 2013), the fall 2012 semester or spring 2013 semester (mid-career fellows only), or for two academic years (post-doctoral fellows only) (September 2012-August 2014).

What is the focus of this year's competition?
Earlier work supported by the Sustainability Science Program focused on how science and technology could help promote sustainability in the individual sectors of energy, food, water, and health. That work showed that some of the most serious constraints to sustainable development lie in the interconnections among these individual sectors: energy's growing need for water; the impacts of water use on human health; the competition for land among food, energy and conservation initiatives; and the cumulative impact of all sectoral initiatives on climate and other key environmental services. A central challenge moving forward is to develop an integrated understanding of how sectoral initiatives for sustainability can compete with and complement one another in particular regional contexts. The 2012-13 fellowship competition will therefore focus on regional initiatives pursing an integrated perspective on sustainable development in India, China and Brazil. It will also include a cross-cutting research initiative to integrate work focused on the theme of Innovation for Sustainable Development. Preference in this year's competition will be given to applicants whose proposals complement one or more of these four initiatives. The Program is also open, however, to strong proposals in any area of sustainability science.

India: Building public-private partnerships to promote sustainable development in India
Faculty leader: Rohini Pande, Mohammed Kamal Professor of Public Policy
Sustainable development, by its nature, requires government and private actors to work together. Externalities from rapid growth, such as the depletion of subsidized resources, widespread air and water pollution or unsustainable energy use, arise from a joint failure of government and industry to create an economy where the most profitable action is also best socially. The India Initiative will address sustainability problems in India of both national and global import. The motivation for this research program is to work with governments to channel the enterprising potential of the private sector to correct such externalities. The research will address questions in sustainable environmental regulation and provide evidence on how public-private partnerships can contribute to solving existing challenges. We focus on three research areas. First, existing environmental regulations are weakly enforced by possibly under-resourced regulators, leading to poor environmental quality. Second, traditional regulations, even if strengthened, are not the right tools to address many of India's pollution problems. Third, from the perspective of sustainability of resource use, India's inefficient and rapidly growing energy consumption threatens to undermine its own development by contributing to global climate change. The research team will partner with government and private institutions in order to conduct field trials of innovative environmental policies to provide rigorous evidence on the impact of these policies for sustainable development. Doctoral, post-doctoral, and mid-career candidates are encouraged to apply.

China: Energy in China: Environmental implications and management for sustainable development
Faculty leader: Henry Lee, Jassim M. Jaidah Director, Environment and Natural Resources Program
The China Initiative will address the environmental implications of electrification and other energy policies in China and explore how China can manage these implications. Fellows will work to identify and promote policies that will contribute to thoughtful use of China's natural resources (e.g., water, land) and/or the adoption of cleaner and less carbon-intensive industrial and energy technologies. Research areas include, but are not limited to: analyzing the impact of energy and industrial policies on water scarcity; assessing barriers to the development or deployment of cleaner energy technologies; and studying the impact of industrialization on health and fragile ecosystems. Post-doctoral and mid-career candidates, especially those who speak Chinese, are particularly encouraged to apply.

Applications for the fellowship are due January 15, 2012.

Further Details

Request for Proposals for Research Field Fellowships: ICRISAT-NCAP-IRRI project on Village Dynamics Studies

2011-10-30T23:35:00.001-07:00

Request for Proposals for Research Field Fellowships: ICRISAT-NCAP-IRRI project on Village Dynamics Studies

The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) invites research and development institutes to respond to this Request for Proposals (RFP), either from individual researchers or in collaboration with PhD students from Asia who wish to undertake field research in an ICRISAT-NCAP-IRRI project on Village Dynamics Studies in India and Bangladesh. The researcher can make use of the data collected under the VDSA project (micro and meso level), undertake field trips to collect additional data or for ground truthing the data to address her/his research topic. Research fellowships funded through this RFP will contribute to policies, practices and innovations that alleviate rural poverty by analyzing and disseminating knowledge on rural livelihoods, poverty dynamics and development pathways of the poor in the semi-arid tropics and humid tropics of India and Bangladesh as well as on issues related to efficiency, equity and sustainability of agriculture.

The Research Field Proposals aim at:

Funding innovative projects with high potential for impact at research, institutional and policy levels;
Promoting the development of new research partnerships between IARCs, National Agricultural Research Institutions, Advance Research Institutes and Universities; and
Providing Asian research scholars with funding to undertake research on rural livelihoods, poverty dynamics and development pathways in India and Bangladesh.

How to Apply: The completed application form including any supporting material should be emailed to c(dot)bantilan(at)cgiar(dot)org with a copy to u(dot)deb(at)cgiar(dot)org.

Deadline: 15 November 2011

Click to download the form

Click to view Guidelines

Online Distance Learning openED course: Business and Management Competencies in a Web 2.0 world

2011-10-28T03:52:00.001-07:00

Online Distance Learning openED course:
Business and Management Competencies in a Web 2.0 world

openED 2.0 [http://www.open-ed.eu/] is a FREE and OPEN online course for business students and practitioners alike. The course consists of 10 distance learning modules which should each last between 2-3 weeks. This website provides all you need:
+ Learning materials
+ Suggested activities
+ Forums for meeting people and discussion
+ Calendar of the live chat sessions scheduled
+ Repository to save your assignments
+ Mechanisms for providing peer assessment and support
+ Records of previous participants work
+ Help in getting started with open learning

You can participate in any combination of the 10 modules and, whilst most people will probably want to study the course, we also offer the chance for you to help teach it or to help moderate the forums. The next formal round of the course (this will be supported by the openED team) starts in November 2011.

Study the Course
Register for the course at http://www.open-ed.eu/index.php?option=com_comprofiler&task=registers and then you can begin to study the materials and participate in the forums and chat sessions.

There are 10 modules available.

Module 1 - Tools for Collaboration
Module 2 - Searching for information in business and management
Module 3 - Project Management
Module 4 - Developing personal skills in communication
Module 5 A1 - What is the question?
Module 5 A2 - Quantitative and qualitative analysis tools
Module 5 P1 - Introduction to the contemporary enterprise and managerial functions
Module 5 P2 - Project management advanced
Module 5 P3 - Change management
Module 6 - The Ethical Organisation

Further Details

10 three-year PhD positions (65% TV-L E13), The Research Training Group Trust and Communication in a Digitized World, WWU Muenster

2011-10-24T22:49:00.001-07:00

10 three-year PhD positions (65% TV-L E13), The Research Training Group Trust and Communication in a Digitized World, WWU Muenster

Starting on: 01.04.2012
Application deadline: 01.12.2011

The Research Training Group Trust and Communication in a Digitized World, funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), invites applications for 10 three-year PhD positions (65% TV-L E13, 100% TV-L E13 in exceptional cases), beginning in April 2012.

The Research Training Group "Trust and Communication in a Digitized World" examines how trust can be developed and maintained against the backdrop of the contexts of new forms of communication. In order to examine the concepts of trust and communication in the overlapping research areas and dimensions, scholars from the field of communication studies, economics, information systems, psychology and sports science will cooperate within the framework of the interdisciplinary research programme. Using a range of social science methods, the Research Training Group thereby studies individual, organisational and social trust-building processes. Besides generating empirical results, the aim of the postgraduate programme is to offer new methodical insights and to provide a theoretical foundation for the field of trust research.

Further information concerning the Research Training Group's research and study programme is available at www.uni-muenster.de/GK-Vertrauen-Kommunikation. The website also offers information on possible PhD projects as well as on the researchers involved in the programme.

Profile
Applicants should display an academic profile according to the research programme (preferably through a degree in one of the above mentioned subjects), and further be accustomed with empirical survey and analytical methods. On the basis of a transcript of records as well as a letter of motivation the candidate should underline his or her ability to conduct in-depth research related to the programme's fields of research.
Full applications should include the following:
‐ Letter of motivation providing insight into the candidate's theoretical and methodical skills (in particular with regard to the research programme), his or her personal and academic goals and an evaluation of his/her personal motives to join the Research Training Group
‐ A research proposal (3-5 pages) outlining the planned research project. This can include one of the projects described on the website or a proposal of your own, which is developed within the analytical framework of the research programme
‐ Your two favoured supervisors
‐ Curriculum vitae in table format
‐ Transcript of records
‐ University certificate(s), certificates stating further qualifications, internships, etc.

Candidates will be selected for interviews on the basis of the applications. The University of Münster is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to raise the ratio of women scientists in academic positions. Consequently, we actively encourage applications from suitably-qualified women who will be treated preferentially. The same applies to suitable applicants with disabilities. The Research Training Group is a family-friendly institution and supports reconciliation of work and family life.
Applications in German should be addressed to the speaker of the Research Training Group, Prof. Dr. Bernd Blöbaum, by post and by e-mail no later than December 1st 2011.

Prof. Dr. Bernd Blöbaum
Department of Communication
Bispinghof 9-14
48143 Muenster
Germany
bloebaum@uni-muenster.de

Informal enquiries can be made to Stephan Völlmicke (Tel. +49 251 83-21246; Mail: voellmik@uni-muenster.de), coordinator of the Research Training Group.
http://www.dfg.de/service/stellenausschreibungen/dfg_gefoerderte_verfahren/ausschreibung_111201_muenster_en.pdf

CfPs: Journal of Science Policy & Governance - Deadline Extended

2011-10-19T22:37:00.001-07:00

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THE JOURNAL OF SCIENCE POLICY & GOVERNANCE

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Submission deadline has been extended to November 11, 2011. Please email jofspg@gmail.com for submissions or questions.

The Journal of Science Policy and Governance is an interdisciplinary journal that seeks high-quality submissions on emerging or continuing policy debates. Current students (undergraduate or graduate) and recent graduates within three years of earning a degree (bachelors, masters, or doctoral) are eligible to submit. We seek to publish articles on a variety of policy areas including: scientific research, engineering, innovation, technology transfer, commercialization, bio-medicine, drug development, energy, the environment, climate change, the application of technology in developing countries, STEM education, and space exploration. Submissions on other topics are also welcome as long as they relate to the theme of science policy and governance. The Journal strives to publish articles in a timely manner to ensure that publications can be considered in the context of current policy debates.

Submission Guidelines

Policy Memos:

Maximum of four pages or 2000 words
1-paragraph executive summary
Must be directed to an individual or organization

Policy Analyses:

Maximum of 30 pages
Must include a one page executive summary
Must include policy recommendations

Technology Assessments:

Maximum of 35 pages
Must include a one page executive summary
Must examine the policy and governance implications of technology in question
May include policy recommendations

Op-Ed:

Maximum of 1000 words
Must include policy or governance implications

Other styles of articles are also welcome as long as they relate to the theme of science policy and governance. Submissions must include all authors and institutional affiliations. Articles selected for publication will be edited and reviewed by two Associate Editors and the Editor-in-Chief. Prior to publication, authors will be required to submit a one paragraph biographical statement and complete a copyright transfer statement.

Submissions should be in Word or Word compatible format. All submissions should be double spaced, 12 point Times New Roman or 11 point Calibri font with 1" margins and page numbers. The primary authors' last name should be on every page as a right-aligned footer. Citations may be submitted in any standard format (MLA, APA, etc.), but may require reformatting upon publication.

For questions regarding submissions email jofspg@gmail.com.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE IS November 11, 2011.

Announcing the Journal of Science Policy & Governance

Our mailing address is:

The Journal of Science Policy & Governance

Send correspondence via email

Washington, DC 20551

Add us to your address book

Time to apply for Erasmus Mundus South Asia mobility programmes

2011-10-18T23:01:00.001-07:00

Time to apply for Erasmus Mundus South Asia mobility programmes

coordinated by Lund University and Mälardalen University

In July 2011, the European Commission, through its Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) decided upon the 2011 Erasmus Mundus Action 2 - Strand 1 - Partnership programmes for its Asia Regional lots. They are one-way (Asia to Europe) scholarship programmes for students on undergraduate, master, doctoral and post-doctoral level as well as for university staff in academic or administrative positions, financed by the European Commission.
Swedish universities - Lund and Mälardalen - coordinate two of the five lots focusing on South Asia (Lot 12), and another two Swedish universities - Uppsala and KTH Royal Institute of Technology - are partners in Asia Regional lots (12 and 13).

The South Asian consortium members in the Lund University coordinated EMEA programme are: Delhi University; Jadavpur University, Kolkata; Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK); Tata Instititute of Social Sciences, Mumbai; Karachi University; Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu; and Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Bangladesh.

The South Asian consortium members in the Mälardalen coordiated IDEAS programme are: Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai, India; Lahore University of Management (LUMS), Pakistan; Royal University of Bhutan; and Tribhuvan University, Nepal.

Applications for the lots coordinated by Lund and Mälardalen can be delivered from 15th October till 1 December 2011.

More information and on-line application for the EMEA programme. http://www.emeuropeasia.org/

More information and on-line application for the IDEAS programme. http://www.idt.mdh.se/ideas/

Three other Asia Regional lot 12 projects were selected on 15th July 2011. Two of them were re-selected from last year: The EXPERTS consortium coordinated by Karl August University, Göttingen, Germany, with nine South Asian partner universities in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and India (Uppsala University is a partner university in this lot); the EMMA West consortium coordinated by University of Nice Sophia Antipolis, France, with seven South Asian partner universities in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and India; and the STRONGTIES programme coordinated by City University London, UK, with eight South Asian partner universities in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, India, Bhutan and Afghanistan (University of Southern Denmark in Odense is a Nordic partner).

Besides, KTH Royal Institute of Technology is a Swedish partner in the Lot 13 AREAS (Academic Relations between Europe and Asia) consortium, coordinated by Politecnico di Torino, Italy (with one South Asian partner university).

Read more about the South Asia oriented 2011 Erasmus Mundus Action 2 Asia Regional lots. http://www.sasnet.lu.se/node/59883

CfPs:: National Seminar on Processes of Exclusion and Adivasi Rights in India; 15-16 February 2012; at University of Hyderabad

2011-10-18T00:44:00.001-07:00

National Seminar on "Processes of Exclusion and Adivasi Rights in India"

15-16 February 2012

Organized by the Centre for Human Rights (CHR) in collaboration with Centre for the Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy (CSSEIP), University of Hyderabad, India.

Objectives
The proposed national seminar aims to: (1) explore different processes and actors responsible for Adivasi Exclusion in the post-independence period; and (2) critically review the Adivasi Rights and the sub-sequent policy initiatives that have not been properly addressed their exclusion.

Output
It is expected that the papers presented at the seminar and ensuing discussions will throw light on the nature of different processes and actors responsible for Adivasi Exclusion in the post-independence period, and also drawing critical inputs on the gaps in implementation of the Adivasi Rights. Selected papers from the seminar will be put together in a volume. It is expected that the volume will be of high quality and will be published by a reputed international publisher.

Themes
The seminar will cover the following broad areas. Since the major objective of the seminar is to explore various processes of Adivasi Exclusion, it is expected that the papers highlight the processes of exclusion and Adivasi Rights. The papers should be based on empirical facts having linkage with theory.

Exclusion in Indian context – Theoretical Dimensions
Poverty and Living Standards of Adivasi
Education
Health
Forest and Agriculture
Globalization, Land Alienation and Natural Resources
Discrimination and Untouchability
Governance in Adivasi Areas, Adivasi Rights and Policies
Labour and Employment
Culture, Language and Identity

Call for Papers
The delegates are requested to submit the title and brief abstract of their paper latest by 31st October 2011. The abstract should not exceed 250 words. The full length paper should be between 5000 to 8000 words, and be typed with double line spacing in Times New Roman 12pt. in MS-Word. The full length paper should be submitted to the Seminar Coordinator in a soft copy through e-mail. The following are important dates to remember to meet the deadlines of the seminar.

Title of the paper and brief Abstract of 250 words - 31 October 2011
Confirmation of acceptance of the Abstract - 8 November 2011
Last date for sending the full/final paper - 26 December 2011
Review & confirmation of final decision - 10 January 2012

Hospitality and Travel
The organizers of the seminar will make arrangements for food and stay for the delegates in the University Guest House from 14th evening to 17th morning February, 2012. We will try to reimburse the travel to the outstation delegates to the extent of funds availability. However, keeping the budget constraints, the delegates to the extent possible, are requested to make their own arrangements for their travel.

Further Details

Media article "Check Plagiarism in Science", by Pranav N Desai, Indian Express, 15th Oct. 2011

2011-10-15T20:27:00.001-07:00

Check Plagiarism in Science

by Pranav N Desai

Indian Express, 15th Oct. 2011

As the global trends suggest there are more scientific frauds with more science. With the increasing number of scientific institutions, journals and soaring publications, it seems that the established norms of science like organised scepticism and disinterestedness are fading and that normal checks and balances like peer review are losing efficacy. Recent scandals like Hwang Woo-Suk's fake stem-cell lines or Jan Hendrik Schön's duplicated graphs are some of the evidences proving that it is easy to publish fabricated data in prestigious journals. An investigative team from Korea found that Hwang' evidence supporting the existence of a human embryo clone was fake. Moreover, Hwang also indulged in the unethical practice of collecting his research material from his junior researchers. Schön, a young physicist working at Bell Laboratory, USA, published eight papers in a single year. He claimed a spectacular discovery of organic electrical laser, a triumph of nanotechnology and managed to win many prestigious awards. This turned out to be fraudulent. Science retracted all his papers and he lost his PhD too. This kind of incidents not only leads to wastage of resources but may pose a serious threat to human health.

Scientific misconduct would broadly constitute not only violation of standard code of scholarly conduct but also ethical behaviour in scientific research by various acts of commission and omission on the part of actors in the scientific enterprise. This would include communication or publication of fabricated research data, falsification or manipulation of data to prevent a certain result, plagiarism or act of taking credit of work of another or willfully suppressing citation of prior discovery.

India is no exception to this increasing global menace. In recent times, with a sudden expansion of scientific output, there are increasing reports of scientific misconduct. The majority of cases reported are of plagiarism as it is easy to detect and relatively cheaper technologies in terms of software are available to detect the same. However, there are many cases of misconduct like fabrication or falsification of data that go unnoticed not only because it involves cost but also in the absence of any regulatory authority, comprehensive studies, scientific accountability and awareness. The task is compounded by the fact that this phenomenon is reportedly not confined to younger scientists or mid-career professionals but to organisational heads of national institutes, IIT faculties, and vice-chancellors. Some of the widely publicised controversies are B S Rajput and colleagues in the field of theoretical physics. Rajput was vice-chancellor and was alleged of plagiarising old papers and also successfully published in prestigious international journals along with other colleagues. He resigned after the enquiry upheld the charges and maintained that the papers were published without his consent by his student. Hence, it is no wonder that scientists at subordinate level also get protected.

Yet another case involving a vice-chancellor was of Kalyan Kumar and colleagues at North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology. It was alleged that he plagiarised three papers that had similarity with some old work of IIT professors. P Chiranjeevi, a chemistry professor of Sri Venkateswara University was accused of plagiarising more than 70 research papers published between 2004 and 2007 and a disciplinary action was taken against him by the University Executive Council. More recently in August 2011, Sangiliyandi Gurunathan, head, Department of Biotechnology of Kalasalingam University was removed from his post as eight of his research papers were found to be manipulated and retracted and the university also revoked registration of his six PhD students. The list does not end here as some of the private practitioners were also observed to be involved in scientific misconduct. More recently some of the MNCs operating in the country, in order to influence policy, were reportedly involved in misconduct. A study conducted for the period 2001-2010 for the retracted papers by Indian scientists revealed an increasing rate of retraction of published papers in prestigious journals mainly due to plagiarism or self-plagiarism. The reported rate of retraction due to misconduct of 44 per 1,00,000 papers is also observed to be much higher than the world average for all retractions of about 17 per 100,000 papers.

Many prominent scientists have advocated a statutory body on the lines of the Office of Research Integrity in the USA. However it is debatable, especially in the context S&T structure in India, whether it is more suitable for India to have an independent research integrity office or locating it within the government department. Contrary to the US situation, public sector science is predominant with an overwhelming proportion of 84 per cent R&D investment as against only 26 per cent in the private sector. In the last decade or so, India has witnessed an unprecedented level of growth in scientific publication, patenting activity, an increased level of international collaboration, FDI investment in R&D and clinical trials for drug discovery. Along with this, there has been a heightened level of environmental and ethical consciousness with the emergence of bio- and nano-technologies.

The repercussions of scientific misconduct are more serious for human health and the misconduct reported is much higher in this sector as well. Though in India it is difficult to provide any such data with confidence, it seems that the misconduct reported is evenly spread in all fields of science rather than one or two areas or research institutes/universities. This is reflected in reported cases of misconduct posted on the Society for Scientific Values (SSV). A society like SSV devoid of any legal powers to take action against scientific misconduct does provide moral pressure to act against any omission or commission leading to comprises of scientific standards and ethics. The influence of such voluntary organisations is also reflected in the fact that three directors of national institutes were removed following indictment by SSV.

The cost involved in frauds, its investigation and remediation is not simply in terms of financial and human resources but also in terms of time energy and more importantly in terms of prestige of a scientific organisation or a nation as a whole. Hence, to promote scientific excellence and to bolster the image of Indian science a question arises whether India has the adequate mechanism to deal with the issues of scientific misconduct in a rapidly expanding scientific activities. Moreover, is it high time for evolving an independent regulatory agency with adequate infrastructure and legal power to strengthen standards and ethical practice of Indian science?

Pranav N Desai is professor, Centre for Studies in Science Policy, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.

Source: http://expressbuzz.com/opinion/op-ed/check-plagiarism-in-science/323406.html

National Himalayan Winter Trekking Expedition 2011-12 at Dalhousie

2011-10-12T23:46:00.001-07:00

National Himalayan Winter Trekking Expedition 2011-12 at Dalhousie

19 December 2011 to 05 January 2012 (any 6 days)

Youth Hostels Association of India is organizing National Himalayan Winter Trekking Expedition in the Dalhousie region of Western Himalayas for the last 18 years. On a popular demand from our members we are once again organizing this expedition from Dec., 2011 to Jan., 2012. Come and see that lies beyond the hills, peep into the unseen and have a feel of snow. You are welcome to join this trail on any day during the scheduled period.

Purpose of our Programme

The purpose of the programme is to expose the YHAI members to a greater adventure and to rough out the rigours of plodding through snow with a sense of love for nature and outdoor recreational activity aiming at promoting national integration

Programme Schedule & Route

Day 1: Reporting Point is Banikhet C/o Hotel Sahara Inn, Bus stand Banikhet. Tel. No: 01899-254527.(Banikhet 6000 Ft. is just 5 Km before Dalhousie)
Day 2: Trek to Dalhousie – 5 Km/ 2hrs.
Day 3: Trek to Kalatop – 8 Km/5 hrs
Day 4: Trek to Khajjiar – 11 Km/7 hrs
Day 5: Trek to Mangla – 11 Km/6hrs
Day 6: Transfer by Bus to Banikhet. Participants may plan their return journey after 11 am on Day 6.

Note: Programme schedule/route is subject to change with or without prior notice.

Fees

Participation fee Rs.2750/- per head will cover stay in tented accommodation, simple nutritious vegetarian food, guidance, equipments and insurance. You will however, bear the to and fro travel expenses from your hometown to the base camp and back.

Imp. YHAI Group insurance cover is for accidental death or permanent disability only. You are advised to take insurance cover for your journey and other related matters.

Dates

You may choose to report at the base camp Banikhet on any day from 19th Dec., 2011 to 5th Jan., 2012

How to Apply

Member desires of joining this programme may apply on a prescribed Registration Form duly supported by a Medical Certificate, along with DD of requisite amount in favour of "Youth Hostels Association of India" payable at New Delhi. You can apply online also.

N.B. Without admit card do not claim your registration as confirmed.

How to reach Base Camp

Last Rail Head: Pathankot/Chakkibank on Main Delhi/Howrah-Jammu Section of Northern Railway. Bus Service: Regular Bus services are available from Pathankot, Delhi and other parts of Punjab. Pathankot/Chakki Bank to Banikhet is 75 kms (3 to 3.5 hrs by bus). Roadways buses and Private Taxis are available.

Things to Bring Along With You

Rucksacks (if you have one), shirts, pants/jeans, Track suit, woolen jersey, thick jacket, woolen muffler/balaclava, gloves, inner garments(Woollen/Cotton), light raincoat, 3 pairs of thick woollen socks, water bottle, lunch box, enameled or steel mug or tumbler, plate, spoon, water purifying tablets, pen-knifs, needle, thread, spare buttons goggles (other than blue glasses), cold cream or Vaseline, soap, toilet paper, towel, medicines which you normally use at home.

Certificate

Participants, who successfully complete the trek and abide by the discipline of the programme, will be awarded certificate.

Cancellation

In case you are unable to join the trek after paying the participation fee, you will get a refund of 50% provided your request is received directly in the National Office at least 7 days in advance from the date of your reporting. No refund will, however, be admissible if such notice is short of 7 days. Any unforeseen event/strike or natural calamity will not be considered as a cause of cancellation.

Safety

Extensive and painstaking preparations have gone into the planning of trek routes for your safety. Our field staff and experienced camp leaders have been visiting the area to check all details. While every care has been taken to ensure safety, Youth Hostels Association of India cannot be held responsible for any accident, illness and such other unforeseen eventualities.

Smoking, use of alcohols and narcotics of any description are strictly prohibited during the course of the programme.

Deviating from the set route of the programme is not permitted. If participants desire to join any other activity, they may do so at their own responsibility and risk only after finishing the trek and checking out.

Special Casual Leave

The Trekking Expedition organized by Youth Hostels Association of India have the approval of Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, (Deptt. Of Personnel and Training), Government of India, vide office Order No.280016/89-Estt(A), dated 25th October, 1989. Participants working in Central Government organizations can apply to the authorities concerned for availing special casual leave for the duration of the expedition. This leave can be sanctioned by their office up to 30 days in calendar year

Your Attention

Please note that this is an environment friendly trek. Do not litter any wrappers or spoil the trail in any way. In case you find any wrapper, plastic bag or anything left by trekkers on the way, please carry the same with you and deposit at the base camp.

Burning of wood during camp fire is strictly prohibited. Import of any Bio Non-Degradable Material in Himachal Pradesh is an offence.

Adventure Scholarships for the Handicapped Youths

YHAI announces 50 adventure scholarships of 50% each to handicapped youths including deaf and dump for this expedition. Deserving participants may apply to the National Office, YHAI on a plain paper supported by relevant medical certificate.

Further Information

Book Online

Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (NMML) invites applications for fellowships (Senior Fellow/ Fellow/ Junior Fellow)

2011-10-11T23:33:00.001-07:00

NEHRU MEMORIAL MUSEUM AND LIBRARY
Teen Murti House, New Delhi-110011

The Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (NMML) offers fellowships to scholars to pursue research in (i) Modern Indian History and Contemporary Studies (ii) Perspectives in Indian Development (social economic and cultural) and (iii) India and Changing Trends in World Economy and Polity.

The fellowships are offered at three levels: Junior Fellow, Fellow and Senior Fellow. The emoluments, including allowances, will correspond to that of Assistant Professor, Associate Professor and Professor of Central Universities, respectively. CPF/GPF facilities will be extended only to scholars having permanent jobs who take up the fellowship after taking leave without pay from their parent departments. Fellowships offered are for a duration of two years only. Fellows will be based in Delhi except for a maximum of five fellows who may be permitted by the Selection Committee to be based outside Delhi.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Senior Fellow: Scholars of eminence who have made a significant contribution to the knowledge in their respective fields and preferably have experience of conducting and guiding research.
Fellow: Good Academic record, a Ph.D. or equivalent published work and at least five years teaching/post doctoral research experience.
Junior Fellow: These positions are open to candidates with a good academic record and/or scholarly publications, and preferably a Ph.D. degree.

Interested scholars are requested to send an application along with a note of about 2,000 words on the proposed project to be undertaken with the following information in an envelope clearly marked "Application for Fellowship" to the Director, Nehru Memorial Museum and Library, Teen Murti House, New Delhi – 110011. 1) Name. 2) Address. 3) Date of Birth. 4) Academic Record from High School onwards. 5) Details of post-graduate work and list of publications with copies of at least two recent publications. 6) Details of how employed so far and 7) Recommendations from two referees. Candidates in employment should apply through proper channel.
Applications for the current round of fellowship should reach the NMML on or before October 30, 2011. The NMML however reserves the right to accept applications that may come in even after the last date. In general, applications can be sent at any time of the year and they shall be retained on file for consideration periodically. The NMML reserves the right to invite any scholar who may not have applied to, to accept fellowships at any level to pursue research on any project in the three areas broadly defined. Those who applied in response to the last advertisement for fellowships in October 2010 need not apply again as their applications will also be considered.

Further Details

CfPs:: International Seminar on Institution, Structure and Organization in Globalizing India; 20-21 Jan 2012; IITB

2011-10-11T23:27:00.001-07:00

International Seminar on Institution, Structure and Organization in Globalizing India: Science & Technology, Economy & Society

20-21 January 2012

Venue: Indian Institute of Technology Bombay

Call for Paper
Globalization has changed the workings of core structures and institutions and introduced new forms of organization. We need to understand how government works now. We need to understand how large educational and research institutions, science and technology institutions, corporations, judicial bodies, international intergovernmental organizations (IOs) and large non-governmental organizations have adapted their modes of functioning or created new modes of work, regulation and systematization with the new technologies and processes of globalization. The seminar will focus on new economic regulatory structures, structures of law or governance, Indian state mechanisms for infrastructure development through partnership with the private sector, state deregulation and disinvestment policies; macro-level employment schemes, the institutions of the corporate world and the new relationships with workforce.

Last date for receipt of abstracts: 23 October 2011

Contact Person:-
Rowena Robinson
Professor of Sociology
Department of Humanities and Social Sciences
Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
Powai, Mumbai 400076
Email: rowena@iitb.ac.in

Further Details

CfPs: National Workshop on Using Different Metrics for Assessing Research Productivity; at ISI Delhi; 16-17 February 2012

2011-10-05T04:04:00.001-07:00

National Workshop on Using Different Metrics for Assessing Research Productivity

16-17 February 2012

Organised by: Indian Statistical Institute, New Delhi

About the Workshop
Metrics-based research evaluation is gaining increasing importance in assessing research performance at national, international and institutional levels. There is a growing need to design and operationalize standardized quality metrics/indicators. This workshop is intended to take stock of present methods of evaluating research productivity of countries and individual scientists. An endeavour will be made to examine the methods which are followed in different scientometrics/bibliometrics studies which are generally used in the assessment of research productivity. This workshop will include both invited and contributed papers and lectures by eminent keynote speakers.

Objectives
To bring together scientists, policy makers and information scientists/librarians to discuss the various issues related to the topic.
To identify best practices and tools for measuring and assessing the research productivity

Themes and Sub-themes

Research evaluation: Evaluating research performance at macro, meso and micro-levels; Evaluation indicators for research productivity and other science related practices; Assessing research quality in India and case studies in Indian context
Indicators of research performance: Quantitative and qualitative indicators; Composite indicators, Limitations of indicators; Quality versus quantity, two sides of the coins of research productivity; New bibliometric indicators of research performance; Using metrics for arriving at conclusions: Best Practices; An open and consistent measurement system; Issues, problems in research measurement
Software tools for bibliometric analysis: Tools for measuring research performance; Data sources and tools for data capturing
Institutional roles in research measurement: Role of Academic/Societies/Governmental bodies in research measurement studies; Role of University/Special libraries in supporting research measurement studies; Moving beyond the existing practices: search for value addition parameters

Call for papers
The workshop invites unpublished conceptual and empirical research papers and case studies on the themes and sub-themes of the workshop. Please note that papers presented in the workshop will be published in proceedings or edited book.
The manuscripts should be in (.doc format) sent to the Organizing Secretary at khatri@isid.ac.in, khatri52@hotmail.com

Important Dates

Last date for submission of Theme/Title of the Paper: 15th October 2011
Last date for submission of full paper: 15th December 2011
Notification of acceptance of paper with comments: 7th January 2012
Last date for sending filled in registration form: 15th January 2012

Further Details

Call for Research Concept Notes: Economics of Natural Resource Use and Environmental Change

2011-10-03T03:48:00.001-07:00

Call for Research Concept Notes, for Summer 2012 Research Competition
Economics of Natural Resource Use and Environmental Change

Deadline 7 November 2011

The South Asian Network for Development and Environmental Economics (SANDEE) is a regional network that provides research support to South Asian researchers and institutions interested in the inter-connection among development, natural resource use and the environment. SANDEE is currently inviting research concept notes on the Economics of Natural Resource Use and Environmental Change in South Asia. Concept notes, if accepted, will lead to an invitation to submit a full research proposal.

SANDEE requests research concept notes in the areas of natural resources and environmental economics. Research topics can cover a variety of issues, ranging from the economics of climate change (mitigation and adaptation) to pollution management; valuation of environmental services to ecotourism; and, urban and coastal resource management to fragile mountain concerns. Research on macro considerations such as trade and the environment, comprehensive wealth and income accounting and evaluation of economic and environmental policies will also be considered. While SANDEE's focus is on environmental management, proposals should include a strong economics component. Multi-disciplinary projects are encouraged. Institutional affiliation is required for receiving support. Concept notes will be evaluated on their academic merit and policy significance.

SANDEE will collect proposals throughout the year. However, to be considered for our next research competition, please send concept notes by 7 November 2011. The average grant size in recent years has been 20,000 USD for one to two year projects. Larger grants will also be considered only if a multidisciplinary team of natural and social scientists are involved and there is a clear identification of roles and tasks. Please upload concept notes on SANDEE's website by visiting http://www.sandeeonline.org/research_workshop_application_form.php where a set of guidelines for developing research concept notes is posted. For additional queries, please contact us at research@sandeeonline.org or info@sandeeonline.org

Further Details

2011 Emerald Digital Usage Award, in partnership with Student Competitions: Call for recommendations relating to online usage of academic publications

2011-09-29T02:33:00.001-07:00

2011 Emerald Digital Usage Award, in partnership with Student Competitions

Call for recommendations relating to online usage of academic publications

Emerald Group Publishing Limited, in association with Student Competitions, is offering three cash prizes for business plans that contribute to the development of library electronic resources by analysing and developing practices which will increase online usage. Academic publishing is currently undergoing major changes, as print materials are converted to electronic format.

Emerald is dedicated not only to increasing usage but also to increasing the citation of research based on relevancy and practical implications, rather than on traditional rankings alone.

The winning business plan should actively promote and uphold the use of Library Electronic Holdings.

There will be one award of £1,000 for the winning business plan, and two awards of £500 each for highly-commended runners up.

Winners will also receive a certificate and a winners' logo to attach to correspondence. Ideas from the winning business plan will be disseminated to libraries globally to support the management of electronic holdings and the communities which use them.

Judging Criteria

Entries should:

Recommended strategies for increasing low usage;
Include ideas for promotion at journal and/or database level;
Outline replicable strategies to increase usage of electronic holdings within college/university libraries and corporate and public sector organisations;
Demonstrate originality and innovation;
Specify the expected timescales;
Outline projected costs.
Consider a range of traditional and non-traditional marketing techniques.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Award, the lead researcher must be a current student or have completed a course of study no earlier than 2006.

Submission requirements

Applicants must be submitted online using the application form at: http://ww2.emeraldinsight.com/awards/usage.htm

The following documents will be required electronically:

A business plan providing potential solutions to increase the efficiency and decrease the cost of Library Electronic Holdings. It should not exceed 2,000 words (tables, notes, figures, appendices and reference lists, if provided will not be counted on total words);
A covering letter containing contact information of all contributors to the business plan, indicating who will be the main contact

Key Dates

The closing date for applications is 27 January 2012.
Winners will be announced in March 2012.

Further Details

Just Published: Climate Change related Books by Dr. Pawan Sikka, former Advisor, DST

2011-09-26T23:03:00.001-07:00

Useful Books written by Dr. Pawan Sikka, former Adviser, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India

Sikka, Pawan (2011). Climate Change - India in Focus: Mitigating Impacts of Global Warming. New Delhi: Uppal Publishing House, 2012. ISBN: 978-81-7658-0663. Price: INR 1295. Further Details
Sikka, Pawan (2010). Global Warming: India's Response to Climate Change, Disaster Mitigation & Adaptation. New Delhi: Uppal Publishing House, 2010. ISBN: 978-81-7658-0595. Price: INR 2500. Further Details

Other Books

Sikka, Pawan (2010). Chandrayaan and Beyond: Indian Space Exploration Programme – New Findings about the Moon. New Delhi: Uppal Publishing House, 2010. ISBN: 978-81-7658-0533. Price: INR 1195. Further Details

Sikka, Pawan (2009). Nuclear-Powered India: NSG-Clearance Indo-US Deal: Ushering in a New Dawn of the 21^st Century. New Delhi: Uppal Publishing House, 2009. ISBN: 978-81-7658-025-60. Price: INR 1995. Further Details

Sikka, Pawan (2009). India's National Policies: A Vision of a New World. New Delhi: Uppal Publishing House, 2009. ISBN: 978-81-7658-0496. Price: INR 1450. Further Details

Sikka, Pawan (2008). Science Policy: New Strategies for India's Modernization. New Delhi: Uppal Publishing House, 2010. ISBN: 978-81-7658-0595. Price: INR 1995. Further Details

Call for Proposals – Rainfed Agriculture: Action Research on Support Systems

2011-09-26T22:26:00.001-07:00

Call for Proposals – Rainfed Agriculture: Action Research on Support Systems

The RRA Network invites action research proposals for evolving and pilot testing robust support systems to stimulate inclusive growth in sustainable agriculture, livestock, fisheries and other production systems in rainfed areas.

The proposed pilot initiatives must have a sizeable scale of impact and be embedded into ongoing government programmes such as RKVY, BRGF, IWMP, MGNREGS, NRLM and others. Innovative collaboration with these mainstream programmes to demonstrate a relevant paradigm of rainfed agriculture is desired.

Scale of impact and policy relevance are the important criteria for selection. The field-level pilot will complement the mainstream programme of the partner organisation, by building in action-research and analytical capacity. A budget of not more than Rs 1 crore must accompany each proposal.

Deadline for receiving proposals: 15 October 2011

Download guidelines for application here. Download format for proposal here.

Send in completed proposals by email to secretariat@rainfedindia.org or rainfedindia@gmail.com . You can also send the proposal in hard copy to:

The RRA Network
Secretariat - WASSAN
House No. 12-13-450, Street No. 1, Tarnaka, Secunderabad 500 017
ANDHRA PRADESH

Further Details

Research Training Course in Women's Studies: Concepts and Debates; at CWDS Delhi; 01 Nov - 09 Dec 2011

2011-09-23T01:58:00.001-07:00

Centre for Women's Development Studies, Delhi
announces a Six Week Certificate Course on
Research Training Course in Women's Studies: Concepts and Debates (Sponsored by the Indian Council of Social Science Research)
(Eligibility: A Master's Degree in the Social Sciences/ Humanities or Mass Communication) (Only students studying in Indian Universities can apply)

Proposed Schedule:
Course Duration	: 1st November, 2011 to 9th December, 2011
Timing	: 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.
Venue	: Centre for Women's Development Studies

Online Submission for the Women's Studies Course or Download Application Form
Last date for submitting application: 5th October, 2011
Course Fee: Rs.2000/- (for Teachers); Rs.1000/- (for Fellowship holders); Rs.500/- (for Students/ others without Fellowship) (Fee is payable by selected candidates only at the time of Registration)


*Note: Selected outstation candidates will receive accommodation in Delhi and AC III Tier Train Fare
Queries may be addressed to: researchcourse@cwds.ac.in / researchcourse@cwds.org
Introduction and Rationale for the Proposed Course: The Centre for Women's Development Studies is proposing to conduct an intensive six week research training programme for students, researchers and teachers who are interested in developing research agendas on women and gender issues in the social sciences. This course seeks to provide participants with the main theoretical and conceptual, as well as methodological issues in women's studies. It is oriented towards the research questions that emerge from the inter-disciplinary and transdisciplinary concerns and debates that characterise the field. Structure of the Course: The course will be structured around interactive sessions with CWDS and guest faculty, library consultation, assignments and preparation of a research proposal. The course follows a cluster approach, and is structured around 10 thematic clusters or units. Each of these clusters consists of a number of interactive sessions, library work and assignments to students, who will make presentations on the theme at the end of each cluster. At an early stage of the course each student will identify his or her area of interest and begin working on a research proposal. At the end of the course, each student will make a presentation of their proposal to the entire group and receive critical feedback. The course will be conducted over a period of six weeks, five days each week (with the exception of holidays). Each day will consist of at least two interactive sessions with the concerned faculty, in the morning and afternoon, including library consultation and reading. The broad themes of the course are as follows: I. Introduction to Women's Studies in the Social Sciences and Humanities: Questions of disciplines, interdisciplinarity and transdisciplinarity. Women's studies and the Women's Movement. II. History – its significance and criticality for gender and feminism. III. Concepts in Women's Studies: Patriarchy, Gender, Sexuality, Femininity and Masculinity, Feminism, and so on. IV. State, Citizenship and Rights: V. Development: VI. Labour, Class and Gender VII. Culture and Representation VIII. Caste, Community, Family IX. Law, Justice, Equality X. Health and Disability Further Details

International Workshop on Sciences and Narratives of Nature: East and West; 12-14 December 2011; Manipal, India

2011-09-23T01:51:00.001-07:00

International Workshop on Sciences and Narratives of Nature: East and West

12-14 December 2011; Manipal, India

Sponsors and partners:

Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) Aid to Research Workshops and Conferences grant
Manipal University, Manipal, India
Situating Science Strategic Knowledge Cluster
Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS)
University of New South Wales (UNSW)

Hosted in Manipal, India, this workshop marks the second stage in a multi-stage collaborative initiative between Canadian, Indian and Southeast Asian scholars in the field of Science and Technology Studies (STS). Following the successes of the "Circulating Knowledge: East and West" workshop held at the University of King's College in July, 2010, the workshop will adopt a comparative approach to examine the rise of science and concepts of nature in the "East" and the "West".

Last date for the submission of applications: 30 September 2011

Further Details

CfPs: 1st Biennial Congress on Urban Green Spaces (CUGS 2012), New Delhi

2011-09-22T04:16:00.001-07:00

1st Biennial Congress on Urban Green Spaces (CUGS 2012)

15 - 17 February 2012 at New Delhi, India

Organized by: Aravali Foundation for Education; Delhi Government; UNESCO

CUGS2012 will take critical look at the interface between urban human habitation and urban green spaces to build upon our understanding of the elements of urban green spaces and their interconnectedness with quality of life in our fast expanding cities. The Congress will deal with physical, spatial, economics, environmental, aesthetic, and other characteristics of urban green spaces under the following sub-themes:

Climate Change Mitigation and Energy Use Optimisation
Water Conservation and Pollution Control
Biodiversity, Livelihoods, Economics and Valuation
Civil Society and Educational Linkages
Technology, Management and Design - Options and Challenges
Policy, Planning and Governance

CUGS2012 will be of special interest to Urban planners and managers, policy makers, urban foresters, academics, NGOs and members of the civil society interested in urban greening activities. This will include professionals from multilateral and bilateral agencies, officials from government agencies at central, provincial and municipal levels responsible for urban planning and management, non governmental organizations, universities and corporate sector.

CUGS2012 will also have, as participants, students pursuing professional programs in the areas like urban planning, environmental science, forestry, floriculture, architecture and other relevant academic by way of poster session during the congress.

CUGS2012 will also provide an opportunity to private\public sector organizations involved in providing equipment and service relevant to management of urban green spaces to showcase their institutional strengths by way of participating in the CUGS exhibition during the course of the congress.

Call for Papers
We invite anyone interested or working on the issues relating to Commons to participate in the Conference. We encourage scholars and practitioners to submit abstracts for panels, individual papers, poster and videos. The panels, papers, poster and video abstracts should be submitted to the Conference Committee through the online submission process.
Paper Abstracts: Word Limit: 300 words. Identify the Conference Sub-Themes the abstract is relevant to (academic reviewers of your abstract will be assigned based on the sub-theme you indicate); provide a title for the abstract/paper; names and contact information for all contributing authors; 5 keywords (i.e. describing methods, region of study, etc). Note: Final paper should be received no later than January 31, 2012. It should not be more than 7,000 words.
Poster Abstracts: Word Limit: 300 words. Identify the theme or provide a title for your poster; indicate if your poster will present a project, conceptual work, or results from an empirical study, etc. In your abstract, you may include key elements of the script of your poster. Note: All Posters should be exactly 48 InchesX 36 Inches. Orientation can be Landscape or Portrait as per presenters discretion. Final posters should, preferably, be submitted a week before the start of the congress.
For each type of abstract, authors should indicate their Name, Title and Organizational Affiliation for all contributing and presenting authors, as well as the contact details for the corresponding author/presenter.
The Academic Review Committee Members will select papers based on quality and appropriateness to the Conference. Interested participants are encouraged to submit an abstract on their topic of expertise that will be suitable for discussion and debate, even if it does not necessarily fit in the stated sub-themes.

Funding for Participants
We are hopeful that CUGS may be able to partially fund a small number of participants. If you wish to be considered for partial funding, you must indicate this in your abstract during the online submission.

Last date for submission of abstracts with request for travel support : November 15, 2011
Last date for submission of abstracts without request for support : November 30, 2011

Submission of Abstracts: http://www.cugs.in/abstractForm.html

Further Details: http://www.cugs.in/abstracts.html

CfPs: National Seminar on the Status of Agri-Business in India; 18-19 Nov; Presidency University, Kolkata

2011-09-19T23:03:00.001-07:00

National Seminar on the Status of Agri-Business in India

18-19 November 2011

Organised By Department of Sociology, Presidency University, Kolkata

Call for Papers
Last Date for Submission of Abstract of the paper 31st October, 2011
Abstract may be emailed to drsamitkar@gmail.com or couriered to Dr Samit Kar, Convener, National Seminar, Department of Sociology, Presidency University, Kolkata 700 073.

CfPs: "ICRA Bulletin: Money & Finance"

2011-09-19T22:42:00.001-07:00

Call for Papers : ICRA Bulletin: Money & Finance

The ICRA Bulletin: Money & Finance invites original, previously-unpublished research papers on topics related to macroeconomics, money, banking and finance for publishing. The text of the paper should be comprehensible to the non-specialist reader; mathematical and technical details, if any, in support of the analysis and policy conclusions in the text may be placed in an appendix. Authors will receive an honorarium of Rs. 25,000 for every paper that is published in the journal. The word count for a paper, including the abstract, notes and references, should not exceed 11,000. All graphs and charts accompanying a paper should have been prepared in MS Office (Word/Excel).
Please send your paper, along with an author bio, to
Prof. Mihir Rakshit, Editor-in-Chief, at proj_monfin@hotmail.com [preferred],
or
at Director, Monetary Research Project, ICRA Limited, B 245, Lake Gardens, Ground Floor, Kolkata 700045.

The decision of the Editor-in-Chief on whether or not to publish any research paper will be final.

Further Details

CfPs: ISEE 2012 Ecological Economics and Rio +20:Contributions and Challenges for a Green Economy

2011-09-19T22:28:00.001-07:00

ISEE 2012: Ecological Economics and Rio +20 : Contributions and Challenges for a Green Economy
12th Biennial Conference of the International Society for Ecological Economics

29 May - 1 June, 2012 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

2012 ISEE Conference Call for Papers
ISEE is a nonprofit, member-governed organization dedicated to advancing understanding of the relationships between the economy, ecology and society, for the mutual well-being of people and nature. ISEE conferences are transdisciplinary and have been held biennially since 1990. ISEE 2012 has been conceived to dovetail with the Rio+20 UNCSD Earth Summit. The Earth Summit has been charged with developing a road map for international cooperation toward a "Green Economy" and for promoting institutions necessary for sustainable development. ISEE 2012 will address UNCSD themes as well as other key debates within ecological economics and environmental policy. It will promote dialogue with the Summit through a final ministerial panel and the participation of policy makers. The challenge for Ecological Economics at this Summit is to contribute to designing innovative alternatives, to address market and institutional failures, as well as to better understand ecological and economic systems.

Conference Themes

Greening the Economy: Measuring green growth; The energy question; Sustainable consumption; (Un)sustainable cities?
The Political Economy of Green Development: Food security: who sows? who reaps?; The economics and politics of climate change; Pollution and politics; Challenges of community resource governance.
Environmental Justice, Ethics and Values: Global agreements: is convergence possible?; Balancing nature: people, biodiversity and resilience; Governing environmental behaviour; Mores and morals: toward an environmental ethic; Political ecology and ecological conflicts.
Methodological Challenges: Feminist economics and ecological economics: can the twain meet?; Behavioural economics and economic behaviour: beyond homo economicus?; Economics and Ecology: transdisciplinary conversation.

Abstract Submission
There will be three tracks for abstract submissions: Panels (for long presentations), Roundtables (for short interventions) and Posters. Submissions can be in the form of individual abstracts or as full Panels and Roundtables. Full Panels/Roundtables require a cogent theme, a brief introduction giving the rationale, names of session chair(s), and abstracts/papers of all contributors. Alternative innovative formats, including performances, films and installations, would also be welcome for consideration.
Abstracts should be a maximum of 700 words and must be submitted online via the conference website: www.isee2012.org. All abstracts for Panels and Roundtables will be reviewed by an international review panel (see schedule below). Abstracts for poster presentations will be evaluated by the ISEE Local Organizing Committee.Acceptance of all abstracts will be based on relevance for ecological economics and the conference theme, originality, and overall quality. Official notification of abstract acceptance or rejection, or optional poster presentation will be emailed to the corresponding author on 15 December 2011.
Conference organisers will make every effort to seek funding to reimburse travel costs and participation fees of those from non-OECD countries and for student researchers (with proof of university attendance). Those needing funding must submit a full paper in advance.

Conference Deadlines
15 November 2011 – Session, paper, poster abstract submissions
15 December 2011 – Author notification
2 March 2012 – Pay registration fee online to ensure inclusion of abstract in conference brochure
29 May 2012 – Conference begins

Further Details

CfPs: National Research Conference on Climate Change; at IITD; Nov 5-6, 2011

2011-09-19T22:22:00.001-07:00

National Research Conference on Climate Change

November 5-6, 2011

Venue: Indian Institute of Technology Delhi

Call for Papers
Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IITD), Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM), and the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) are jointly organizing a National Research Conference on Climate Change to be held at IITD on November 5-6, 2011 which is supported by the Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation.
We invite abstracts from faculty and other researchers, students, and practitioners in the areas relevant to climate change. Selected abstracts will receive a slot for presentation or for the poster session. There will also be panel discussions involving invited speakers from a range of backgrounds.
Submissions should include title, author affiliation(s), contact details, and an abstract of less than 250 words. Submissions should be sent to nccconf@gmail.com by September 30, 2011.
Limited funding is available for travel and local expenses for suitable candidates (including junior scholars).

Abstract submission deadline: September 30, 2011
Acceptance notification: October 15, 2011

Further Details

"AANCHAAR: An Innovation!" by S. Fayaz Ahmad

2011-09-12T02:52:00.001-07:00

AANCHAAR: An Innovation!
Theoretically any new product which finds a place in the market becomes innovation.

by S. Fayaz Ahmad

Greater Kashmir, 24 August 2011

Innovation is not a new thing. Arguably it is as old as human civilization. Rightly argued, that there is something inherently "human" about the tendency to think about new and better ways of doing things and to try them out in practice. But in our times innovation is now a buzz word around the globe. Without it our world would look very different.
To many, Kashmir is not an innovative state; rightly so. If we take some parameters to gauge the innovative performance of the valley; consider R&D spending, patent data and product output, then the results are very depressing. But at the same time if we try to study and explore the informal sector in Kashmir then the story is not that bleak. It is rather very different.
There are many good innovations in Kashmir which go unnoticed, thus remain unprotected under the current Intellectual Property Regime. One such example is our Anchaar or Achaar (Pickle). Anchaar - a traditional Kashmiri pickle is not something which is only traditional but it has a great significance as a good innovation. Now the question is how this is an innovation and how it contributes to the economic growth of the valley?
Joseph Schumpeter known as the father of innovations and one of the most original social scientists of the 20th century defines innovation as the introduction of new products, new methods of production, new sources of supply, new ways of doing business and new methods to exploit the market. Similarly Kanter (1983) defines innovation as the generation, acceptance and implementation of new ideas, process, products or services. Innovations can be of many types, it can be incremental or what we call marginal innovations which basically are continuous improvements or radical innovations. Schumpeter further argues that innovation is the outcome of continuous struggle in historical time between individual entrepreneurs who are advocating novel solutions to particular problems and social inertia. He also added an important modification to the definition of innovation by calling 'imitators' as also innovators.
Contextualizing the Schumpeterian definition on Anchaar, one thing becomes clear that this is an innovation. People involved in this trade not only exploit the market but are also exploring new business methods. Anchaar is not a new product. But the way it is being exploited in the market makes it new for the consumers who willingly pay for it. Theoretically any new product which finds a place in the market becomes innovation.
The second part which deserves attention is that this traditional innovation - or call it traditional knowledge - like any other innovation needs to be protected under the modern IPR regime else China or some other country will start selling on our behalf. Pashmina is a good example, people sitting in Amritsar, Nepal and Beijing are violating the trade mark of "Kashmiri Pashmina" and we are happily purchasing them at Srinagar.
To recognize and respect our rich cultural heritage is inevitable. We can't dream of a developed state or a live nation by escaping it. Cultural heritage plays a decisive role in the rise and fall of nations. Even David Laudes, Harvard historian, who has spent much time of his academic life studying wealth and poverty in the world concludes by arguing that the rise and fall of nations is not determined by climate and natural resources, military might, financial muscle, technical expertise or even inherent biological traits but culture is the decisive factor, he says.

(S. Fayaz Ahmad is a Research Scholar at the Center for Studies in Science Policy, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi and author of forthcoming book "Unsung Innovators of Kashmir". He can be reached at fayazjustinternational@gmail.com)

Source: http://greaterkashmir.com/news/2011/Aug/24/aanchaar-an-innovation--15.asp

CfPs: International Conference on Climate Change, Sustainable Agriculture and Public Leadership; 7-9 Feb 2012; New Delhi

2011-09-11T22:44:00.001-07:00

International Conference on Climate Change, Sustainable Agriculture and Public Leadership

7-9 February 2012

Venue: NASC-ICAR, Pusa Road, New Delhi, India

Organized by: Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) and National Council for Climate Change Sustainable Development (NCCSD)

Concept Note
India is identified as one of the countries that will have greater challenges from global warming (IPCC 4th Assessment report). Developing the countries are vulnerable to changes in climate change which will have a greater impact on food security not only to India, but also globally affecting poor and vulnerable people. The impact is already being felt increasingly on agricultural crops, on milk yields and on fisheries due to uncertain or delayed rainfall, floods, and increase in temperature. There is a need to start not only planning but also implementation on mitigation and adaptation measures to meet the challenges providing assured yields from agriculture, animal husbandry and fisheries to farmers, animal holders and fishermen and ensure that they are not thrown behind poverty line in the entire developing world.
The Government of India has initiated series of efforts in this regard. The overall goal of these efforts is : to have real impact in supporting low carbon solutions for economic development in India/assist India in meeting the challenge of climate change, and at the same time to contribute to reaching food security targets and to provide sustainable livelihood.
The implementation of National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) and ICAR's National Initiative on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) form part of this strategy. It is now further needed to evaluate :

Adequacy of scientific information regarding the cause and effect relationships pertaining to global warming and climate change,
Preparedness of scientific Institutions and communities to comprehend & develop locally relevant mitigation and adaptation measure.
Institutional mechanism including capacity building to improve preparedness of stake holders to work in a concerted manner.
Fiscal and non fiscal measures to support transitions to a resilient regime of production and consumption
Identification and fostering of local institutions/community expertise to complement bottom-up and top-down initiatives by the Government at all levels, and
Use of knowledge economy and successful experiences which already exist.

In view of the above, the Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) and National Council for Climate Change, Sustainable Development & Public Leadership (NCCSD), plan to develop a larger Framework Programme to address the immediate and long-term needs not only for India but also for developing world to meet the challenges emerging from climate change on Agriculture, Environment and Water sectors or related fields.

Conference Themes

Sustainable Agriculture
Eco agriculture
Need for mainstreaming agriculture
Climate Change & Agriculture: Impacts, Solutions & adaptations
Knowledge economy
Climate correlates & Carbon Credits
Emerging trends of mitigation and adaptation
Public Leadership

Conference Sub Themes

Role of Agriculture and Sustainable Development in mitigating Global Warming Applications of Knowledge and Community Education
Challenges ahead : Role of Entrepreneurial and Educational Leadership and Public Policy
The deliberations would include presentation of research, experiments, experiences, policy analysis and new project ideas.

Important Dates

Abstract of the Papers (400 Words Maximum) on the selected subject to be submitted before: 15 October 2011
Abstract and Full paper to be submitted through email to info@climateagri.org
Acceptance of the paper will be intimated by 1 November 2011
Submission of the full paper has to be made before 15 December 2011
Last date of registration along with the registration fee: 15 January 2012

Further Details

FYI: MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers (7th edition)

2011-09-07T22:39:00.001-07:00

MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers (7th edition)

by Modern Language Association (MLA), USA

Pages: xxii & 292 pp.
Published: 2008
Reprint Publisher: Affiliated East-West Press Pvt Ltd., India
Price: Rs. 160

"The style bible for most college students."
—Newsweek

Widely adopted by universities, colleges, and secondary schools, the MLA Handbook gives step-by-step advice on every aspect of writing research papers, from selecting a topic to submitting the completed paper. For over half a century, the MLA Handbook is the guide millions of writers have relied on.

The seventh edition is a comprehensive, up-to-date guide to research and writing in the online environment. It provides an authoritative update of MLA documentation style for use in student writing, including simplified guidelines for citing works published on the Web and new recommendations for citing several kinds of works, such as digital files and graphic narratives.

Can also buy online from Flipkart.

CfAs:: JENESYS East Asia Future Leaders Programme 2011 "Energy Security - Working Toward the Development of Sustainable Energy Management System"

2011-09-07T03:55:00.001-07:00

JENESYS East Asia Future Leaders Programme 2011

"Energy Security - Working Toward the Development of Sustainable Energy Management System"

The Japan Foundation will organize an East Asia Future Leaders Programme to Japan in March 2012 under the Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths (JENESYS) Programme. It is funded by the Japan-ASEAN Integration fund, and aims to deepen understanding of the different facets of the Japanese society including politics, diplomacy, economics and culture and to form the basis of future vision and construct firm solidarity among Asian countries which will promote mutual understanding of the future generation of the East Asia Community.

Implementation of this Programme will be officially approved by an outsourcing agreement with the ASEAN Secretariat expected in August 2011.
Duration: March 5-16, 2012 (12 days)
Place: Tokyo, Oita Prefecture, Okayama Prefecture, and Osaka
Participants: A total of about 27 people with one or two individuals each from the 10 ASEAN countries, South Korea, China, India, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan.

Targeted Candidates:
Young leaders who are taking active roles in "Energy Security" and "Sustainable Energy Management" in the Asia and Oceania region.
Public Administration: Central or local government policy makers or officials, international organization officials, politicians, etc.
Academia and Education: Educators working in schools, universities, and other educational organizations within communities, as well as researchers.
NGO/NPO and Community: Those promoting 'Disaster Prevention' through CSR, etc
Media: Journalists promoting energy security and sustainable energy management.

Application Deadline: before/on Friday, 28th October, 2011

Download Application Form

Further Details

CfPs:: Seminar on Building Competitiveness in a Globalised World: Lessons from India's Plantation Sector; 23-24 Jan 2012

2011-09-07T02:24:00.001-07:00

Seminar on Building Competitiveness in a Globalised World: Lessons from India's Plantation Sector
23 - 24 January 2012
Organized by: Centre for Development Studies, Thiruvananthapuram, India

Call for Papers
Plantation sector is no more a mere foreign exchange earner but a key sector in India's inclusive development strategy. This is on account of its critical role in employment generation, (especially women labour) livelihood of small and marginal growers and backward communities, balanced regional development and in fostering environmental sustainability. This is, perhaps, the only sector where competitiveness determines decisively the ability to foster inclusive development on account of intense competition from desperate exporters with hardly any domestic market. However, our understanding on the varied constraints in the sphere of production, processing, marketing, trade, employment and innovation confronted by the sector is at best rudimentary which in turn undermines our ability to undertake informed policy making. The proposed seminar intends to take stock of these issues with special focus on plantation crops (preferably tea, coffee, spices and natural rubber). Comparative studies are especially welcome.

The seminar is being organized by the National Research Programme on Plantation Development (NRPPD) instituted by the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India.

The broad themes include, but not limited to;

Production conditions (focus on small holders)
Marketing, price formation and price trends
Market integration and trade performance
Labour related issues
Innovations in plantation: organizational, institutional and technological

Important dates:

Submission of detailed abstracts : 30th September 2011
Intimation after peer review : 7th October 2011
Submission of full papers : 10th January 2012

Detailed abstracts (not less than 600 words)/full papers may be submitted at nrppd@cds.ac.in. Authors of selected papers will be offered travel support and local hospitality.For further details contact Prof K J Joseph, coordinator of the program kjjoseph@cds.ac.in

Further Details

2011 Emerald/IAM Indian Management Research Fund Award:: Call for Indian management research proposals

2011-09-03T09:30:00.001-07:00

2011 Emerald/IAM Indian Management Research Fund Award: Supporting knowledge creation and dissemination for the social good in India

Call for Indian management research proposals

Applications should address the creation and dissemination of knowledge for the social good with a specific orientation toward benefit for India.

Eligibility

The main member of the research team must be based in India.

Judging criteria

Each application will be judged, by a panel of experts, on the criteria below. The research must:

Be of significance, and in particular, illustrate how it will benefit the social good.
Demonstrate originality and innovation.
Make an outstanding contribution to theory and its application.
Illustrate the appropriateness and application of the methodology.
Demonstrate sound implications for theory and practice.

Application requirements

Each proposal must be submitted using the online application form at:
http://ww2.emeraldinsight.com/awards/indianmgmt.htm

The following documents will be required electronically:

A summary stating specific goals, outcomes and benefits of the research. This should not exceed 2,000 words (note that tables, figures, appendices and reference lists, if provided do NOT count to the 2,000 word total).
A covering letter containing full contact details (affiliation, full address, telephone number/s and e-mail address) for all researchers involved in the project. Please state clearly which researcher will be the main point of contact.

The 2,000-word summary must:

Display clearly a statement of purpose and intent.
State clearly the methodology(ies) applied and explicitly describe the research process.
State expected research outcomes and expected impact and possible application.
Specify the expected timescales of the research process.
Outline projected costs and total research grant required.

Key dates

The closing date for applications is 1 February 2012.
Winners will be announced in April 2012.

Last year's winner

http://ww2.emeraldinsight.com/awards/indianmgmt.htm

Nepal Conference on improving research infrastructures with social media; 31 October to 3 November 2011

2011-09-03T09:17:00.001-07:00

Nepal Conference on improving research infrastructures with social media

31 October to 3 November 2011

From 31 October to 3 November 2011 the Focuss.Info Initiative, Integrated Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), International Institute of Social Studies (ISS) and Nordic Institute of Asian Studies (NIAS) organise a conference in Nepal.

The overall objective of the Nepal Conference is to help institutes in Nepal, Bhutan and Northern India to develop effective 'infostructures' by promoting and inducing students, researchers and practitioners in the field of global development studies, knowledge intermediary and research how they can use the latest information sharing and collaboration tools. By giving the participants the skills and abilities to use these tools, the participants of the Nepal Conference can create cross-disciplinary, cross-cultural and cross-border networks in which the exchange of information and knowledge improves and the access - a fundamental human right that strengthens democracy - enhances.

The Nepal Conference will be set up as a back-to-back conference:

* 2-day conference for media, communication, information and knowledge professionals from Nepal, Bhutan and Northern India on 31 October-1 November 2011

* 2-day conference for academic and scientific professionals in global development aid from Nepal, Bhutan and Northern India on 2-3 November 2011.

On Tuesday 1 November the participants of both conferences will all meet during a social event in the evening.

If you want to become a participant during one of the two conferences, please apply for a ticket via our application form on http://www.focuss.info/nepal/

The deadline to apply for the Nepal Conference is on Monday 12 September 2011 at 12h00 (GMT +5:45)

CfEs: International Economic Development Research Annual (IEDRA) Award, 2011

2011-08-26T02:21:00.001-07:00

EXIM BANK

International Economic Development Research Annual (IEDRA) Award, 2011

(In commemoration of Jawaharlal Nehru Birth Centenary, 1889-1989)

The Award

Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) promotes India's international trade. Exim Bank has instituted an Annual Award for research in International Economics, Trade & Development and Related Financing. The objective of this Award is to promote research in International Economics, Trade & Development and Related Financing by Indian nationals at universities and academic institutions in India and abroad. The Award consists of a sum of Indian Rupees Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand (Rs. 2.5 Lakhs) and a Citation. The Award was instituted in commemoration of Jawaharlal Nehru Birth Centenary (1889-1989).

The Entry

Research work by Indian nationals in International Economics, Trade & Development and Related Financing (either awarded a Doctorate or accepted for award of Doctorate) from a university or equivalent academic institution in India or abroad is a prerequisite for eligibility of the Award. Issues of relevance to India / Exim Bank such as those pertaining to foreign trade, foreign direct investments, joint ventures, international competitiveness, policies impacting trade and investment, monetary and fiscal interventions would be of particular interest. The Award would be given to a person eligible to receive an award in Indian Rupees. Exim Bank will accept, as entry, those thesis for which doctorate has been obtained/ accepted for award of Doctorate between January 1, 2007 and September 30, 2011.

Thesis can be submitted either in English or Hindi, and in the latter case must be accompanied by a version in English.

Terms And Conditions

Subject Matter

1. Research work in International Economics, Trade & Development and Related Financing either awarded a Doctorate or accepted for award of Doctorate from a university or equivalent academic institution in India or abroad by Indian nationals. Credit would be given for originality, clarity of presentation and relevance to Indian context.

2. Where the research work has been awarded a doctorate, Exim Bank will accept, as entry, thesis for which doctorate has been obtained during the four calendar years prior to the year for which the prize is to be awarded and upto the final date for receipt of entries in the year of the award.

Conditions of Entry:

1. An abstract of the thesis in the form of a well-written and self-explanatory essay covering theme, methodology, findings and conclusion (up to 5000 words) in English and/ or Hindi must be provided. Hindi abstracts must be accompanied by English translations.

2. All entries must be received by Exim Bank on or before 30th September 2011.

Further Details: http://www.eximbankindia.in/iedra11.pdf

Media article "India on Global R&D Map" by Pranav N Desai

2011-08-23T00:07:00.001-07:00

India on Global R&D Map
by
Pranav N Desai
The New Indian Express; 16 Aug 2011

Globalisation of innovation has emerged as a contentious issue due to its differential impact on economies at different levels of development. There is also a growing realisation that R&D and codified knowledge are important but not the sole factors that promote innovations and that most of economically useful knowledge has a tacit dimension having equally vital role.

There are several actors, institutional mechanisms and processes including informal and formal interactions that help leverage tacit knowledge. Technological capabilities are enhanced by a learning that is determined not only by codified knowledge in R&D output such as publications, patents and designs but also by interactive learning processes of international collaboration, inward and outward foreign direct investments (FDI) and by the general socio-economic environment. This realisation has given boost to a rising trend in building global R&D alliances and knowledge networks. Recently, a good number of new technology or research alliances worldwide were reported in six major sectors: information technology (IT), biotechnology, advanced materials, aerospace and defence, automotive, and non-biotechnology chemicals revealing greater interdependence in these sectors. Thus, the emerging technologies have also helped unfolding the globalisation process. At the same time, social capital or research network capital is also surfacing as an explanatory variable of innovation.

India has attained a predominant position by attracting a major share of FDI in R&D in the last decade. It has achieved a trade surplus with the USA in R&D service trade. There is also a sudden jump in high-tech export of manufactured export in 2010. A significant structural change in manufactured exports has been observed. Between 2002-03 and 2007-08, the proportion of low-tech export declined from 66 to 56 per cent. As against this, the share of medium and high-tech rose from 22 to 30 and from 7 to 14 per cent respectively. Corresponding shares in patents filed under the PCT reveal that the high-tech patents enjoyed the maximum share of 56 per cent followed by medium-tech with 31 per cent and low-tech only 13 per cent.

This reveals rising technological capability and a positive signal though India will have to cover a lot of ground to reach the global average of 21 per cent. It is also essential to probe whether structure of technology-intensive exports holds any relationship with economic development. It is in the preceding context that India's different forms of international cooperation efforts require attention.

India's efforts in international science and technology cooperation were initiated in the 1950s. These efforts have been undergoing transformation through different phases of regulation and deregulation of economy. The unfolding of globalisation has tended to change the routes, nature and magnitude of this process. There has been an unprecedented increase in the number of international R&D collaborations. This phenomenon was confined to the triad countries (US, Europe, Japan) so far and South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore followed. Hence, it is not surprising that academic interest was confined to this region rather than to the emerging destinations of R&D collaboration.

In India, which has wide socio-economic disparities, this process might introduce new challenges and opportunities for innovations and policy-making. Scholars have argued that globalisation of R&D by foreign firms divert resources from the main development needs and create high-tech islands and widen disparities. Others perceive this process as capacity enhancing with the changing nature of R&D and collaboration pattern.

The structure of the International System of Innovation is also changing. As far as world share of gross domestic expenditure on R&D (GERD) is concerned, North America still remains the dominant region with 37 per cent share. Asia has now emerged as the second largest investor, with 32 per cent, overtaking Europe. Asia also had the highest number of researchers in the world accounting for 37 per cent compared to Europe (33 per cent) and North America (25 per cent). The global share of North America in the patents issued by the USPTO and EPO remained at the top. The share of Asian countries was higher than Europe. During 2006, the share of patents originating from Asian countries in the patents issued to residents of foreign countries by the USPTO was also high. Countries like Japan, China and India contributed the overwhelming portion. Thus, the Asian regional S&T order still remains hierarchical as there is unequal distribution of S&T resources, intellectual property rights and the digital divide is threatening to widen. This also explains the divergence in their innovation system and its role in economic development.

With Asia's integration with the global economy there are signs of rapid intra-Asian economic integration. Apart from North-South and South-South FDI flows, it is estimated that intra-Asian FDI flows accounted for about 40 per cent of Asia's total FDI flows. Moreover, some changes are also taking place in the mode and structure of outward FDI (OFDI) from developing countries that may constitute the third 'wave' in OFDI. The value of OFDI stock from developing countries reached $859 billion in 2003, up from $129 billion in 1990, and has increased 11 times since 1985. Though these investments are mainly coming from the BRICS nations, the changing sectoral composition and diversification in destinations reflect increasing technological learning and capacities. Along with the increased levels of FDI, there has been increasing FDI in R&D activities. This is a new feature added, which is likely to hold greater influence on the National Innovation System (NIS) of the countries receiving greater share of the same.

India has emerged as the top destination of R&D investment globally out of the major strategic investments received during 2005. It is also interesting to note that even as percentage of total FDI, the share of R&D during 2002-2007 was 24 per cent and during 2005 the share was 65 per cent as shown in the global strategic FDI in R&D. It does not seem to be merely a coincidence that this region has recently witnessed economic revival and also an increasing share in the Indian Standards Institution.

Source: The New Indian Express http://expressbuzz.com/opinion/op-ed/india-on-global-rd-map/304741.html

Workshop on "Data Extraction and Visualization Techniques" at NISCAIR, New Delhi on Sept 10-11

2011-08-18T22:35:00.001-07:00

Data Extraction and Visualization Techniques: A Two Day Workshop

Dates: September 10-11, 2011

Venue: NISCAIR Conference Hall, Satsang Vihar, New Delhi

Organized by: Society for Information Science (SIS), New Delhi

A key aspect of a successful study/report is how data is presented with clarity and is able to convey the meaning in a succinct way. Graphical and/or tabular form is the most preferred way of representation. Increasingly, with advanced representation techniques, newer approaches are visible in representation. These representations allow for more informed assessment of the underlying data and are able to provide insights that is not possible to be deduced from standard tabular/graphical representation.

The representation of data is playing a key role in Scientometrics/Informetrics as huge data in matrix form showing various linkage relationships among others need to be properly extracted and represented. This type of representation have multi-fold usage; for articulation of their research, and for policy makers for decision making process. Decision makes are increasingly looking towards these representations as it becomes less time consuming for them to infer from the data and also makes the decision making more accurate and verifiable.

Many information scientists have participated at International Conferences outside the country. All of them have felt that Indian participants are handicapped because of the inefficiency to work with "Visualization Techniques". The Indian participants are having enough analytical skills but may not represent their ideas as successfully as participants from other countries. With this background, Society for Information Science (SIS), a dynamic organization has decided to tackle this issue. A group of reputed faculty have been identified by SIS to train interested professionals.

SIS in collaboration with NISCAIR proposes to organize a two day workshop on "Data Extraction and Visualization Techniques" at NISCAIR, Satsang Vihar New Delhi from 10-11 September 2011.

The present workshop is intended to address two important issues: (a) show the potentiality of various publication and patent databases, and (b) demonstrate advanced visualization techniques and provide hands on training that can help represent the extracted data from these databases. The participants will also learn the basics of data extraction and visulisation. The learning kit will help them to progress further.

Who Can Attend this Workshop?
Any professional / scientist / researcher who handle large amount of data can be participants to this workshop.
Number of Participants: We propose to have only 10-12 participants to this workshop.
All participants will be requested to carry with them their laptops as this will help them to practice and use their data in future on the software they are now familiar to operate.
Participants coming from outside shall have to make their own arrangements for stay. If informed in advance the organizers shall help them in finding suitable accommodation in CSIR guest house for which they have to pay.

PROGRAMME
1st Day Inauguration
Introductory Lectures on data sources and their applications and Basic Indicators
Demonstration of different databases and basic its search features (covering publication and patent data).
* Introduction to Visualization Software's
* Data transformation
* Map/Visualization building
2nd Day Practical presentation and practice of data sources and its access from science databases and patent databases: Groups shall be formed and provided with data. Each Group shall practice Science Mapping techniques assisted by faculty. At the final concluding session of the workshop each group shall present their work. During this session participants may clarify their doubts.

ORGANIZING COMMITTEE & FACULTY
1. Dr Gangan Prathap Director, NISCAIR, (Keynote Speaker)
2. Dr. Naresh Kumar President, SIS. (Chair)
3. Dr. Ramesh Kundra , Vice President, SIS, (SIS Workshop Convener)
4. Dr. Sujit Bhattacharya, NISTADS (Faculty)
5. Dr. Divya Srivastava, ICMR (Faculty)
6. Shri. N.K.Wadhwa, NPL(Faculty)
7. Dr. G. Mahesh, NISCAIR (Member)
8. Ms. Shilpa, NISTADS Faculty

Further Details

CfP: PSBT Open Frame 2011 - Intensive Workshops on Filmmaking

2011-08-11T23:20:00.001-07:00

PSBT Open Frame 2011 - Intensive Workshops on Filmmaking

14-17 September 2011

Organized by Public Service Broadcasting Trust, New Delhi

at IHC, New Delhi

The Workshops are open to all those who have some background in formal/ informal filmmaking or training in filmmaking. We especially encourage first time and starting our filmmakers to apply. The Workshops will also be extremely helpful to those who aim to research, write, shoot and edit their own films.

The Workshops will take participants through the fundamental elements of the filmmaking process – planning and structuring the documentary, its aesthetics and technical requirements, research, script, camera, sound and editing - processes they may undertake themselves or delegate to specialists. The Workshops will equip them with an understanding of these significant stages, conceptual and technical clarity and learning how to transform ideas into films. It will sensitise them on how to work with their team/ crew to deliver the film they conceptualise and imagine.

Participants will be required to attend all the four modules of the Workshops and cannot register for/ attend select Workshops.

There will be a registration fee of Rs 2,500/- to cover part of the expenses towards organising the event, to be paid via cheque, within a week of hearing about selection. We can accommodate a small number of participants only, so please register at the earliest.

If you wish to attend the Workshops, please fill in the REGISTRATION FORM available below and email it to workshops@psbt.org

Participants from outside Delhi will need to make their own travel, board and lodging arrangements. Lunch will be served at the Workshops. Application Forms should reach us, latest by 20 August 2011. PSBT's selection of participants will be final and binding.

SCHEDULE

I. COMPLEXITY AND CLARITY: WRITING APPROACHES TO DOCUMENTARY by PAROMITA VOHRA
09:30 AM – 05:00 PM, 14 SEPTEMBER
In documentary films, a director also needs to be a writer – but someone who writes with film, not words. This Workshop will discuss approaches to structuring and planning a documentary with the idea of an evolving, rather than a fixed script, as suits the documentary purpose best; approaches to form in documentary; and share some possible ways in which to work so that the documentary does not end up being illustrated research but rather a composite, creative work exploring complex experiences and questions with clarity. We will touch on the different ways the script evolves through the stages of research, planning, production and post-production.

II. CINEMATOGRAPHY FOR THE DOCUMENTARY by AVIJIT MUKUL KISHORE
09:30 AM – 05:00 PM, 15 SEPTEMBER
The Workshop will focus on the aesthetics of documentary and how technical choices can affect and facilitate different languages of filmmaking. It will be profusely illustrated by short films and clips from various documentaries made in different genres, to highlight the various styles and approaches possible. Other than short films and clips from documentaries of different genres shot on different formats and a discussion on these, the sessions will include a discussion on the features of a camera, its analogy to the human eye and how its conscious use affects image making, illustrated by film clips; different camera formats and how one should choose one's kit for shooting a particular film; working with DSLRs and the protocols of tapeless media video production; screening of select rushes from a documentary, preferably a student film, and talk about the choices that can make the material more or less effective.

III. SOUND FOR THE DOCUMENTARY by SURESH RAJAMANI
09:30 AM – 05:00 PM, 16 SEPTEMBER
The Workshop will address questions and concerns ranging from the need for a sound person on a documentary shoot, the need for communication between the filmmaker and the sound person and the importance of SFX, to specific issues such as the problems of microphones on camera set ups, the use of radio microphones, the range of microphones available, elements of a standard sound chain and role of each item in the chain. There will also be demonstrations for first-hand experience and responding to specific queries raised by the participants.

IV. EDITING THE DOCUMENTARY by SANKALP MESHRAM
09:30 AM – 05:00 PM, 17 SEPTEMBER
The Workshop will discuss and attempt a better understanding on how time and space interact in cinema and create a completely unique experience. It will through illustrations and clips establish how the art of editing is actually the most central process of filmmaking.

Download Registration Form
Application Forms should reach PSBT latest by 20 August 2011.

Further Details

The Drucker Challenge essay contest

2011-08-11T01:43:00.001-07:00

The Drucker Challenge essay contest

If you have not entered the "Peter Drucker Challenge" essay contest yet, do not fear as the due date has officially been extended to 15 August 2011.

Initiated and organized by the Peter Drucker Society Europe (PDSE), the essay contest has the overarching theme

"Management - what is it good for?"

The Challenge is aimed at young managers, entrepreneurs and students up to the age of 35. The authors of the top three essays will be flown to Vienna and invited to participate in the "Global Peter Drucker Forum 2011" in Vienna on 3-4 November. For the first time at this year's "Global Peter Drucker Forum" there will be a dedicated panel session with "Peter Drucker Challenge" winners to hear the perspectives of the younger generation.

In addition, up to 40 authors of high quality essays will get free access to the "Global Peter Drucker Forum 2011".

The length of the essays should be between 1,500 words and 3,000 words. For more information on how to participate see: http://www.druckerchallenge.org

Call for Authors: "Biomes and Ecosystems: An Encyclopedia", edited by Robert Warren Howarth

2011-08-10T22:23:00.001-07:00

Call for Authors: "Biomes and Ecosystems: An Encyclopedia", edited by Robert Warren Howarth

Golson media is inviting academic editorial contributors to a new reference work about biomes and ecosystems to be published by Salem Press in 2013.

With approximately 600 articles in 4 volumes, Biomes and Ecosystems: An Encyclopedia is a comprehensive review of key biological and geographic classifications tied to the high-school and college curriculum. The reference work will cover the broad scope of biomes and ecosystems around the world, from puddles on the street to coral reefs in Australia to rain forests in Brazil to the tundra in Siberia. Each article will delve into the properties that make the subject a biome or ecosystem, and how those features work together. Especially targeted toward high-school students, this outstanding reference work is edited to make the content readily accessible as well to patrons of public, academic, and university libraries. Pedagogical elements include a Topic Finder, Chronology, Resource Guide, Glossary, Appendix, and thorough index. Presented in an A-to-Z format, Biomes and Ecosystems: An Encyclopedia is richly illustrated with photos, charts, and tables, all comprising an unprecedented and unique resource produced by Golson Media for Salem Press.

We are now making article assignments with a deadline of October 31, 2011.

Each article ranges from 600 to 3500 words and is signed by the contributor. The General Editor for the encyclopedia is Dr. Robert Warren Howarth, Cornell University, who will review all the articles for editorial content and academic consistency.

If you are interested in contributing to Biomes and Ecosystems: An Encyclopedia, it can be a notable publication addition to your CV/resume and broaden your publishing credits. Moreover, you can help ensure that accurate information and important points of view are credibly presented to students and library patrons. Compensation is an honorarium payment of $25 up to 1000 words; $35 from 1001 to 2500 words; and $45 above 2501 words.

The list of available articles, style guidelines, and sample article are prepared and will be sent to you in response to your inquiry. Please then select which unassigned articles may best suit your interests and expertise.

If you would like to contribute to building a truly outstanding reference with Biomes and Ecosystems: An Encyclopedia, please contact me by the e-mail information below. Please provide a brief summary of your background in biology, ecology, and environmental topics. Thanks for your time and interest.

Joseph K. Golson
Author Manager
biomes@golsonmedia.com
jkgolson@gmail.com

Science Reporter announces Science Fiction & Science Cartoon Competitions!

2011-08-10T03:53:00.001-07:00

IT'S COMPETITION TIME ONCE AGAIN!

Science Reporter announces Science Fiction & Science Cartoon Competitions!

Science Reporter once again announces its Science Fiction and Science Cartoon Competitions. We invite original contributions from our readers. You may take part in any of the two competitions or even both.

In the Science Cartoon category, not more than four original cartoons may be sent per entrant. And remember, the cartoons should relate to scientific topics only.
In the Science Fiction category, readers are requested to send only one entry per entrant. The entries must be restricted to about 2000-2500 words.

All entries – Fiction as well as Cartoon – should be original and should be accompanied with a self-declaration saying that the contribution is original.

The winning entries will be published in Science Reporter. There is no entry fee.

The last date for receiving the entries is 15 October 2011.

Rush your entries to:

Editor, Science Reporter

Science Fiction/Science Cartoon Competition

National Institute of Science Communication And Information Resources

Dr K S Krishnan Marg

New Delhi-110 012

Or

Email at sr@niscair.res.in

Further Details

UNESCO Bangkok Internship Programme

2011-08-09T00:22:00.001-07:00

UNESCO Bangkok Internship Programme

Blazing the Trail in Educational Innovation for Development

The Asia-Pacific Educational Innovation for Development (APEID) unit in the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Regional Bureau for Education, Bangkok, Thailand, welcomes applications for internships.

About APEID: Established in 1973, APEID is an inter-country cooperation programme serving 46 member states in the Asia and Pacific region. It promotes educational innovation for development with a special focus on post-primary education. The goal of the programme is to improve the quality of education and foster innovation by promoting inter-country cooperation and partnerships in education. APEID's three main programmes are Higher Education, Teacher Education and ICT in Education.

Internship programme:

The programme aims to familiarize interns with the day-to-day work and special mandates of APEID, increase their understanding of UNESCO and introduce them to the multi-national work environment of the UN.
The programme plans to enhance the interns' capacities by combining their academic learning with practical research and by providing opportunities for interns to explore their own interests in a relevant field.

Internship description:

Participate in regular or ad-hoc APEID meetings and related events
Contribute to the conceptualization and planning of APEID events when necessary
Assist in the preparation and organization of APEID meetings, seminars and conferences under various APEID projects, etc.
Proofread reports and articles
Prepare minutes of meetings, draft reports and publications
Conduct research and prepare presentations on given topics
Contribute articles for monthly newsletters and websites
Conduct any other duties that may be assigned by their supervisors in APEID or the Director of UNESCO

Internship eligibility:

This internship is open to applicants who are enrolled in postgraduate studies with specialization in an area that directly relates to UNESCO's APEID mandates.
Applicants must fulfil the three-month minimum internship period with maximum stay of six months.

If you are interested in applying for an internship with UNESCO APEID, please fill the online application form at http://www.unescobkk.org/join-us/opportunities/internship-programme-and-volunteers/.

Apply by:

Ongoing but the applications will be reviewed quarterly. For example, applications submitted by August 30^th 2011 will be considered for internships starting between September and December. Only applicants who have been accepted will be contacted. No information concerning the application will be given over the telephone.

Please note this is an unpaid internship. Interns are to cover all their own expenses and obtain all necessary travel documents. There is no expectancy of employment at the end of the internship and interns are not entitled to apply for any regular position during the period of internship or six months immediately following the expiration date of the internship.

Contact: ict.bgk@unesco.org

Further Details: http://www.unescobkk.org/internships

Walk-in-Interviews for positions of Project Associates and Data Entry Operators at NISTADS, New Delhi

2011-08-08T01:50:00.001-07:00

Advertisement for Walk-in-Interviews for positions of Project Associates and Data Entry Operators at NISTADS, New Delhi

Advertisement for WALK-IN-INTERVIEW for Project Associate / Data Entry Operators for the Activity entitled Global Strategy & Plan of Action on Public Health and Intellectual Property (GSPOA) of India: Status and Proposals. It is a limited tenure project. The project will have to be completed by 15^th November.

NISTADS will conduct WALK-IN-INTERVIEW for the selection of two candidates for Project Associate work and two candidates for Data Entry Operator work for the Activity entitled Global Strategy & Plan of Action on Public Health and Intellectual Property (GSPOA) of India: Status and Proposals on August 9, 2011. Selected candidates will have to undertake the completion of assigned work during the period of 15^th August- 15^th November.

Project Associates (2)

Concerned candidates for project associate (s) work should possess relevant post graduate qualifications in biological / health / pharmacy / social sciences / intellectual property law and sufficient research experience in the work to be undertaken in the project to be eligible for consideration in the project for the post. Selected candidate will get Rs. 20,000 per month during the relevant project period of 15^th August-15^th November.

Data Entry Operators (2)

Concerned candidates for data entry work should possess either MCA plus one year experience / BCA with three years experience in the area of secretarial work, data base building, database searches and report editing to be eligible for consideration in the project for the post. Selected candidate will get Rs. 10,000 per month during the relevant project period of 15^th August-15^th November.

Below we indicate the scope of work proposed to be undertaken under this project.

1) Investment in R&D and Innovation to address health needs of the country [including public private partnership models, push incentives for research by reducing inherent risks in R & D, and regulatory environment for rewarding sound research into priority diseases, including neglected tropical diseases (e. g devising a fast track system for grant of regulatory approval for marketing of new medicines based on national health priorities)]

2) Mapping of Gap and Need Analysis on delivery and access of medicines, medical products & technologies (including medical devices) in the country, including impact of incentive mechanisms on innovation and access to medicines, medical products and technologies

3) Mapping of Gap and Need Analysis on delivery and access of traditional medicines in India, including impact of incentive mechanisms on innovation and access to health products

4) Impact of IPR and TRIPS Agreement on the development of, and access to, essential medicines and healthcare products in India

Interested candidates are requested to send their CVs before August 12, 2011 by 9.30 am to the email address of project leader Dinesh Abrol, Chief Scientist (dinesh.abrol@gmail.com) and project leader. Walk-in-interviews would take place in the forenoon of August 12. Interviews will start by 11.00 hrs. Interested candidates are requested to be present in NISTADS with the documents relevant to their qualifications and experience by 9.30 am on August 12, 2011.

Dinesh Abrol, Chief Scientist, NISTADS, New Delhi

CfPs:: 53rd Annual Conference of Indian Society of Labour Economics, 17-19 December 2011, Udaipur, India

2011-08-02T04:02:00.001-07:00

53rd Annual Conference of Indian Society of Labour Economics

17-19 December 2011

Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India

Call for Papers
The 53rd Annual Conference of the Indian Society of Labour Economics (ISLE) will be held during 17-19 December, 2011 at Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur, Rajasthan. Prof. S.S. Gill, Director General, Centre for Research in Rural and Industrial Development, Chandigarh, will preside over the Conference. The topics for this year's conference are:

(i) Women's Work,
(ii) Labour and Environment, and
(iii) Social Protection for Workers in India.

Those who wish to contribute may send papers along with a summary of about 1000 words in hard as well as soft copy latest by 30 September, 2011 to the Hon. Secretary, The Indian Society of Labour Economics, NIDM Building, IIPA Campus, I.P. Estate, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, New Delhi – 110002, INDIA. The soft copies may be emailed to: isle.conference53@gmail.com. The summaries of the selected papers will be brought out as a publication of conference summaries while selected papers will be reviewed and published in the future issues of the Indian Journal of Labour Economics.

Two awards have been instituted for best paper writers, below 40 years: Ruddar Datt Memorial Award and Sanjay Thakur Young Labour Economist Award (carrying prize money of Rs. 10,000 each). Those willing to be considered for the awards have to furnish age proof along with their full paper before the deadline.

For registration and reservation of accommodation for the conference, please contact either the Organising Secretary or Coorganising

Secretary of the Conference:
Prof. Anju Kohli (Mob: 09414165756/ Res: 0294-2521614/ Email: akohli2k@yahoo.com), Dean and Professor of Economics, Department of Economics, University College of Social Science & Humanities, Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur – 313001, Rajasthan, India
Dr. Anuprabha Choudhary (Mob: 09414158614/ 07597911168/ Res: 0294-2521614/ Email: anu_30p@yahoo.co.in) at the same address.

The registration fee is Rs. 600 for India, US$ 75 for SAARC countries and US$ 100 for other countries. For spouse or an accompanying person, the fee is Rs 500 for India, US$ 50 for SAARC countries and US$ 75 for other countries. Payments should be made in favour of the "Local Organising Secretary, 53rd Annual Conference of ISLE" through Demand Draft payable at ICICI Bank, University Campus Branch, Udaipur, Rajasthan.

Those who are not members of ISLE have to separately send the society's membership fee along with the filled out form available on the website, to the Hon. Secretary at the society address mentioned above. The annual membership fee for individuals in India is Rs. 400 and for overseas US$ 60. Individual life membership in India is for Rs. 4000.

Latest information on the conference can be obtained from www.isleijle.org or in email from isle.ijle@gmail.com

Last Date for Submission of Papers: 30 September, 2011

CfPs: National Seminar on "Need for Real Sector Reforms in Agriculture"

2011-08-01T22:09:00.001-07:00

National Seminar on "Need for Real Sector Reforms in Agriculture"

29-30 September 2011

Organized by Bankers Institute of Rural Development (BIRD), Lucknow, India

Call for Papers
Bankers Institute of Rural Development (BIRD), Lucknow, India is a society established by National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) in 1983 as an apex level institute offering training, research and consultancy services on various aspects of agriculture, rural development and rural finance.
The need for Real Sector Reforms in Agriculture has been well recognized in the development policy perspective and is one of the issues to be explored in the context of the urgency of agriculture development and poverty alleviation. To unravel the areas for further policy options, BIRD is organizing a 'Two Days' National Seminar on 29 and 30 September 2011 in BIRD, Lucknow. Practitioners, economists, bankers, industrialists, policy makers and other stakeholders in the Govt. and private sector are expected to participate and deliberate in the seminar.
Papers are invited from subject experts, researchers and practitioners on the following broad themes:

Land and Institutional Reforms in Agriculture.
Reforms in Agriculture Input Management (Water, Seeds, Fertilizers, Farm Machineries, Pesticides / Insecticides, etc.)
Reforms in Agriculture Marketing, Trade and Supply Chain Management.
Reforms in Extension and Transfer of Technology.
Pricing and Subsidy Issues in Agriculture.
Forest and Agriculture - Clash of Interests or Protection of Domain?

Papers, not exceeding 5000 words, may be mailed latest by 30th August 2011 to Shri Sunil Kumar, Faculty Member (sunil.bird@gmail.com) or Shri S K Dora, Faculty Member (dora.sanjaykumar@gmail.com), coordinators for the seminar. The authors of selected papers would be invited for presentation and return economy airfare / II AC rail fare would be reimbursed to one of the authors. The author/s may also submit a declaration that the paper including the illustrations does not contain copyright material of any other author/s or publication.

For further details, please see BIRD website : www.birdindia.org.in

Financial Express article "Carbon for CBM Recovery"

2011-07-31T23:14:00.001-07:00

Carbon for CBM Recovery

Coal resources that are too deep or thin for making can be targetted for carbon sequestration

by Malti Goel

Financial Express; Monday, July 25, 2011

Source: http://www.financialexpress.com/news/carbon-for-cbm-recovery/821719/0

Clean energy fuel is much in demand today. Natural gas has become a topic of debate as it is a clean and green fuel. It is mainly methane recovered from underground reservoirs and oil fields as associated gas. Combustion of natural gas gives rise to least emission pollution among fossil fuels.
Earlier, gas pipeline infrastructure did not exist and it was not possible to utilise the gas associated with oil. Long after technology has developed to separate natural gas produced from oilfields, efforts have begun in India to recover methane from coal beds. Coal bed methane is methane recovered from un-mineable coal beds. A large amount of methane gas gets associated with coal during coalification, some of it gets released during mining activity.
The CBM resource is estimated to be more than 1,000 trillion cubic metres. Coal mine methane (CMM), which is recovered from active mines, and abandoned mine methane (AMM) recovered upon closure of an active mine form additional resources. Several techniques have been put forward to recover methane stored in coal beds. First commercial CBM recovery was made by Great Eastern Energy Corporation Ltd (GEECL) in Raniganj coal fields, near Burnpur in West Bengal. A 70-km CBM pipeline has been laid for industry units in the coal belt. Success has been achieved in recovery of CMM. Coal India has ventured into CMM recovery in a big way.
At the same time, there are international concerns for carbon accumulation in the atmosphere from the use of fossil fuels, mainly coal combustion, giving rise to global warming mitigation actions. Carbon capture & storage (CCS) is one such pathway to reduce emissions in the atmosphere. It is based on capturing carbon from its large point sources and safely storing it in underground reservoirs so that it is permanently removed from the atmosphere. CCS is considered significant for oil and gas industry for enhanced oil recovery. Worldwide, efforts have been made to test carbon sequestration for enhanced oil recovery from depleted oil fields. In the same way, un-mineable coal beds are considered for enhanced coal bed methane (ECBM) recovery.
In this process of carbon sequestration carbon dioxide molecules get attached to coal and the trapped methane molecule is released. Coal beds have absorption capacity for carbon dioxide which is three times that of methane. In unmineable coal beds or in an abandoned mine, carbon dioxide sequestration by pumping flue gas (containing carbon) from a power plant into coal seams under pressure is being considered a possibility. It is estimated that primary CBM recovers 20-40% gas of what is in place, while injection of carbon can lead to 70-90% recovery of gas. Theoretically, 7.1 billion tonnes of carbon stored can produce about two billion cubic meters of gas. This would certainly ease the energy situation.
Coal resources that are too deep or too thin for mining can be considered as a carbon sequestration target. Several medium-to-large scale field tests have been reported worldwide. San Juan field of the USA has shown a carbon:methane ratio of 3:1 i.e., three molecules of carbon would displace one molecule of methane.
India is coal rich country, third in resources and fifth in production. While a new thrust is mounted on harnessing renewable energy sources, dependence on coal continues to grow. The CCS research and capacity building efforts have begun. India has huge Gondwana resources mainly Permian – 99.5% and remaining Tertiary. A few institutions in India have carried out research in ECBM. Classification of potential coal beds has been done for carbon dioxide storage in unmineable coal beds, grey areas and concealed beds. According to their preliminary assessment, potential sites of carbon dioxide storage exist in several coal beds in unmineable coal beds and grey areas. The contribution of different absorption mechanisms and chemical parameters, however, remain poorly understood and field testing is yet to begin.
Even though limited field experience exists worldwide with ECBM, should not India consider tapping the existing ECBM potential? Questions like whether carbon dioxide will remain entrapped and for how long and what coal types are suitable need further investigation. More studies on geological, geo-morphological and physico-chemical studies of reservoirs and cap rocks are needed. Certainly, ECBM in unmineable coal beds can produce more fuel synergy with carbon sequestration. Moreover, its recovery is feasible at shallower depths as compared to shale gas, which requires cost-intensive deeper drilling technology coupled with horizontal cutting techniques. It would be relevant to make investment to test the efficacy of ECBM in coal fields simultaneously, as the capabilities in CBM recovery or in shale gas are being developed.

The writer is CSIR emeritus scientist at CSSP, JNU and former adviser of department of science and technology.

CfP:: National Workshop on "Women in Scientific Research - Examining the Challenges and Identifying their Needs" at NEHU, Shillong

2011-07-28T03:04:00.001-07:00

National Workshop on "Women in Scientific Research - Examining the Challenges and Identifying their Needs"

21 October, 2011

Hosted by Department of Anthropology, North Eastern Hill University, Shillong

Catalyzed and Supported by National Council for Science & Technology Communication, DST, New Delhi

ABOUT THE WORKSHOP
A National Workshop, on the theme "Women in Scientific Research – Examining the Challenges and Identifying their Needs" will be held at the North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong. The objective of the workshop is to comprehend and record the different situations most working women confront in day-to-day life. This in turn is expected to facilitate an understanding of the different challenges women scientists face in pursuing their professions and allow a discussion on the 'real' requirements of women scientists/ professionals in the contemporary age of liberalization and globalization.

SCOPE OF THE WORKSHOP
Women participation in science in India is quite low, even though there is no apparent professional gender discrimination in our country. Therefore, efforts are being made to understand the challenges women scientists actually face and what their real needs are. This initiative, taken by the DST which is one of the principal sponsoring agencies for scientific research, may help concerned policy makers in formulating governing rules in such a way that women's practical needs are taken care of and the present and future women scientists of the country do not find it such an uphill task to pursue a career in scientific research. The challenges faced by women scientists are much the same as those faced by all working women, and it is hoped that this workshop on examination of challenges and identification of needs may help benefit all those women who aspire to have a meaningful professional career.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE
Participant may be any member of society who is (i) interested in the issue, (ii) social thinker, (iii) working woman, (iv) student, (v) research scholar, (vi) teacher, (vii) woman scientist, and/ or (viii) policy planner/ maker.
Women, who could not pursue their career (in any specialization or training) even after adequate education, are specially invited to participate and share their thoughts on this issue, which might help in providing useful solutions to this current global problem. The intention of the workshop is to also provide a platform for analysis, which may provide pathways for converting challenges into opportunities.

SUB-THEMES OF THE WORKSHOP

Analyzing why women do not opt for the profession of scientific research
Examining the challenges faced by women scientists/ women professionals
Social problems faced by working women
Impact of marriage on career and profession
Bringing up children – addressing the concerns of working mothers
Identifying the needs of women scientists
Women friendly scientific policies and programmes

SUBMISSION OF PAPER
§ Research-based/ thought-provoking/ experience-based papers on any of the issues given above.
§ Paper must be within a single-page in the format given.
§ Paper must contain (i) name (ii) designation (iii) address of participant, (iv) topic (chosen from list of sub-themes), (v) brief discussion of the topic according to one's own understanding of the issue with suggested solutions, wherever appropriate.
§ One participant may submit more than one papers, however each paper must be in context of only one particular sub-theme.
§ Some select papers will be chosen for oral presentation and all remaining accepted papers will be brought out for discussion during the workshop.
§ Accepted papers will be compiled and submitted to DST, New Delhi.

IMPORTANT DATES
Deadline date for abstract submission: 15th September, 2011
Accepted abstract(s) will be informed: 30th September 2011
Deadline date for full paper submission: 14th October 2011

Further Details

Call for Proposal: Obama-Singh 21st Century Knowledge Initiative (OSI)

2011-07-26T22:44:00.001-07:00

Call for Proposal: Obama-Singh 21st Century Knowledge Initiative (OSI)

Introduction
The University Grants Commission, India, announces an open competition for the "Obama-Singh 21st Century Knowledge Initiative (OSI)". The OSI, which is a joint initiative of Indo-US Government, aims and focuses on the formation of higher education partnerships between US Institutions and Institutions of Higher Learning in India. The said joint initiative also aims at the development and enrichment of junior faculty at Indian Institutions of Higher Learning. The Indian Institutions recognized u/s 2(f) and 12B of UGC Act, 1956 and Institutions of National Importance may submit their proposals with a view to encourage mutually understanding and economic development through education cooperation in the field of Higher Learning.

Program Overview
To encourage mutual understanding educational reform and economic development the OSI enables Indian Higher Education Institutions to pursue objectives through exchange visits of faculty, administrators, post graduate Indian students, and US graduate students who can demonstrate the ability to work independently.

Project Objectives
The proposals should explain in detail how the project will enable the participating institutions to achieve specific institutional changes that will support the goals of the OSI. The proposals should outline a series of activities for meeting specific objectives for each participating institution. The benefits of the project to each of the participating institutions may differ significantly in nature and scope based on their respective needs and resource bases.
Project objectives may include the development or revision of courses, curricula, and programs of study at participating institutions to support mutual understanding, educational reform and economic development. Particular areas of interest include Indian junior faculty development programs in respective fields. The proposals may outline the parameters and possible content of new courses; new teaching specializations or pedagogic methodologies; collaborative research; new or revised curricula; and new programs for outreach to educators, professional groups, or the general public. Proposals may also describe strategies to promote administrative reform through faculty or staff development.
In most cases a limited number of related thematic objectives at each institution will be more feasible to achieve than a larger number of unrelated objectives.
The following fields are eligible:

Energy Studies
Sustainable Development
Climate Change
Environmental Studies
Education and Educational Reform
Community Development and Innovation

Eligible Institutions
The Universities/Institutions recognized under Section 2 (f) and 12 B of UGC Act are eligible to receive the grant.

Last date for the receipt of proposals is 1st November, 2011.

Further Details

Call for Registration:: WIPO Distance Learning/ Online Courses on Intellectual Property Rights

2011-07-26T22:28:00.001-07:00

DL-101 General Course on Intellectual Property
Summary: This course covers the main areas of intellectual property, namely copyright, related rights, patents, trademarks, geographical indications, industrial design, plant breeders' rights, unfair competition and international registration systems.
Tutored: Yes   Duration: 50 hours    Cost: Free of Charge
Next Session: October 1 to November 17, 2011 (Final exam: November 16 and 17)
Enrollment: July 1 to August 31, 2011

Advanced Courses
DL-201E Copyright and Related Rights
Summary: This advanced course covers the basic principles of international Copyright Law, international treaties, and recent developments and trends in the area of international copyright. It also covers the role of WIPO in the worldwide protection of copyright.
Tutored: Yes   Duration: 100 hours   Cost: Fee-based
Next Session: Starting week of October 17, 2011
Enrollment: July 14 to August 14, 2011

DL-204E Biotechnology and Intellectual Property
Summary: This advanced course aims to illustrate how you can use the current IP system to protect and commercialize your biotechnological invention. After completing the study of this course, you should be able to develop a sound knowledge of the different legal instruments related to protection of your biotechnology invention and execute a strategy for commercializing your invention.
Tutored: Yes   Duration: 100 hours   Cost: Fee-based
Next Session: Starting week of October 24, 2011
Enrollment: July 14 to August 14, 2011

DL-302E Trademarks, Industrial Designs and Geographical Indications
Summary: This advanced course is intended to provide training material online to cover intellectual property aspects which are closely related to trade and competition in the globablized market. Additionally, the course is intended to educate and raise awareness of some of the complex issues that surround the protection and management of intellectual property for branding.
Tutored: Yes   Duration: 100 hours   Cost: Fee-based
Next Session: Starting week of October 31, 2011
Enrollment: July 14 to August 14, 2011

DL-318E Patent Information Search
Summary: The intention of this distance learning course relating to patent information searching is to introduce you to, and illustrate the concepts, of searching patent information.
Tutored: Yes   Duration: 100 hours   Cost: Fee-based
Next Session: Starting week of November 7, 2011
Enrollment: July 14 to August 14, 2011

DL-401E Managing Intellectual Property in the Book Publishing Industry
Summary: This course is intended to provide a basic guide to publishers who wish to increase their understanding of how to manage intellectual property (IP) rights in a business context. Based on conventional practices of publishing houses, it offers practical information to help publishers both to exploit IP rights as economic assets and to avoid infringing the rights of others. It focuses primarily on publishers of trade books. The concepts covered are equally relevant to publishers of other printed literature, such as textbooks, newspapers, magazines and corporate literature.
Tutored: Yes Duration: 100 hours   Cost: Fee-based
Next Session: Starting week of November 7, 2011
Enrollment: July 14 to August 14, 2011

DL-450E Intellectual Property Management
Summary: The course, Intellectual Property Management, focuses on intellectual property from the perspective of 'why' and 'how' for participants who have already covered the basics of 'what' Intellectual Property is. In the first three modules, it teaches about the economic significance of IP. Using management examples and established industry methodologies, it elaborates on IP asset identification, IP incubation, IP commercialization, IP valuation, and IP taxation. In the last three modules it offers an in-depth look at commercial activities in the digital area by looking at e-commerce and IP, digital management of creative works, and the strategic management of IP.
Tutored: Yes   Duration: 100 hours   Cost: Fee-based
Next Session: Starting week of November 7, 2011
Enrollment: July 14 to August 14, 2011

Further Details and Online Registration

CfP:: 3rd International Conference on Mobile Communication for Development (M4D2012), 28-29 Feb; Ghaziabad

2011-07-26T22:18:00.001-07:00

3rd International Conference on Mobile Communication for Development (M4D2012)

28-29 February 2012

Ghaziabad, India

Institute of Management Studies (Ghaziabad, India) in cooperation with HumanIT (Karlstad University, Sweden) invite you to the 3rd International Conference on M4D - Mobile Communication for Development, following the inaugural conference in Karlstad, Sweden in 2008 and second conference in Kampala, Uganda. M4D2012 aims to provide a forum for researchers, practitioners and all those with interests in mobile communication for development. M4D2012 will combine two days of workshops, discussions, demos, plenary, paper and panel sessions. The conference activities will take place at a reputed hotel in the National Capital Region of Delhi and the campus of Institute of Management Studies, Ghaziabad.

Call for Papers
M4D2012 strives to create an inclusive event where all types of actors and formats are included. If you wish to present a paper, demo or poster you submit either to the practitioner or the research track. The research track has a traditional academic conference design while in the practitioner's track industry, NGOs, and public bodies can discuss experiences, ideas and disseminate knowledge. However, this conference is not only for paper presenters but also for all who have an interest in areas of mobility, communication, social change and their intersections. It is our explicit aim to make room for extensive discussions and interaction between all participants throughout the conference. We therefore also invite the ideas of different kinds workshops, panels, demos and discussion formats. All topics that relate to mobile communication and development are welcome.
The suggested Topics (but not limited to) include:

Social implications of mobile communications
Mobile health
Mobile communication and political participation/ change
Agriculture, rural development and mobile communication
Economic development and mobile communication such as mobile banking and mobile money
Mobile learning
Mobile communication and community awareness / development
Mobile communication and disaster management
Mobile communication and corruption fighting
Mobile communication and election / government monitoring
Mobile communication and community awareness / development
Mobile communication and disaster management
Mobile communication and climate control
Challenges to the proliferation of mobile technology
Mobile communication and women empowerment
Mobile communication and surveillance
Innovative applications for mobile communication

Important Dates
Paper/poster/demo submission    July 31,2011
Acceptance/review note        Sept 30, 2011
Travel grant application   Oct 15, 2011
Final paper submission       Nov 15, 2011

Further Details

Publications of Office of Adviser to the PM Public Information Infrastructure & Innovations

2011-07-21T22:33:00.000-07:00

Publications of Office of Adviser to the Prime Minister Public Information Infrastructure & Innovations

Industry Innovation Clusters: Draft Concept Paper. The National Innovation Council (NInC) has undertaken efforts to seed strengthen and sustain Industry Innovation Clusters. This note discusses the existing ecosystem in the country and details the proposed interventions of the NInC for fostering a culture of innovations. Download Fulltext PDF
University Innovation Clusters: Draft Concept Paper.This paper examines the need for seeding, strengthening and sustaining Innovation Clusters in Indian Universities. Universities are acknowledged as the knowledge and innovation torch bearers globally. Download Fulltext PDF
Towards a More Inclusive and Innovative India: Strategy Paper. Strategy Paper on Creating a Roadmap for a 'Decade of Innovation'. Download Fulltext PDF
National Innovation Council: An Introduction. PM has constituted a National Innovation Council with distinguished members from various fields. The NInC will seek to create a strategy for fostering innovations at the National, State and sectoral levels by focusing on five key parameters: Platform, Inclusion, Eco-system, Drivers and Discourse. Download Booklet
Innovation in India, by National Knowledge Commission, 2007. Download Full-text PDF

Innovation Manifestos

Knowledge Swaraj: An Indian Manifesto on Science and Technology, by Knowledge in Civil Society (KICS), India. Download Full-text PDF
Innovation, Sustainability, Development: A New Manifesto, by STEPS Centre, UK, 2010. Download Full-text PDF

Other Relevant Documents

Unleashing India's Innovation: Toward Sustainable and Inclusive Growth. Edited by Mark A. Dutz, The World Bank, 2007. Download Full-text PDF
The Protection and Utilisation of Public Funded Intellectual Property Bill 2008. (Indian version of the Bayh-Dole Act). Download Full-text PDF.
Analytical Legislative Briefs of the Protection and Utilisation of Public Funded Intellectual Property Bill 2008. Download Brief1, Brief2, Brief3
Results Framework Document (RFD) for Department of Science and Technology (2010-2011). Download Full-text PDF
The National Innovation Act of 2008. Download Full-text PDF

Training Course on Research Methodology in Social Sciences; CSD, New Delhi; September 12-23

2011-07-11T04:45:00.001-07:00

Training Course on Research Methodology in Social Sciences

September 12-23, 2011

Organized by : Council for Social Development, New Delhi

Aims and Scope

A common challenge faced by almost all social science researchers is that of choosing an appropriate methodology for their research and evaluation work i.e. Selection and formulation of the problems; review of relevant literature; conceptual framework; selection of research design; formulation of research questions/ hypothesis and testing of hypothesis; selection of sampling methods and its techniques; preparing of interview schedules, questionnaire and other relevant tools for data collection; collecting data from the field and field management; choosing suitable techniques of data analysis; using computer and information technology for data collection analysis & report writing; interpreting the data and reporting on the findings of the research study.

This training course has been designed keeping these problems in view. It aims at enhancing the knowledge of, and skills in, some of the widely applied survey research methods, basic statistical techniques and scientific report writing. The course addresses the needs of academic researchers and of the practitioners of development in the field.

Course Objectives

The objectives of the course are to:

Explain the difference between social and natural science; pure and applied science and pure, applied & action research;
Formulate and test a research questions/hypotheses;
Describe different types of sampling techniques;
Discuss the techniques of data collection, processing and analysis through the following methods:

Participant Observation, Focused Group Discussion (FDG), Case Study, Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) and Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA);
Questionnaire & interview techniques and Statistical methods;
Computer Applications – Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) and Geographical Information System (GIS);

Indicate the implications of social science researches in formulation, planning and implementation of various socio-economic development programmes and schemes; and
Discuss the major sections/ chapters to be included in scientific report or thesis writing.

Target Participants

Research students/ academicians/ professionals from any social science background coming from universities, research institutions, government departments and Non-Governmental Organizations.

Methodology

Interactive class-room sessions, lectures and demonstrations by experts from the field, exercises, assignments, case studies, preparation & testing of questionnaire, interview schedule/guide, field visits, conducting pilot studies, report writing in small groups and presentation of research findings.

Expected Outcome

At the end of the programme, the participants will have enhanced capacity to carry out social science research projects on a scientific basis, to articulate their findings and conclusions in an effective manner, and to make suggestions and recommendations for policy changes in the desired direction.

Duration: Two weeks

Course Contribution

Participant's contribution for attending the training course will be Rs. 2500 (Rupees two thousand and five hundred only)

Important Dates:

Duly completed details of candidates should reach by: July 31, 2011

Selected candidates will be intimated by : August 8, 2011

Contribution of selected candidates should reach by : September 1, 2011

(Demand Draft should be made in the name of Council for Social Development, New Delhi)

Participant should send their details by Post/ Courier/ Hand or E-mail (preferably) to Ms. Purtika Kalra, Research Assistant at (researchmethod@csdindia.org; purtika@csdindia.org)

Announcement and proforma for participant details can be downloaded from www.csdindia.org

Note: Though CSD does not provide any accommodation facilities for outstation participants, we can try to arrange the same at moderate rates if request is received by the participant at least one month in advance.

Course Director

Dr.(Ms) M.K.Jabbi

Senior Fellow

Email: researchmethod@csdindia.org; purtika@csdindia.org

Further Details

Applications Invited for the New India Foundation Fellowships 2011

2011-07-11T00:04:00.001-07:00

Applications Invited for the New India Foundation Fellowships 2011

The New India Foundation now invites applications for the sixth round of its fellowships. Applications as per the guidelines on the website may be submitted before 31st July 2011.

The core activity of the New India Foundation are the New India Fellowships, awarded to scholars and writers working on different aspects of the history of independent India. The duration of the fellowships is twelve months. Fellows are paid Rs. 70, 000 a month. Each year, a mix of young and experienced candidates are selected.

The New India Fellowships are open only to Indian nationals, including those currently living abroad. Fellowship holders are expected to write original books. Their proposals should be oriented towards final publication, and outline a road map towards that destination. The Foundation is ecumenical as regards genre, theme, and ideology: the only requirement is that the proposed works contribute to the fuller understanding of independent India. Thus Fellowship holders may choose to write a memoir, or a work of reportage, or a thickly footnoted academic study. Their books could be oriented towards economics, or politics, or culture. They could be highly specific-an account of a single decade or a single region-or wide-ranging, such as a countrywide overview.

The books that result from the New India Fellowship will convey original research in an accessible manner to different constituencies. To that end, each book will be published by a prestigious publishing house. The Trustees have wide experience of publishing with leading firms (Oxford University Press, University of Chicago Press, Blackwell, Penguin) in India and abroad.

Candidates for the New India Fellowship are Candidates for the New India Fellowship are sought through select advertising in leading journals. The Trustees shall assess the proposals and make a short list from the submissions. The shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview, before a jury consisting of eminent people from the worlds of scholarship, business, and social service.

How to Apply
Applicants for the New India Fellowships are invited to submit the following:

CV with contact details (email ID mandatory)
Book proposal
Writing sample of at least 5000 words (published or unpublished)

Entries may be sent by post or courier to the following address. Email applications will not be entertained.

To
The Managing Trustee,
The New India Foundation,
22 A Brunton Road,
Bangalore 560025.

Deadline: 31st July 2011

Further Details

The Unexamined Society... by David Brooks; New York Times

2011-07-09T10:57:00.001-07:00

The Unexamined Society

by David Brooks

The New York Times; July 7, 2011

Over the past 50 years, we've seen a number of gigantic policies produce disappointing results — policies to reduce poverty, homelessness, dropout rates, single-parenting and drug addiction. Many of these policies failed because they were based on an overly simplistic view of human nature. They assumed that people responded in straightforward ways to incentives. Often, they assumed that money could cure behavior problems.
Fortunately, today we are in the middle of a golden age of behavioral research. Thousands of researchers are studying the way actual behavior differs from the way we assume people behave. They are coming up with more accurate theories of who we are, and scores of real-world applications. Here's one simple example:
When you renew your driver's license, you have a chance to enroll in an organ donation program. In countries like Germany and the U.S., you have to check a box if you want to opt in. Roughly 14 percent of people do. But behavioral scientists have discovered that how you set the defaults is really important. So in other countries, like Poland or France, you have to check a box if you want to opt out. In these countries, more than 90 percent of people participate.
This is a gigantic behavior difference cued by one tiny and costless change in procedure.
Yet in the middle of this golden age of behavioral research, there is a bill working through Congress that would eliminate the National Science Foundation's Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences. This is exactly how budgets should not be balanced — by cutting cheap things that produce enormous future benefits.
Let's say you want to reduce poverty. We have two traditional understandings of poverty. The first presumes people are rational. They are pursuing their goals effectively and don't need much help in changing their behavior. The second presumes that the poor are afflicted by cultural or psychological dysfunctions that sometimes lead them to behave in shortsighted ways. Neither of these theories has produced much in the way of effective policies.
Eldar Shafir of Princeton and Sendhil Mullainathan of Harvard have recently, with federal help, been exploring a third theory, that scarcity produces its own cognitive traits.
A quick question: What is the starting taxi fare in your city? If you are like most upper-middle-class people, you don't know. If you are like many struggling people, you do know. Poorer people have to think hard about a million things that affluent people don't. They have to make complicated trade-offs when buying a carton of milk: If I buy milk, I can't afford orange juice. They have to decide which utility not to pay.
These questions impose enormous cognitive demands. The brain has limited capacities. If you increase demands on one sort of question, it performs less well on other sorts of questions.
Shafir and Mullainathan gave batteries of tests to Indian sugar farmers. After they sell their harvest, they live in relative prosperity. During this season, the farmers do well on the I.Q. and other tests. But before the harvest, they live amid scarcity and have to think hard about a thousand daily decisions. During these seasons, these same farmers do much worse on the tests. They appear to have lower I.Q.'s. They have more trouble controlling their attention. They are more shortsighted. Scarcity creates its own psychology.
Princeton students don't usually face extreme financial scarcity, but they do face time scarcity. In one game, they had to answer questions in a series of timed rounds, but they could borrow time from future rounds. When they were scrambling amid time scarcity, they were quick to borrow time, and they were nearly oblivious to the usurious interest rates the game organizers were charging. These brilliant Princeton kids were rushing to the equivalent of payday lenders, to their own long-term detriment.
Shafir and Mullainathan have a book coming out next year, exploring how scarcity — whether of time, money or calories (while dieting) — affects your psychology. They are also studying how poor people's self-perceptions shape behavior. Many people don't sign up for the welfare benefits because they are intimidated by the forms. Shafir and Mullainathan asked some people at a Trenton soup kitchen to relive a moment when they felt competent and others to recount a neutral experience. Nearly half of the self-affirming group picked up an available benefits package afterward. Only 16 percent of the neutral group did.
People are complicated. We each have multiple selves, which emerge or don't depending on context. If we're going to address problems, we need to understand the contexts and how these tendencies emerge or don't emerge. We need to design policies around that knowledge. Cutting off financing for this sort of research now is like cutting off navigation financing just as Christopher Columbus hit the shoreline of the New World.

[A version of this op-ed appeared in print on July 8, 2011, on page A23 of the New York edition with the headline: The Unexamined Society...]

Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/08/opinion/08brooks.html?_r=1

--
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Dr. Anup Kumar Das
Centre for Studies in Science Policy
School of Social Sciences
Jawaharlal Nehru University
New Delhi - 110067, India
www.anupkumardas.blogspot.com
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Article "Tagore and the Idea of Cooperation" by Ananya Mukherjee

2011-07-06T04:27:00.001-07:00

Tagore and the Idea of Cooperation

by Ananya Mukherjee

Source: The Hindu; July 1, 2011; http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/article2151116.ece

Nearly eight decades ago, Rabindranath Tagore worried about the growing concentration of economic power and the coming destruction of rural India.

"Today, economic power has been captured by a small minority. But it has acquired this power only by accumulating the productive power of others. Their capital is simply the accumulated labour of a millions of working people, in a monetized form. It is this productive power that is the real capital, and it is this power that latently resides in every worker ..." — Samabayaniti/The Co-operative Principles, 1928.

In a compelling set of essays written between 1915 and 1940, Rabindranath Tagore articulated a social vision where exploitation would give way to a just, humane, collectively owned economy. At the core of his thought was the cooperative principle. This is an idea worth revisiting on the International Day of Cooperatives, which this year falls on July 2, and even more so during the lead-up to 2012, which is the United Nations International Year of Cooperatives.

Why cooperatives again? Have they not been tried — and have failed? Well, so have big banks and large corporations. Yet they continue undiminished. The reason they do so with such impunity is that alternatives are hard to come by. With the financial crisis on the one hand, and the (predictable) collapse of the system of microcredit on the other, the need to identify alternative forms of ownership is greater than ever before.

In India, the experience with the century-old cooperative movement has been mixed. There are some stunning successes: Amul, for one. There are others, too, where cooperatives have proved transformational for the marginalised. The problems are also well-known: abuse, politicisation, excessive dependence on the state, and so on. But these are mere symptoms. The real disease lies elsewhere. There is little understanding, much less acceptance, of the cooperative principle and its potential. It is yet to enter the core of our social vision, leave alone public policy. Those spaces are dominated, ever more aggressively, by the competitive principle, the sceptre of 'efficiency' and private gain. This is why India can emerge as one of the top wealth-generators even as 93 per cent of its working citizens toil in the informal sector. That 93 per cent contributes almost half of India's fast-growing GDP. But it has no say over the way that growth is generated — or any voice to claim a fairer distribution of the wealth it produces. The same goes for the majority that survives on the agrarian economy.

Written some eight decades ago, Tagore's thoughts stemmed from these concerns: the growing concentration of economic power and the destruction of rural India. He wrote: "Today our villages are half-dead. If we imagine we can just/ continue to live, that would be a mistake. The dying can pull/ the living only towards death." (from The Neglected Villages, 1934).

He was deeply sceptical about the solutions proposed by the elite — such as charity or moral enlightenment of the wealthy. These were like putting out "a raging fire by blowing at it," he wrote. Instead, he sought an ethical model of production.

What would that entail? Tagore's vision went far beyond notions like 'social responsibility' that are in vogue today. To him, ethical production required that resources (such as land and capital) are collectively owned by producers themselves. This would ensure that the produce is also collectively owned, and that all producers have a say in determining their share of value in the product of their work.

The typical small farmer, indebted and impoverished, was much in need of such a structure. "Imagine if all of our small farmers farmed their land collectively, stored their produce in a common facility and sold them through a common mechanism..." Only then can we prevent profiteering; only then can the farmer recoup the legitimate value of her labour, wrote Tagore.

Without such mechanisms, the farmer would never be able to effectively exercise the right to his land, even if he held the title. Structural conditions would make him powerless. Under these circumstances, giving the small farmer the legal right to land was no more than giving him 'the right to commit suicide.'

Indeed, in the cooperative principle, Tagore saw the possibility of challenging power, of altering power relations. Ordinary people, whose work constituted what was 'the real capital,' could only do so if they collectively owned that 'capital.' Many economists may well reject this as the misplaced idealism of an ill-informed poet. But it will resonate readily with the struggles for producer-ownership in the world today, such as Via Campesina. As the clout of agri-business grows, food inflation rises, and informal work becomes the norm, challenging dominant structures of ownership. And power is the central challenge of these movements.

In India, no amount of tinkering can make growth 'inclusive,' unless people have a say in how that growth is driven. Take the case of cotton textiles, a boom sector that has seen much growth. But has it really benefited those who have produced that growth? The cotton growers, for instance — the largest single group within the 200,000 farmers who have taken their own lives in the past decade? Or the millions of women who work the long shifts in export factories? Even worse, the drive for profits constantly pits the growers and workers against one another. When, at the peak of the cotton crisis, cotton farmers received price support from the government, export sector workers were threatened with job losses because cotton had become 'too expensive.' (Ironically, the worst off among the cotton growers did not even benefit from price support.) As long as prices are globally determined, we are told, not much can be done to save those at the bottom. Yet, the past few months have seen global prices hit a big high — and the government sharply restricted cotton exports to favour the textile lobby. This crippled the growers.

This brings us right back to the question of ownership. When global prices fluctuate, who decides how the gains and losses are to be shared? Certainly not the majority of workers and small farmers. But more important, global prices do not operate by magic. They reflect the same concentration of ownership and economic power. Indeed, several movements today urge consumers to use their purchasing power to counter such power. But consumer movements cannot succeed unless the productive economy is differently organised, differently owned.

Can that happen? Yes, if several conditions are in place. First, the competitive principle must be properly applied. Every institution, from schools to universities to hospitals, is increasingly being judged according to that principle, and forced to forgo its social priorities. At the same time, banks and corporations remain blatantly non-competitive, operating like cabals with little discipline or accountability. Second, among the main points of criticism of cooperatives in India has been their need for state resources. But our corporations have been also been heavily subsidised by state resources. While they flourish, cooperatives flounder. Why? Corporations enjoy state support with no interference; cooperatives do not. State support has come with levels of bureaucratic control that are incompatible with a truly autonomous, member-driven movement. Third, cooperatives cannot survive in isolated sectors. Systematic linkages between sectors and across countries are necessary if we are to harness the full political, social, economic power of the cooperative principle.

Here is a story from Peru. From its mountains comes a special brand of coffee called Cafe Femenino, produced by cooperatives of very poor indigenous women. It grew out of the women's struggle to claim their share of the value they produce. As growers of organic Fair Trade coffee they earn a premium over and above the market price. Before Cafe Femenino, the women had no access to this premium, no say in its use. Now they use it to educate their daughters who would otherwise not go to school; more than that they raise awareness against the tremendous gender violence in their communities.

There is more. In Canada, Cafe Femenino is distributed also by a workers' cooperative, creating as a result an entire coffee chain of cooperatives. Finally, as a mark of recognition of the global character of gender violence, Cafe Femenino is distributed free to shelters for abused women in Canada. The Femenino experiment has spread to six countries in Latin America and grows by the day. In India too, various experiments with women's collective enterprises have long been under way, but do not receive the attention they deserve.

As Tagore had foreseen it, the cooperative principle enables the most marginalised people to mobilise their most abundant resource: their productive power and their solidarity. 'Development projects' or paternalistic policy models for 'empowering the poor' cannot achieve this.

The choice is not between textbook theories. The lessons of everyday life have been stark, more so since 2008. The choice is between two different worlds: one driven by hyper-profit and mass distress, the other holding out the promise of shared prosperity and well-being.

(Ananya Mukherjee is Professor and Chair of Political Science/Development Studies at York University, Toronto. Her latest book, Human Development and Social Power: Perspectives from South Asia, was published by Routledge (London and New York, 2008.))

Source: The Hindu; http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/article2151116.ece

CfPs:: International Conference on Management of Intellectual Property Rights and Strategy (MIPS2012) at IITB

2011-07-05T23:16:00.001-07:00

1st International Conference on Management of Intellectual Property Rights and Strategy (MIPS2012)

2–5 February 2012

Organized by Shailesh J. Mehta School of Management, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB), India

THEME: IP for Development: The emerging Paradigm

Shailesh J. Mehta School of Management, IIT Bombay through the support of the Ministry of Human Resources Development IPR Chair Project, Government of India, is hosting the 1st International Conference on Management of Intellectual Property Rights and Strategy MIPS 2012 at IIT Bombay, India. The core focus of this conference is to provide a suitable and conducive platform to discuss, debate and present contemporary research in the area of Intellectual Property Rights and its management.

Theme of the Conference:
The theme for the conference is "IP for Development: The emerging Paradigm". Following are the Track of interest identified, but are NOT limited to:

Economics of commons – managing technology, knowledge transfer and spillovers, standardisation and pooling through IPR
Identification, Decisions and Strategic management of IPR – IP Informatics and analysis
Missing IP management in strategy
Myths and realities in IP Quality, Valuation and its branding
Navigating the Digital jungle – IPR as the compass
Public institutions, requirements and intergenerational equity of IP
Rationales and Paradigms in the role of IPR
The Public – Private Dichotomy under TRIPS Flexibility and Maximum standards
Tripping open innovation – Does IP close the opening of collaborative innovation models?

Early Call for Papers/ Submissions
The submissions are through the online mode only. Register and upload your extended abstract online at towards the submission and review process. The extended abstract would be limited to 750 words [including the keywords]. Workshop / Tutorial proposals <500 words related to IPR are also invited. Full papers are expected by October 1, 2011. Selected and reviewed submissions would be accommodated in Research / Practitioners / Case study stream. Full papers are a must to be eligible for the research papers stream and the related grants. Practitioners' series can be an extended abstract of 3 pages.

Submission Types
The conference attempts to truly balance the academician researcher and the industrial practitioner. This conference has three different modes of presentation for the selected papers – Research Stream, Practitioners Stream and Case study stream.

Conference Awards
In order to enhance, expand and acknowledge the quality of IPR research occurring in the country, the conference is proposing two sets of awards to be presented. The first set of awards is towards the recognition of the top two research, practitioner and case papers under Indian and foreign category.
The second set of awards is for the best thesis in the area of IPR, being defended under Indian and foreign category. Further information on the nomination and application process / guidelines will be released shortly.
Select submissions will be invited for potential publications in two journals – International Journal of IP management and International Journal of Technology Transfer and commercialisation, both by Inderscience Publishers.

Student and Researchers' Support
The conference is in the process of finalising travel support for shortlisted students from India who present their research work and partial travel support for shortlisted international students [especially developing nations] who present their research work.

Important Timelines

Extended Abstracts DUE: July 08, 2011
Review status: August 16, 2011
Workshops / Tutorials Proposals: July 08, 2011
Full Paper for Review: October 1, 2011
Full paper review and selection status: December 1, 2o11
Early Registration: November 15 – December 31, 2011
Regular Registration: December 11, 2011 onwards
Camera Ready Paper: January 01, 2011
Conference Dates: February 2-5, 2012

Conference Components
The conference provides the ideal opportunity for emerging researchers in the IPR domain to interact with experts and practitioners through doctoral colloquium, themed tracks and keynote sessions. Separate workshops and tutorials are also being planned as part of the pre conference event. To enable the industry and practitioners participation, the conference has separate case study tracks across the various industries and also application style papers which apply the various research models into reality. Proposals for workshops, tutorials and sponsorship are welcome.

MIPS 2012 conference Secretariat

IPR Chair Office
SJMSOM, IIT Bombay, Powai
Please contact us at mips2012[at]som.iitb.ac.in
IPR Chair Project: Prof. Karuna Jain, iprchair[at]som.iitb.ac.in
IPR Chair Office: iprchair.office[at]som.iitb.ac.in

Further Details

17th CEEMAN Case Writing Competition – in partnership with Emerald

2011-07-05T09:07:00.001-07:00

17th CEEMAN Case Writing Competition – in partnership with Emerald

CEEMAN, in cooperation with Emerald, is delighted to announce the launch of its 17th Annual Case Writing Competition.

The aim of the competition is to encourage and promote the development of high-quality case material relevant for the realities of transitional and emerging economies and at the same time promote the development of case-writing capabilities in those countries.

In the spirit of a fully inclusive competition, global submissions are encouraged.

The co-organizers will support global exposure of the submitted high-quality cases through a direct link with the Emerald Emerging Markets Case Studies collection, new for 2011. All case submissions will be considered for international publication.

Starting from this year, the total award prize money sponsored by Emerald is increased to €4,000. Prizes are awarded to the overall winner and two runners-up.

Requirements

Compulsory submission criteria:

Cases should have a developing and emerging markets focus
Case studies submitted should not have been published before in their current or substantially similar form, or be under consideration for publication in any ISSN/ ISBN-registered publication or with any other case-centre
All case studies submitted for review must include appropriate signed permissions from case protagonists
All submissions should be accompanied by a case teaching note and case synopsis.

As the cases will be considered for publication in Emerald Emerging Markets Case Studies collection, submissions must comply with the author guidelines, which include information on editorial objectives and criteria, as well as comprehensive manuscript requirements.

Please also consult the competition evaluation criteria before submitting your case.

Copyright

CEEMAN and Emerald reserve the right to publish the cases submitted for the competition, but do not have any other claims for the copyright.

If the editorial team of the Emerald Emerging Markets Case Studies collection would like to publish a case submission, the editor will contact the author with an offer to do so.

In the event of publication authors will retain the academic freedom to contribute to the wider distribution and readership of their work. This includes the right to use their work as part of their own teaching. The rights retained by the author are explained fully in the Emerald Authors' Charter.

If, six months after the deadline for submissions has passed, Emerald has not contacted the author about publishing his/her case, Emerald will waive its first claim to publication and the authors will be free to submit their case to another publication.

All cases submitted to the 17th CEEMAN Case Writing Competition that are later published in the Emerald Emerging Markets Case Studies collection will be made freely available to CEEMAN members.

Prize

The author of the best case will be awarded a CEEMAN/Emerald prize of €2,500 plus

Publication of the winning case in Emerald Emerging Markets Case Studies.
Free participation in the 19th CEEMAN Annual Conference in Tbilisi, Georgia on 21-24 September 2011
Free accommodation at the conference hotel for up to three nights

The first runner-up will be awarded a prize of €1,000, while the second runner up will receive €500.

If a winning case has more than one author, the prize will be split among the co-authors (the prize may be subject to local taxes).

Full evaluations from the competition judging panel will be made available to authors upon request.

Entry details

To enter the competition, please send your case with the teaching note and filled-in application form by email info@ceeman.org.

Important dates

Case submission deadline: 15 July 2011
Authors notified about the competition results: 5 September 2011
Case Writing Competition Award: 23 September 2011, 19th CEEMAN Annual Conference Gala Dinner, Tbilisi, Georgia

Download Case Writing Competition application form

Instructional materials:

CEEMAN Case Writing Competition evaluation criteria
Case writing guide by Ali Farhoomand, University of Hong Kong
A simplified approach to writing case studies by Dr Melodena Balakrishnan, Chair of the Academy of International Business, MENA chapter and Regional Editor Middle East, Emerald Emerging Markets Case Studies.
Case organization chapter from Writing Cases, 4th Edition / Learning with Cases, 4th Edition (Book Set), by Michiel R. Leenders, James A. Erskine, Louise A. Mauffette-Leenders
Case primer by David Wylie, Babson College

Further Details: http://www.emeraldinsight.com/research/awards/ceemancase.htm

Inlaks Research Travel Grants

2011-07-05T02:05:00.001-07:00

INLAKS RESEARCH TRAVEL GRANTS

The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation has been supporting innovative work in research and scholarship for more than three decades. The "Inlaks Research Travel Grant" is geared to assist registered PhD. students of Indian universities to undertake short-term visits to universities abroad to collect material, use facilities and consult experts.

WHAT DOES THE AWARD OFFER?
"Inlaks Research Travel Grant" offers financial support for a maximum of 3 months at a university/institution/library abroad. The Grant will cover:

Discounted air fare
Maintenance expenses at a modest rate
Funds for buying material and books, and making copies of relevant literature.

WHO CAN APPLY?
The applicants must

hold confirmed Ph.D registration for at least two years but for not more than four years.
have a first class degree at either Bachelor's (Honours) or Master's level, preferably both.
be under 35 years of age on 31 December in the year of applying.

SUBJECTS FOR WHICH THE GRANT IS AVAILABLE: Humanities and Social Sciences

WHAT MUST THE APPLICANTS SUBMIT?
Fully filled form for "Inlaks Research Travel Grant". The forms may be downloaded from the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation website.

Sample of written work (3000-5000 words) on the subject of the candidate's research. This should preferably be a draft (with full annotation and documentation) of a chapter of the PhD thesis along with details regarding the reading list, surveys, or any other work done towards the thesis.
Evidence of having communicated with concerned persons or institutions abroad and having received a positive response.
A written and signed statement from the applicant's supervisor stating:
The candidate's ability, focus and progress in the work done under her/his supervision
The candidate's need to go abroad
That the funds for the visit cannot be obtained from any other source
The fully filled in forms and other enclosures must be sent by post to the following address: 86/87 Atlanta, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400 021.

LAST DATE OF RECEIVING APPLICATION FORMS September 30, 2011.

IMPORTANT CONDITIONS

Any material collected by the selected candidates (books, copies, instruments etc.) must become the property of the candidate's institution for wider use by future scholars.
All this material must carry a statement regarding the support received from the Inlaks Research Travel Grants
The grants must be utilized within nine months of the date of award.
The students must furnish vouchers/evidence for major expenses like lodging, library fees, buying books, etc.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

The candidates will be expected to go through a two-tier selection procedure.
First round: short-listing on the basis of the written record submitted by the candidate.
Second and final round: Personal interview of the short-listed candidates.
(NOTE: The candidates short-listed for the interview will be informed by early November 2011. The final interviews will be held by early December 2011).

Download Application Form (xls. format)

Further Details

CfAs: Lok Sabha Internship Programme 2011

2011-06-30T21:28:00.001-07:00

PARLIAMENT OF INDIA, LOK SABHA SECRETARIAT
(Bureau of Parliamentary Studies and Training)

LOK SABHA INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME

Applications are invited in the prescribed format for five Internship Positions for a one-year Internship Programme in the Lok Sabha. The Internship Programme is aimed to provide an opportunity to young men and women with outstanding academic and extracurricular achievements to acquaint themselves with the working of parliamentary democracy and democratic institutions in general and specifically about the Indian parliamentary system. The Programme also aims at imparting requisite skills and knowledge to enable the Interns to develop a proper perspective about the role of Legislature in the parliamentary system which, in turn, would help them while working in their own chosen fields in future.

Duration: The duration of the Internship Programme will be one year.

Eligibility:
Age: The Internship shall be open to Indian citizens between 21 and 28 years of age as on 31st December 2011.

Qualifications: The applicant should have completed a two-year Post-Graduate Degree from a recognised Indian or Foreign University with 55% marks in any of the areas/disciplines such as Social Sciences, Law, Journalism, Finance, Management, etc.

The applicant should submit a recommendation letter from the Principal of College/Head of the Institution he/she last attended or is enrolled in to pursue higher studies along with the completed application form. The applicant must also submit a brief statement in 250 words which should inter alia state why he/she intends to join the Internship Programme; his/her career goals; and how the Internship will help him/her in achieving those goals. The short listed applicants will be called to appear for an Interview.

Reservation for Candidates belonging to SC, ST and OBC: Reservation of Internship positions belonging to the category of SC, ST and OBC will be made as per Government of India policy. Candidates belonging to the above categories should attach requisite certificate in support of their claim issued by the Competent Authority.

Stipend and Other Facilities: The Interns will be paid a consolidated stipend of Rs. 20,000/- per month during the Internship period. In addition, a sum of Rs. 10,000/- shall be given as a one-time expenditure towards stationery and typing expenses. Expenses on accommodation, travelling, etc. shall be borne by the Interns themselves.

The selected Interns will have to sign a Memorandum of Undertaking and conditions attached thereto separately. The Lok Sabha Secretariat shall have all right to cancel the Internship awarded to any Intern, without stating any reason, during the course of the Programme at any point of time. The Lok Sabha Secretariat shall issue a Certificate to the Interns on the successful completion of the Internship Programme.

The completed application in the enclosed format should reach the Additional Director, Bureau of Parliamentary Studies and Training (BPST), Lok Sabha Secretariat, Room No. F-077, 'J' Block, Parliament Library Building, New Delhi-110001, latest by 15 July 2011.

Further Details

"Knowledge Swaraj: An Indian Manifesto on Science and Technology" by Knowledge in Civil Society

2011-06-30T02:23:00.001-07:00

Knowledge Swaraj: An Indian Manifesto on Science and Technology

by Knowledge in Civil Society (KICS), India

This is a HindSwaraj-inspired document for the 21t Century. It asks what "self-rule (swaraj) for India" can mean, one century after Mohandas Gandhi wrote his manifesto for an independent India on board a ship from Europe to Africa. Swaraj today in the 21st century has to include the important domain of self-rule in science and technology too. If Mahatma Gandhi gave prominence to science and technology in the form of law, medicine and railways in the original Hind Swaraj, for the 21st century we see on centre stage: biotechnologies, tribal knowledge, space technology, hand-loom, information and communication technologies, and ayurvedic medicine. This Indian Manifesto on Science and Technology argues for Indian self-rule of its science and technology, for a knowledge democracy that draws its agenda for research and technology on the richness of Indian culture and the needs of the Indian people. more...

Download Full-text PDF http://kicsforum.net/kics/kicsmatters/Knowledge-swaraj-an-Indian-S&T-manifesto.pdf

KICS welcomes comments on manifesto at scienceswaraj@gmail.com

CfAs:: Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral and Professional Research Fellowships

2011-06-30T02:07:00.001-07:00

Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral and Professional Research Fellowships

These research fellowships, for a maximum period of nine months, are designed for scholars who are registered for a Ph.D. at an Indian institution and also for professionals with significant work experience and accomplishments.

Applications from all disciplines will be considered. Priority fields are: Agricultural Sciences; Economics; Education; Energy, Sustainable Development and Climate Change; Environment; International Relations; Management and Leadership Development; Media and Communications with focus on Public Service Broadcasting; Public Administration; Public Health; Science and Technology; Study of India with focus on contemporary issues; and Study of the United States. For Study of India or the Study of the United States (American Studies) the areas could include: language and literature, history, government, economics, society and culture, religion, and film studies.

Grant Benefits
These fellowships provide a monthly stipend, Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges per US Government guidelines, round-trip economy class air travel, applicable allowances and modest affiliation fees, if any. Selected scholars will have opportunities to audit non-degree courses, conduct research and gain practical work experience in suitable settings in the US. No allowances are provided for dependents. The grant is not sufficient to support family members.

Eligibility Requirements

In addition to the General Prerequisites, the applicants:
* who are working on their Ph.D.s should have done adequate research in the relevant field, especially in the identification of resources in India and the U.S. They should be registered for their Ph.D.s at an Indian institution at least one year prior to the date of application and should enclose a certificate from their Ph.D. supervisor commenting on their research work and the usefulness of the fellowship, and indicating the Ph.D. registration date;

who are professionals should have a master's degree and substantive professional experience in the proposed field;
should apply through proper channel, if employed;
should enclose a 'writing sample' which could be a copy of an article or paper published/presented or extracts from the M.Phil. thesis; and
should preferably be 45 years of age or under

Note: These fellowships are for pre-doctoral level research. Applications from scholars/professionals with Ph.D. degrees or at the final stage of thesis submission will not be considered.

How to Apply
Please refer to Application Procedure and Guidelines and download Application Material:

Application Due Date: July 15, 2011

Further Details

"Innovation, Sustainability, Development: A New Manifesto" by STEPS Centre, UK

2011-06-29T21:54:00.001-07:00

Innovation, Sustainability, Development: A New Manifesto

by STEPS Centre, UK, 2010

Innovation, Sustainability, Development: A New Manifesto recommends new ways of linking science and innovation to development for a more sustainable, equitable and resilient future.

The Manifesto Project
In 1970 a radical document called The Sussex Manifesto helped shape modern thinking on science and technology for development. Forty years on, what kind of science and technology for development Manifesto is needed for today's world?
The STEPS Centre is creating a new manifesto with one of the authors of the original, Professor Geoff Oldham. With cutting-edge ideas and some Southern perspectives, the New Manifesto recommends new ways of linking science and innovation to development for a more sustainable, equitable and resilient future.

Download Full-text PDF

The Multimedia Manifesto

Further Details

CfP:: 11th Consortium of Students in Management Research (COSMAR 2011), IISc, 21 October

2011-06-28T03:44:00.001-07:00

The 11th Consortium of Students in Management Research
(COSMAR 2011)

on 21st October 2011

at the Department of Management Studies, IISc, Bangalore

COSMAR: The Consortium of Students in Management Research (COSMAR) is an annual Research Consortium organized by the Department of Management Studies, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. The Consortium is a forum for interaction between research scholars who specialize in different areas of management and related disciplines.
COSMAR aims to catalyze and showcase quality academic research in management. It also provides an excellent opportunity for interaction among students, researchers, academicians, practitioners and corporate executives.
We encourage prospective student and delegate participants to browse through this website in order to find out more about COSMAR 2011. Prospective participants are welcome to contact us with their queries for any clarifications.

Call for Papers
Papers are invited from all areas of management and allied disciplines, including but not restricted to, the following research areas:

Economics
Energy & Environment
Finance
General Management
Human Resource Management
Infrastructure Management
Innovation & IP
Knowledge Management
Marketing
Operations Management
Organizational Behavior
Project Management
Public Policy
Statistics
Strategy
Systems
Technology Management
Transportation

Please note that this list is indicative and not exhaustive. Paper submissions from other areas of research in management are also encouraged, and will be considered subject to their approval by the Organizing Committee, COSMAR 2011. The decision of the Organizing Committee, COSMAR 2011, shall be final in this regard.

Eligibility Criteria

The researcher must be registered as a full-time/part-time scholar in a doctoral programme, i.e. Ph.D/D.Phil/Fellow Programme equivalent to a Ph.D or in an M.S. (By Research), in Management or allied disciplines, of a University/Deemed University/Institute of National Importance/recognized autonomous institution.
The researcher should have completed at least two years research in the programme and his/her registration must be active.
The paper submitted by the researcher should essentially be based on his/her management research dissertation.
Preferably, the thesis for which work is being carried out should NOT have been submitted. If the thesis has been submitted, then the degree should NOT have been awarded as on the date of submission of the Paper and the Certificate of Authenticity.
The decision taken by the Organizing Committee, COSMAR 2011, in ascertaining and determining the eligibility of a candidate for participation, shall be final.

Important Dates
The Organizing Committee, COSMAR 2011, has decided on the following deadlines applicable for Paper Submission, Acceptance Notification, and Camera-ready Copy Submission. Prospective participants are requested to take note of and adhere to them. Key Activity Deadline

Paper Submission 20 July 2011
Acceptance Notification 20 August 2011
Camera-ready Copy Submission 31 August 2011

Further Details: http://mgmt.iisc.ernet.in/~cosmar11/

Congratulations winners!! Globelics Academy 2011 announces Best Papers Award

2011-06-28T02:07:00.001-07:00

Globelics Academy 2011 announces Best Papers Award

Two best papers amongst the many excellent papers have now been chosen. Final selection was done by us, i.e. organizers. However, also many comments from the lecturing professors were taken into account. In addition, these two papers were clearly voted the best papers by GA 2011 students. And the best papers are:

"Location, Structure, Motivation and Linkages of Foreign ICT and Biotechnology Firms in India and China" by Swapan Kumar PATRA (Centre for Studies in Science Policy, Jawharlal Nehru University, India)
"The Dynamics of National Innovation Systems:a panel cointegration analysis of the co-evolution between Innovative Capability and Absorptive Capacity" by José Miguel NATERA (Complutense University of Madrid, Venezuelan)

Further Details: http://www.globelicsacademy.net/2011_students.html

The winners will get a chance to present their papers at the 9th Globelics International Conference, 15-17 November 2011, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Congratulations winners!!

LSE releases "Maximizing the Impacts of Your Research: A Handbook for Social Scientists"

2011-06-26T23:49:00.001-07:00

Maximizing the Impacts of Your Research: A Handbook for Social Scientists

by The London School of Economics, Public Policy Group, 2011

About this Handbook

There are few academics who are interested in doing research that simply has no influence on anyone else in academia or outside. Some perhaps will be content to produce 'shelf-bending' work that goes into a library (included in a published journal or book), and then over the next decades ever-so-slightly bends the shelf it sits on. But we believe that they are in a small minority. The whole point of social science research is to achieve academic impact by advancing your discipline, and (where possible) by having some positive influence also on external audiences – in business, government, the media or civil society.

For the past year a team of academics based at the London School of Economics, the University of Leeds and Imperial College have been working on a 'Research Impacts' project aimed at developing precise methods for measuring and evaluating the impact of research in the public sphere. We believe the our data will be of interest to all UK universities how to better capture and track the impacts of their social science research and applications work.

Part of our task is to develop guidance for colleagues interested in this field. In the past, there has been no one source of systematic advice on how to maximize the academic impacts of your research in terms of citations and other measures of influence. And almost no sources at all have helped researchers to achieve greater visibility and impacts with audiences outside the university. Instead researchers have had to rely on informal knowledge and picking up random hints and tips here and there from colleagues, and from their own personal experience.

This Handbook remedies this key gap and opens the door to researchers achieving a more professional and focused approach to their research from the outset. It provides a large menu of sound and evidence-based advice and guidance on how to ensure that your work achieves its maximum visibility and influence with both academic and external audiences. As with any menu, readers need to pick and choose the elements that are relevant for them. We provide detailed information on what constitutes good practice in expanding the impact of social science research. We also survey a wide range of new developments, new tools and new techniques that can help make sense of a rapidly changing field.

We hope that this Handbook will be of immediate practical value for academics, lead researchers, research staff, academic mentors, research lab leaders, chairs and research directors of academic departments, and administrative staff assisting researchers or faculty team leaders in their work.

Download the Handbook in PDF format

Australia India Institute Emerging Leaders Fellowships 2011-2012

2011-06-26T22:56:00.001-07:00

Australia India Institute Emerging Leaders Fellowships 2011-2012

The Australia India Institute, based at the University of Melbourne, is offering a series of 8 week residential fellowships to emerging leaders from India from a variety of fields including media, the arts, academia, the civil service and public life.

The AII encourages distinguished mid-career Indian professionals, who have already demonstrated excellence in their chosen professions, to apply for these Fellowships.

The Fellowships are for truly exceptional individuals who are expected to occupy leadership positions in India in the future.

The Fellowship programme allows time for quiet reflection as well as stimulating interaction with peers in an idyllic University environment. Melbourne has been consistently rated as amongst the most liveable cities in the world and the University of Melbourne is ranked in the top 40 universities of the world.

The Fellows will be expected to deliver a public lecture on a subject of international significance and produce an extended essay of approximately 5,000 words on the same theme, which will be published and widely disseminated by the Institute. Fellows are free to choose any theme, but it is expected that the topic would be of interest to policy audiences in India and Australia.

The Fellowship includes airfares, residential accommodation, office space and a payment of $10,000 (AUD). Fellows will be housed in a self-contained studio apartment in the University of Melbourne and will be provided office space in the Australia India Institute's premises.

The Fellows are also expected to contribute to the regular programme of the Australia India Institute and it is envisioned that their presence will enrich the Institute and the University of Melbourne. The Australia India Institute will endeavour to customise each Fellowship to maximise interaction with peers across Australia. The Fellows should expect to travel interstate once or twice during their tenure at the University of Melbourne.

The Australia India Institute was launched in Delhi in 2009 by the then Australian Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard and it has recently appointed Professor Amitabh Mattoo as the Director. The Australia India Institute was established to contribute to greater understanding, cooperation and partnership between India and Australia. In 2010, the Australia India Institute provided grants of nearly one million dollars to collaborative research projects between India and Australia. The Australia India Institute sees itself as a bridge between nations by creating strong academic, professional and cultural links.

How to Apply:
* Download and complete the Application Form* Secure three references. Include at least one academic reference.
* Prepare a 400 word statement identifying the theme of the public lecture and essay, and why this topic was chosen.
* Prepare a detailed Curriculum Vitae.

Scan the Application Form, attach the references, the CV, and the 400-word statement and email as an attachment to aii-fellowships@unimelb.edu.au by Monday 11 July 2011, 4PM (EST). The selection will be made by a specially constituted jury and successful applicants will be notified by 1 August 2011. Only electronic applications will be accepted.

Further Details

National Essay Competition on Abundant Foodgrain Stocks, Ample Foreign Exchange Reserves and Poverty...

2011-06-26T22:53:00.001-07:00

Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, GoI

announces

National Essay Competition

Topic of the essay
"Abundant Foodgrain Stocks, Ample Foreign Exchange Reserves and Poverty: Addressing the Challenges of India's Development Story"

Last Date of Submission: 31st August 2011

Who Can Participate?
The Competition is open to students who are registered for Ph D/ M.Phil/ Master Course and any undergraduate course in any university or deemed university in India. The participants must submit an attested copy of their student Identity Card along with the essay. The participant must also send a certificate from the Head of the Institution certifying that the candidate is a bonafide student of the university.

Prizes

The Department of Economic Affairs would honour the winners of the competition as under;

First prize: 1,00,000/-

Two second prizes: 50,000/- each

The written submissions may be sent to either as hard copy to the following address:

Director(IES)

Room no 59, North Block,

Department of Economic Affairs,

Ministry of Finance

New Delhi

Or in electronic format to ies.essay@nic.in

Length of the essay: The essay shall be no longer than 3000 words.

Rules and Guidelines of the National Essay Competition: http://finmin.nic.in/the_ministry/dept_eco_affairs/ies/Rules_Guideline_Essay_Comp.pdf

International Climate Champions 2011 : Call for Applications

2011-06-22T02:00:00.001-07:00

International Climate Champions 2011 : Call for Applications

British Council India invites applications for International Climate Champions Programme 2011

150 International Climate Champions across India with a passion for the environment and an interest to mitigate the effects of climate change are making a difference. Join them and explore a gamut of opportunities to make a difference in the fight against climate change.

As a British Council International Climate Champion, you will raise awareness, address impacts through a project and contribute to the growing international consensus on the need to tackle climate change. We will support you with training and guidance as well as opportunities but the ideas and time will come from you.

International Climate Champions is a youth oriented programme run by the British Council in partnership with The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). This programme is part of British Council's global project called 'Climate Generation' which is delivered through a network of Climate Champions across 60 countries and eight Regions. It is directly aimed at young people aged 18-21 and through them will engage leaders and influencers in the society, as well as reaching out to the wider community. Climate Generation engages young people with a proactive interest in climate change and wish to take positive action at local, national and international levels.

Who can apply?
If you are:
-an Indian citizen
-aged between 18-21 years (as on 26 June 2011) and
-have a climate change project idea that can make a lasting impact on your community, nationally, internationally
then we want to hear from you.

How to apply?
Read the Terms and Conditions http://www.britishcouncil.org/india-projects-climate-icc-terms_and_conditions_2011-12.doc

If you meet the criteria click here to apply online http://www.britishcouncil.org.in/Surveys/CCIndia/

Your application should reach British Council by 26 June 2011 5pm

Before you proceed with filling the application, here are a few things to note:
There are some questions that require detailed answers, so gather your thoughts before you start filling it.

Two sections in the application, will require some thinking before you start writing:
Section 2 - In no more than 150 words tell us why you want to become an International Climate Champion. Illustrate your interest and the work you have been involved in so far in the area of Climate Change and Environment
Section 3 - In no more than 350 words, describe the project you would like to undertake as an International Climate Champion. Please ensure that you cover the points below in your description.
* Your project's aim and objectives
* How you will implement your project?
* Finances required for your project and how you intend to fund the same?
* What your project will achieve (the impact and lasting legacy)?
* How you plan to measure the impact?

Go ahead and apply. if successful, you will become part of this growing network of Climate Champions who are working in 60 countries across the world to make a change.

For any queries
North India: Reesha Alvi
Email: reesha.alvi@in.britishcouncil.org

West India: Chetan Mehta
Email: mumbai.enquiry@in.britishcouncil.org

East India: Radhika Singh
Email: radhika.singh@in.britishcouncil.org

South India: Kumaran Sriram
Email: kumaran.sriram@in.britishcouncil.org

Further Details: http://www.britishcouncil.org/india-projects-climate-international-climate-champions-2011.htm

Launching INDIALICS (Indian Network for Learning about Innovation and Competence Building Systems) during International Seminar on Innovation, Sustainability and Development at NISTADS; June 28-30

2011-06-19T05:43:00.001-07:00

International Seminar on Innovation, Sustainability and Development

June 28-30, 2011

Organised by:

NISTADS, New Delhi; Centre for Development Studies (CDS), Trivandrum; and STEPS Centre, University of Sussex, UK

Venue: Conference Hall, NISTADS, New Delhi, India

NISTADS, New Delhi; Centre for Development Studies (CDS), Trivandrum and STEPS Centre, University of Sussex, UK invite you to participate in the International Seminar on Innovation, Sustainability and Development to be held from June 28-30, 2011 in NISTADS Delhi in India. All of you are well aware about the Prime Ministerial declaration on the current decade as the decade for innovation, and the Government's strong policy thrust on innovation for inclusive growth. This seminar will provide a structured process for undertaking the state of the art thinking on the theme of innovation and sustainable development to the Indian policy makers, civil society, scientific and technological communities and users in all spheres. Through this seminar we wish to propose that the thinking on innovation should go beyond growth in India. In the past the innovation making processes have revealed insufficient concern about sustainability and development within the contents of S&T and development policy.

In this seminar we also wish to take advantage of the network under development in the name of INDIALICS (Indian Network for Learning about Innovation and Competence Building Systems) as a part of the international Global Network of Economics of Learning, Innovation and competence Building Systems (GLOBELICS). This network would be launched in the concluding session of this seminar. The proposed platform of INDIALICS and the seminar planned by NISTADS in collaboration with CDS and STEPS on innovation, sustainability and development are a step in the direction to find out not only where we stand with regard to the thinking within the community of practitioners of innovation but also a platform for interaction with them to propose solutions on these concerns in the area of implementation of innovation.

We believe that the initiatives being proposed on governance of innovation activity in India should be widely discussed among the academics, S&T leaders, civil society organizations and policy makers. Academic and policy developments in this sphere at the international and national level have also intensified. Innovation surveys, acts and policies, mechanisms for governance and manifestos are being formulated, conducted and implemented. Conventional approaches of translating research results in to innovation are clearly inadequate. Actors involved with innovative activities are dispersed entities and demand efforts for the establishment of appropriate mechanisms for governance.

The organizers wish to contribute through this conference to the development of proper understanding and address the challenge of sustainability and development in innovation. Based on the inputs that we will receive in this conference we propose to put out ultimately a report on the state of thinking on innovation in India as a key deliverable. See the enclosed tentative programme.

Contact for Further Details:

Dinesh Abrol, Sr. Scientist, NISTADS, New Delhi

Email dinesh.abrol@gmail.com, rajeswari.raina@gmail.com. Mobile +91-9868242691.

Tentative Programme

Call for Participation in Public Opinion Poll designed to institute a rationalized National Test Scheme (NTS) for admission into Tertiary Education in Sciences and Engineering

2011-06-19T04:59:00.001-07:00

Call for Participation in Public Opinion Poll designed to institute a rationalized National Test Scheme (NTS) for admission into Tertiary Education in Sciences and Engineering

National Test Scheme (NTS)

The proposed National Test Scheme is designed to allow selection of students for admission to tertiary education. It is based on the single examination evaluation instead of the prevailing multiple competitive examination system in the country.

Most nations employ just one test for assessment of scholastic aptitude instead of a plethora of evaluation tests. The current selection systems have, no doubt, resulted in visible benefits. But, the future of Indian youth might need a paradigm shift that ensures opportunity for larger sections of the society.

The extreme level of competitiveness in the screening processes employed for deciding access to professional education is not without its psychological or sociological implications for the society. They do influence the mindset and behavioural changes among the youth.

"Unity in diversity" is the Indian brand value. Unification, while retaining the diversity of educational systems in the country is the underlying strategy of the proposed National Test Scheme. It is motivated by the principle of inclusion for a collaborative excellence rather than exclusion through competitive excellence.

For more about the underlying Philosophy and Principles of the National Test Scheme (Download PDF http://india.gov.in/nts/philosophy_behind_NTS.pdf)

Kindly post your valuable response on the Public Opinion Poll designed to institute a rationalized National Test Scheme (NTS) for admission into Tertiary Education in Sciences and Engineering.

Post your Opinion here till 21st June 2011 [Public Opinion Poll] http://india.gov.in/nts/profile.php

CfA: “Summer School on Global Warming and Sustainable Water Management”; November 16-22, Braunschweig, Germany

2011-06-19T04:54:00.001-07:00

CfA: "Summer School on Global Warming and Sustainable Water Management"

November 16 – 22, 2011 / Braunschweig, Germany

The summer school purposes to increase the understanding of the interactions between climate change and water management. The aim is to clarify causes and effects of climate change and to underline the benefits of a sustainable management of water resources on global warming and on water-, energy- and nutrient cycles. With respect to the different home countries of the participants and their specific questions and problems, strategies will also be discussed how the water sector can contribute to cope with climate change on a local scale. Therefore the participants should be prepared to discuss local problems in their home country due to global warming.

Topics of the summer school:

Global Warming – Identifying the problem
Activities in the water sector contributing to greenhouse gas emissions
Carbon emissions from Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTP)
Energy production on WWTP
Improving energy efficiency of water and wastewater treatment
Wastewater reuse in industry and agriculture
Energy sources at WWTP
Alternative technologies for water management
How to change social patterns and government policies
Improving social awareness

The course consists of lectures, discussion sessions, participation to the two day international symposium „Re-Water Braunschweig" on water reuse and inspecting the techniques applied for a comprehensive water and nutrient recycling concept in the city of Braunschweig.

For more detailed information please download the flyer (PDF)
Please download the Exceed Application Form and apply online until August 15, 2011
Information on cost coverage
http://www.exceed.tu-braunschweig.de/1568_cfa-%e2%80%9csummer-school-on-global-warming

Research in Centre for Studies in Science Policy

Call for Proposals: 2011 Emerald/IAM Indian Management Research Fund Award

2011 Emerald/IAM Indian Management Research Fund Award

Supporting knowledge creation and dissemination for the social good in India

Call for Indian management research proposals

Eligibility

Judging criteria

Application requirements

Key dates

Last year's winner

Contact

Recent Research Papers of Sujit Bhattacharya & Jayanthi A.P. of CSSP

CfPs: Asia Competitiveness Forum 2012; April 26-27; New Delhi

"Understanding Innovation: the Indian Context" a Bulletin; November 2011 issue

HBL Article "How Not to Discuss Water with China" by Rohan D'Souza, CSSP

Fox International Fellowship for JNU Researchers

EPW Article "Decentralised Procurement and Universalised PDS" by Kaustav Banerjee, CSSP

IWMI-Tata Policy Research Program: Inviting young researchers to contribute field-based research papers, case studies

Growth Analysis report on Energy Research & Development in India

CfPs: 8th International Conference on Webometrics, Informetrics and Scientometrics (WIS) & 13th COLLNET Meeting, 23-26 Oct 2012, Seoul, Korea

Fwd: Presentations of the Evaluative Bibliometrics workshop

JNU Lecture on Climate Change by Prof. Arun K. Attri, SES at Committee Room, SSS-1, on 16 November, 3.00 pm

UNESCO launched Global Open Access Portal

Just Published "Unsung Innovators of Kashmir" by Sheikh Fayaz Ahmad

Launch of the UNESCO Report "Engineering: Issues, Challenges and Opportunities for Development"

Fellowships in Sustainability Science at Harvard University, 2012-2013

Request for Proposals for Research Field Fellowships: ICRISAT-NCAP-IRRI project on Village Dynamics Studies

Online Distance Learning openED course: Business and Management Competencies in a Web 2.0 world

10 three-year PhD positions (65% TV-L E13), The Research Training Group Trust and Communication in a Digitized World, WWU Muenster

10 three-year PhD positions (65% TV-L E13), The Research Training Group Trust and Communication in a Digitized World, WWU Muenster

CfPs: Journal of Science Policy & Governance - Deadline Extended

THE JOURNAL OF SCIENCE POLICY & GOVERNANCE CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Time to apply for Erasmus Mundus South Asia mobility programmes

CfPs:: National Seminar on Processes of Exclusion and Adivasi Rights in India; 15-16 February 2012; at University of Hyderabad

Media article "Check Plagiarism in Science", by Pranav N Desai, Indian Express, 15th Oct. 2011

National Himalayan Winter Trekking Expedition 2011-12 at Dalhousie

Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (NMML) invites applications for fellowships (Senior Fellow/ Fellow/ Junior Fellow)

CfPs:: International Seminar on Institution, Structure and Organization in Globalizing India; 20-21 Jan 2012; IITB

CfPs: National Workshop on Using Different Metrics for Assessing Research Productivity; at ISI Delhi; 16-17 February 2012

Call for Research Concept Notes: Economics of Natural Resource Use and Environmental Change

2011 Emerald Digital Usage Award, in partnership with Student Competitions: Call for recommendations relating to online usage of academic publications

2011 Emerald Digital Usage Award, in partnership with Student Competitions

Call for recommendations relating to online usage of academic publications

Judging Criteria

Eligibility

Submission requirements

Key Dates

Just Published: Climate Change related Books by Dr. Pawan Sikka, former Advisor, DST

Call for Proposals – Rainfed Agriculture: Action Research on Support Systems

Call for Proposals – Rainfed Agriculture: Action Research on Support Systems

Research Training Course in Women's Studies: Concepts and Debates; at CWDS Delhi; 01 Nov - 09 Dec 2011

International Workshop on Sciences and Narratives of Nature: East and West; 12-14 December 2011; Manipal, India

CfPs: 1st Biennial Congress on Urban Green Spaces (CUGS 2012), New Delhi

CfPs: National Seminar on the Status of Agri-Business in India; 18-19 Nov; Presidency University, Kolkata

CfPs: "ICRA Bulletin: Money & Finance"

CfPs: ISEE 2012 Ecological Economics and Rio +20:Contributions and Challenges for a Green Economy

CfPs: National Research Conference on Climate Change; at IITD; Nov 5-6, 2011

"AANCHAAR: An Innovation!" by S. Fayaz Ahmad

CfPs: International Conference on Climate Change, Sustainable Agriculture and Public Leadership; 7-9 Feb 2012; New Delhi

FYI: MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers (7th edition)

CfAs:: JENESYS East Asia Future Leaders Programme 2011 "Energy Security - Working Toward the Development of Sustainable Energy Management System"

CfPs:: Seminar on Building Competitiveness in a Globalised World: Lessons from India's Plantation Sector; 23-24 Jan 2012

2011 Emerald/IAM Indian Management Research Fund Award:: Call for Indian management research proposals

2011 Emerald/IAM Indian Management Research Fund Award: Supporting knowledge creation and dissemination for the social good in India

Call for Indian management research proposals

Eligibility

Judging criteria

Application requirements

Key dates

Last year's winner

Nepal Conference on improving research infrastructures with social media; 31 October to 3 November 2011

Nepal Conference on improving research infrastructures with social media

CfEs: International Economic Development Research Annual (IEDRA) Award, 2011

Media article "India on Global R&D Map" by Pranav N Desai

Workshop on "Data Extraction and Visualization Techniques" at NISCAIR, New Delhi on Sept 10-11

CfP: PSBT Open Frame 2011 - Intensive Workshops on Filmmaking

The Drucker Challenge essay contest

Call for Authors: "Biomes and Ecosystems: An Encyclopedia", edited by Robert Warren Howarth

Science Reporter announces Science Fiction & Science Cartoon Competitions!

UNESCO Bangkok Internship Programme

THE JOURNAL OF SCIENCE POLICY & GOVERNANCE

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS