Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Current Science Editorial “Science and the Missing Manifestos”

Current Science Editorial "Science and the Missing Manifestos"

by D. Balasubramanian

Current Science, 106(8): 1047-48. 25th April 2014


As the country is voting for a new government and the parliament for the sixteenth time, most political parties have published their manifestos on key policy issues and their plans for the overall development of the nation. The Hindu, in its 8th April 2014 issue, has compared the manifestos of several parties and their plans on the economy, foreign policy, disadvantaged groups, governance, infrastructure, internal security, health, education and welfare. Sadly though, none of these manifestos has anything to say at all about science, technology, environment, agriculture and medicine (STEAM) in their agenda for the development of the nation or the states. That this neglect cuts across party or ideology lines is a cause for worry. Everyone realizes that investment and application of the tools and methods of sciences and the use of STEAM is a sure-fire way to generate opportunities for employment and the creation of a large number of jobs. In the absence of this plan, how does one party claim that it will generate ten crore jobs once it comes to power, and another party promises to develop its state along 'Singapore lines'? However, though, every party has promised reservations in recruitment and jobs for one community or another, one party has claimed that it will impose such a reservation policy even in the private non-government sector.

This is particularly saddening when we look back decades or 15 parliamentary elections ago. When India became free of colonial bondage and launched on her course of self-governance, the founding fathers 'made friends with science'. It was the national policy to use the tools of science and technology to lead India to the path of development and growth. A country that was battered with the wounds of partition, and where over 300 million people had no more than 50 million tonnes of food grains to eat, started the grand sociological experiment on the use of STEAM. Within two generations, we rid ourselves of small pox through the large scale administration of vaccines, and a disease which many believed to be due to the wrath of an angry goddess was eradicated out of not just the country but the entire world. Using a similar method, we have since rid ourselves of polio. It was again the application of STEAM that brought in the green revolution – a grand experiment that had farmers on the field join hands with agricultural scientists to increase the yield from 50 million to 150 million tonnes within 20 years. Today we produce about 250 million tonnes of food grains for a population of 1.2 billion, a fivefold increase in production for a population that has seen a fourfold increase. We have moved from a 'ship to mouth' economy into a 'silo-to-ship' economy, thanks to having made friends with science.

Yet today not a single party has a word to say about what plans it has on farming, agriculture, sustainable land use, nutrition. India is now regarded as an emerging economy, a knowledge power and is being 'promoted' from its 'developing nation' status. It is not realized that the seeds of this growth and accomplishment were sown in the 1950s through the policy that promoted and used the application of STEAM. We tend to forget how India (and India alone) has done this while 70 other nations which too gained freedom in the late 1940s and 1950s have not done so with equal success. It was again this de-liberate policy that brought in the IITs, AIIMS and similar advanced academic institutions, atomic energy, space and information technology into India. It is thus a matter of disappointment that none of the political parties has made this an instrument of national development in its manifesto.

More...

No manifesto, but mechanism exists

Academies should engage and lobby policymakers

More...  http://www.currentscience.ac.in/Volumes/106/08/1047.pdf

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

CfPs: 2nd Annual National Convention on Ethics in Research on Human Subjects: Evolving Norms and Guidelines for the Indian Context; 2-4 Sept; New Delhi

2nd Annual National Convention on Ethics in Research on Human Subjects: Evolving Norms and Guidelines for the Indian Context
2-4 September 2014
at JNU Convention Centre, New Delhi, India
Oranised by Institutional Ethics Review Board, Jawaharlal Nehru University (IERB–JNU), India

The Convention will focus on the national and international guidelines (such as those of Nuffield Council on Bioethics 1991, Helsinki Declaration of 2000 clarifications in 2002, 2004, CIOMS 2002, and UNESCO document 2005, and specifically for India the ICMR guidelines, etc) and ground realities in India where we do not want to dampen the enthusiasm for research particularly in interdisciplinary sciences where mostly human participation is essential. At the same time, we also do not want to dilute the ethical norms and regulations prescribed globally. Most of the guidelines are also silent on behavioural, emotional, psychological research and psycho‐social research involving human participants. In the first national convention organised by JNU in 2013, some of these issues were addressed by people from a large number of disciplines and also a variety of institutions participating. In the concluding session it was unanimously resolved to carry the discussion forward by making this an annual event. The proposed second national convention will take it forward with greater participation in numbers and greater enthusiasm and motivation within JNU and outside. The proposed 2014 convention in JNU will take up these issues in paper presentations and posters, plenary talks and a couple of workshops, and conclude with a panel discussion.
Papers as verbal presentations or posters, workshops (proposed by groups) are invited on any of the following areas of concern:
  • Protecting the participants in Human Research
  • Respect for Individuality and Identity, Autonomy
  • Voluntariness and ICF ‐  what is an ethical ideal?
  • Subjectivity in our perception of an ethical ideal
  • Assessment of Risk and Benefit
  • Policy Process and Policy framework,
  • Is there law for universal application?
  • Capacity to exercise voluntariness
  • Vulnerability issues in India studies
  • National and International norms and rules for working with
    • Children
    • Tribals and people from EWS/ backward areas
    • Illiterate/ semi educated people
    • Medically unfit populations especially those with psychological/ mental/ cognitive disorders or those in a vegetative state
  • Confidentiality issues
  • Compensation, Incentives, Reimbursement, Insurance issues
  • Legal issues arising out of research
  • Institutional Responsibility, Institution specific SOP's
  • Awareness/ training issues and preparing the future researcher for ethical research
  • India specific norms, and case studies
  • Students Research Norms/ SOP's
  • Faculty Research Projects
  • Setting the standards, accreditation standards
  • Norms for multidisciplinary, multi institutional, collaborative research
  • Training IERB members
The issues and challenges are enormous. Through this Second National Convention on Ethics in Research on Human Subjects we need to continue the debate and discussion initiated last year, in July 2013 to identify India specific challenges and how to meet them through Universities, medical colleges and other institutions of higher learning.

Submission of Abstracts and full papers

Since we have very little time left please submit your abstract definitely by the 7th May. The title of your presentation, a brief abstract in about 250 words, your affiliation may be sent to <ierbjnu@gmail.com> or <narang.vaishna@gmail.com>. Full papers are to be submitted definitely by the 30th June so that we are able to complete the review process and print the proceedings before the convention begins on the 2nd of September 2014.

Registration
Registration fee, Rs 1500.00 to be paid on arrival, will include part payment towards various expenses, such as cost of printing of abstracts, handouts, tea and snacks and other contingent expenses only partially. Those of you coming from outside Delhi will be provided accommodation in the JNU guest house on the first cum first served basis, where you will have to pay for your boarding and lodging.  
‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐
‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐
Convener
Prof Vaishna Narang
Member Secretary, IERB‐JNU
Room no. 102,103,
Old CRS Complex Jawaharlal Nehru University
New Delhi ‐  110067
Tel. 011 ‐ 2674664, 011 ‐ 26704697, 09810608936
http://www.jnu.ac.in/Conference/2nd%20National%20Convention%20on%20Ethics.pdf

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Monsoon School - Perspectives on Environment, Society and Well-being 17-23 June, Mulshi-Pune

Monsoon School
Perspectives on Environment, Society and Well-being
17-23 June, 2014, Mulshi-Pune
 
As the world hurtles towards greater ecological devastation, inequalities, and social conflicts, a big question facing us is: are there alternative ways of meeting human needs and aspirations, without trashing the earth and without leaving half of humanity behind? Across India (as in the rest of the world), this question is being answered by a multitude of practices and initiatives, some new, some age-old, the visions and stories of which are rarely shared in dominant discourses or through mainstream media.
 
Situated within this context, Kalpavriksh is organising a week long monsoon course on 'Perspectives on environment, society and well-being'. The course will be an attempt to reflect on the Indian environmental history and contemporary perspectives including ideas and practices in conservation, development and governance. It will also discuss some of the existing alternative discourses in India which pay greater attention to social justice and environmental sustainability.
 
The course will comprise of a series of sessions focusing on sharing of experiences by people involved in research, advocacy and interventions related to these issues through discussions, readings, screenings and a field trip.
 
When and Where
Seven days long residential course from 17-23 June, 2014
The course is being organized by Kalpavriksh in collaboration with Mahindra College at their campus in village Khubavali, PO Paud, Taluka Mulshi, Pune 412 108.
 
How to join us?
Anyone interested in these issues can be a part of the course. A registration fee of Rs.6000 covers expenses of accommodation, food, course material and a field visit.
For registration or getting further information on this, please contact Shiba Desor at desor.shiba@gmail.com or Meenal Tatpati at meenaltatpati@gmail.com, 0942350563709423505637. The deadline for registration is May 7, 2014.
 
About Kalpavriksh
Kalpavriksh (KV) is a voluntary group based in India, working on environmental education, research, campaigns, and direct action since 1979. For more information about the group, see http://www.kalpavriksh.org/. Our office is at Flat 5, Shri Dutta Krupa, 908, Deccan Gymkhana, Pune 411004.

You'll need Skype CreditFree via Skype

CfPs: International Conference on Empirical Research on Trade in Services, 21-22 August 2014, IIFT New Delhi

International Conference on Empirical Research on Trade in Services

21-22 August 2014, New Delhi

Organized by Centre for WTO Studies, Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), New Delhi, India


About the Centre for WTO Studies: The Centre for WTO Studies was set up in the year 1999 to be a permanent repository of WTO negotiations-related knowledge and documentation. Over the years, the Centre has conducted a robust research programme with a series of papers in all spheres of interest at the WTO. The Centre has also created a specialised e-repository of important WTO documents, especially related to India, in its Trade Resource Centre. The Centre has been regularly called upon by the Government of India to undertake research and provide independent analytical inputs to help develop positions in its various trade negotiations, both at the WTO and other forums such as Free and Preferential Trade Agreements and Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreements.

 

Call for Papers

About the Conference:  The conference is aimed at discussing empirical research on services trade, preferably with special reference to India. It intends to invite research papers investigating new opportunities, issues and challenges related to the growing services trade in India and globally. The paper may examine specific issues related to the growth and trade in services sector in India, such as, outsourcing, foreign direct investment, migration, employment etc. or may also analyze sector specific issues in various services. Papers on any other issue pertaining to the theme of the conference are also welcome. All papers will be peer reviewed. Selected papers will be published as an edited book or as working papers.


Important Dates:

1. Full Paper Submission July 01, 2014

2. Paper acceptance decision July 15, 2014

3. Conference Dates August 21-22, 2014

Submission Guidelines: The full paper should be about 8000 words including references. The first page should contain the title of the paper, name and contact details of the author(s) and an abstract of no more than 300 words. Please make all your submission to cwsconference@iift.ac.in


For any assistance or query, please contact: Dr. Pralok Gupta, Assistant Professor, (Services and Investment) Centre for WTO Studies, Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, Phone: 011-26965124011-26965124, 26564409, Ext. 704; Email:pralok@iift.ac.in

http://wtocentre.iift.ac.in/pdf/Call%20for%20Papers.pdf

You'll need Skype CreditFree via Skype

Submissions are being accepted for the Annals of Science best paper prize 2014

Submissions are being accepted for the Annals of Science best paper prize 2014

Win $1000 and a Free Subscription to Annals of Science

Submissions are being accepted for the Annals of Science best paper prize 2014. This prize is awarded annually to the author of an original, unpublished essay in the history of science or technology, which is not under consideration for publication elsewhere. The prize, which is supported by Taylor & Francis, is intended for those who are currently doctoral students, or have been awarded their doctorate within the past four years.

Essays should be submitted to the Editor in a form acceptable for publication in Annals of Science. View the Instructions for Authors. The winning essay will be published in the Journal, and the author will be awarded US$1000 and a free subscription to Annals of Science.

Papers should be submitted by 30th September 2014, with the winner being notified by 31st December 2014. The Editors' decision is final.

Questions and submissions should be directed to annals.science@utoronto.ca

http://explore.tandfonline.com/page/est/annals-of-science-student-prize

Saturday, April 19, 2014

The Suitcase

The Suitcase A man died, when he realized it, he saw God coming closer with a suitcase in his hand. - God said: Alright son its time to go. - surprised the man responded: Now? So soon? I had a lot of plans... - I'm sorry but its time to go. - What do you have in that suitcase? the man asked. - God answered: Your belongings. - My belongings? you mean my things, my clothes, my money? -God answered: Those things were not yours they belonged to the earth. - Is it my memories? the man asked. -God answered: those never belonged to you they belonged to Time - Is it my talents? -God answered: those were never yours they belonged to the circumstances. - Is it my friends and family? -God answered: I'm sorry they were never yours they belonged to the path. - Is it my wife and son? - God answered: They were never yours they belonged to your heart. - Is it my body? - God answered: that was never yours it belonged to the dust. -Is it my soul? God answered: No that is mine. Full of fear, the man took the suitcase from god and opened it just to find out the suitcase was empty. - With a tear coming down his cheek the man said: I never had anything??? -God answered: that is correct, every moment you lived were only yours. Life is just a moment. a moment that belongs to you. For this reason enjoy this time while you have it. Don't let anything that you think you own stop you from doing so. -Live Now -Live your life - Don't forget to be happy, that is the only thing that matters. - Material things and everything else that you fought for stay here. -YOU CAN'T TAKE ANYTHING Share this reflection with anyone you love or appreciate. Enjoy every second you live.

Friday, April 18, 2014

Invitation for the third conference on creativity and innovation at grassroots, jan 15-19, 2015 pl share it widely

Invitation for the Third International Conference on Creativity and Innovations at Grassroots [ICCIG], January 15-19, 2015

Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad

 

Giving voice, visibility and velocity to creativity and innovative potential of common people at grassroots has been the key goal of inclusive development.  Honey Bee Network has emerged as a committed social movement in support of knowledge rich, economically poor people.   In order to enrich the ecosystem for inclusive and empathetic innovations, the Third ICCIG will pool the insights from the ground and global playfields of ideas, institutions and initiatives.

 

Twenty five years ago, Honey Bee Network started to raise the voice for collaboration between formal and informal sectors, respect for local/indigenous knowledge for conservation of biodiversity and associated knowledge system, sharing of benefits through ethical supply chains and recognizing, respecting, rewarding local communities and individual innovators and traditional knowledge holders.  Today, the concern for inclusive innovation has become much more widespread but the voice of the knowledge rich, economically poor people and the youth is still not heard adequately.

 

We invite the young (in body and/or mind) scholars, academics, policy makers, activists, local community representatives, organizational leaders, various social and cultural networks engaged in empowerment of local creativity, public and private initiatives for making society more fair and just in dealing with various segments.

 

Key themes:

1.      Institutional transformation:

1.1.         Common property resource institutions play a critical role in sustainable natural resource management at all levels in society.  We need to learn from indigenous/local institutions, which have succeeded in managing resources well for so long.  The concern for conservation has been declining while designing infrastructure projects and various urban and rural interventions.  How to give voice to perfect strangers and other natural beings is becoming a big challenge for conservationists.

1.2.         Public/private, civil society institutions create norms for exchange of knowledge, information, resources and ideas across formal and informal sectors. How do we create mutuality in the norm setting processes in both the sectors.]

1.3.         The crafted institutions often fail to build upon existing institutional infrastructure.  The political economy of existing institutions needs careful analysis to expand the space and scope for disadvantaged people. The grafted institutions build upon existing norms and values and therefore may have higher sustainability.  The issue needs to be debated and elaborated.

1.4.         Public delivery systems impact the life of almost every citizen world over.  The mantra of public-private partnership has broken new ground but has also sometimes led to unfair exploitation of social and natural resources.  The need for transparency and social accountability has triggered a lot of experiments and innovations in public systems.  These need to be consolidated so that the change agents involved in these transformations can ally themselves with other creative people.

 2.      Educational innovations

2.1.         How do teachers at primary or secondary school level transform educational context in government schools in which the poorer children often study, can their creativity become the hub of educational policy?

2.2.         How do democratize access of disadvantaged children to the high quality content and mentoring? 

2.3.         Can teachers learn from children, and build upon their curiosity, compassion and empathetic value system?

2.4.         The academia-industry-informal sector linkage in higher education is weak, what are the strategies which have worked?  Can techpedia.in model illuminate such linkages worldwide?

2.5.         Can innovations by technological youth become a pivot of frugal engineering, products and services for inclusive development?  How can students of higher education search, spread, celebrate innovations and sense the unmet needs of various societies?

2.6.         Innovation in governance of education be tracked and transferred across institutional and cultural boundaries for more democratic and transparent systems.

 3.      Cultural creativity

3.1.         How does one prevent deskilling of society through large scale employment programmes building upon manual labour rather than cultural and other skills?

3.2.         Can entrepreneurial platforms be generated for nurturing folk culture and its incorporation in developmental programmes and philosophies?

3.3.         The culture of creativity spawns numerous innovations at grassroots without which the engine of economic and social progress would not run.  What are the facilitators and inhibitors of expression of potential of cultural creativity in different society?  The culture of resistance provides the fodder for pluralism and diversity.  What are the emerging trends in strengthening such resistance in the wake of globalization and massive consumerism?

3.4.         While culture occupies such an important space in our consciousness, the governance including the ministry dealing with culture is considered a very low importance position.  Nations are built or destroyed depending upon how cultural core of the society evolves through various struggles.

 4.      Technological innovations

4.1.         The concept of deviant research, grassroots innovations, frugal or empathetic innovations, inclusive innovations, farmers' or workers' innovations were much less recognized 25 years ago at the inception of Honey Bee Network.  How do we assess the terminological and conceptual clarity in these concepts?

4.2.         To what extent have various countries recognized the need for redefining the concept of National Innovation System to include the bridge between formal and informal systems of innovations?

4.3.         Can companies and other organizations in public and private sectors join hands with innovations by youth and informal sector for creating genuine and authentic reciprocity and responsibility in the knowledge exchange?

4.4.         What can we learn from the models of benefit sharing emerging through validation and value addition in people's knowledge and creativity?  Why have these models remained so underdeveloped in most parts of the world?  What are the implications of such asymmetry and lack of accountability between formal and informal system for the sustenance of grassroots frugal innovation systems?

4.5.         What lessons can be learnt from Indian model of inclusive innovations as evident from the experience of National Innovation Foundation [NIF] for other regions and vice versa?

4.6.         What are the gaps in the inclusive innovation ecosystem including the investment and entrepreneurial spaces in society?

 5.      Public policy for empathetic innovation

5.1.         Many countries and companies have started open innovation platforms in the recent past but adequate reciprocity towards the knowledge providers remains to be institutionalized. What role can public policy play so that knowledge exchange between the formal and informal sectors can become smoother?

5.2.         The role of public, private and civil society organisations in development and diffusion of extremely affordable innovations remains fuzzy.  Recent studies on the subject have to be critically evaluated to identify future directions.

5.3.         The innovations in public governance and delivery systems play an important role in fuelling democratic aspirations.  How have different countries looked at increasing expectations and declining performance of the formal systems?

 6.      Biodiversity conservation, benefit sharing and development of ethical supply chain

6.1.         Despite deliberations at inter-governmental panel at WIPO, Convention on Biological Diversity, Desert Conventions, etc., not much seems to have changed.  What are the policy directions that can help us move towards a new consensus?  Case studies of knowledge based interface between communities and outside organisations will be welcome.

 7.      Mind to market  

7.1.         Innovative strategies for using social media, e-commerce and other platforms to link grassroots to Global [g2G] markets. 

7.2.         Role of risk capital in linking innovations with enterprise.

7.3.         Protection of intellectual property rights of knowledge holders, evolution of the concept of 'Technology Commons' and open source technologies.

7.4.         The central concern would be to explore the ways in which large corporations can join hands with small innovators to reach the consumers at the base of economic pyramid. 

7.5.         How does recognition and reward for innovators influence their motivation to collaborate and deal with markets collectively? 

7.6.         Which of the new IP models can do justice to the need for protection and incentives for collaboration? 

 

 8.      Innovations in urban spaces for more accessible social infrastructure

8.1.         In view of the rural to urban migration, lot of knowledge has moved to urban spaces.  The urban markets are often unable to discriminate or valorize such place-based knowledge. 

8.2.         Before the erosion of knowledge becomes irreversible, what kind of strategies be developed for knowledge based enterprises in urban areas that put special emphasis on the traditional knowledge of urban workers.

 9.      Integrating women's knowledge creativity and innovations in the innovation ecosystem

9.1.         The knowledge of women and other workers has been given far lesser importance so far.  How do we expand opportunities for women and worker innovators?

9.2.         Which kind of institutional innovations facilitate the uncovering of the creative potential of women and other workers?

 10.   Coping creatively with climate change: community perceptions and innovative response for a sustainable future

10.1.      Given the erratic nature of whether induced changes in many parts of the world, the traditional coping strategies are becoming weaker.  Which kind of institutional and technological interventions are required to increase the capacity of communities in coping with climate risks?  Are there innovative models available, which have achieved enhanced resilience?

10.2.      The agro-biodiversity has played an important role in improving resilience in the wake of risks.  However, consumer preference for traditional varieties has not kept pace with time.   What are the strategies that have reversed the erosion of agro-biodiversity and associated knowledge system?

11.   Designing organisations/social networks/open innovation platforms for linking formal and informal sector in reciprocal, respectful and mutually rewarding manner

12.   Empathetic innovations:  Beyond user-driven, reverse, emergent, embedded, open and frugal innovations

13.   Soil health, plant and animal health, human health: linking the chain of life and creating a constituency for the  soil

14.   Bio-economy: how to incorporate biologicals in the entire material chain of manufacturing and product design to move towards higher standards of sustainability and greater circularity

15.   Circular economy and green supply chain to support grassroots innovators

 

The enquiries for organizing workshops, panel discussions, innovation exhibition and other activities during the conference may be sent to the secretary, iccig@iimahd.ernet.in.  Those who wish to organize parallel sessions of their own networks alongside the conference may also write so that synergy can be exploited for creating empathetic network of networks.

Suggestions for  sponsorship, co-sponsorship or funding travel and stay of the international or national participants are most welcome. Registration fees of USD 50 usd ( Rs 2500 for Indians ) may be deposited in favour of Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, students may pay  only 10 USD (Rs 500). However, in deserving cases, the fees may be waived.

 

The last date for submission of abstracts and final proposals is August 30, 2014 to be confirmed by September 20, 2014.  Full paper/posters/plan for a performance by Nov 30, 2014.

 

The last date for full papers is November 30, 2014.

 

-- 
prof anil k gupta
founder, honey bee network
Indian Institute of management, vastrapur, ahmedabad 380015
www.iimahd.ernet.in/~anilg
www.sristi.org/anilg
anilg@iimahd.ernet.in or anilgb@gmail.com
www.nifindia.org www.sristi.org, www.techpedia.in

अनिल कुमार गुप्ता
भारतीय प्रबंध संस्थान
वस्त्रपुर, अहमदाबाद - ३८००१५
दूरध्वनी: 079-66324927

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Fwd: Call for Paper - 36th Skoch Summit - Delivering to an Aspirational India


Given the framework of 36th Skoch Summit, Skoch Development Foundation calls for original and well-researched papers from domain experts, practitioners and academicians* for its 20th Thinkers & Writers Forum, scheduled to be held on 20th June, 2014 in New Delhi.

This will provide an opportunity to the authors to present their papers before an elite gathering of delegates. Also, authors of the selected final papers will get a complimentary invitation for attending the 36th Skoch Summit. Selected high quality papers from the Forum may be considered for publication in INCLUSION, a quarterly publication of Skoch Media or in other publication in order of consideration by the editorial team.

Authors who will present papers in the Forum can avail grant-in-aid with the following options:

  • INR 5,000 with accommodation**
  • INR 5,000 without accommodation for authors from Delhi NCR region


36th Skoch Summit - Delivering to an Aspirational India – India's Largest Financial Sector Summit 
 
| Key Contents

  • Balancing Democratic Politics and Free-market Economy
  • Techno-centric Financial Sector – Gearing for the Next-gen Customer
  • Differentiated Banking
  • Financial Inclusion Beyond Mor Committee Report
  • Jumping Out of the Box for Generating Jobs
  • Critical Reforms for Regaining Growth
Plenary Sessions:
  • Economic Governance & Reforms
  • Employment Generation

Roundtable Conferences:
  • Reigniting Inclusive Growth
  • Capitalising Education & Technology
  • Differentiation: Avoiding Commoditisation in a Digital World

We invite you to engage in interactive discussions, participate in additional sessions and to cultivate partnerships for development. An evaluation and takeaway sheet would be given to all authors who are also invited to attend a specific conclave as an observer, which they are required to submit to the organisers at the end of each session.

Paper Submission Details: The Abstract should be within 500-600 words including the title of the paper and the author's full name, address, e-mail and phone number. Authors are requested to enclose a recent photo (300 dpi image) and a brief bio of not exceeding 200 words, as well.

Incomplete papers will not be accepted. Accuracy of all material supplied is the responsibility of the author —figures, tables and images should contain references. References are to be added as End notes only (at the end of the paper).

Abstract Submission: 3rd May 2014

Full Paper Submission: 3rd June 2014 (3,000-3,500 words, to be submitted only after notification of the acceptance of abstract)

Notification of Acceptance of Final Paper: 5th June 2014

Submit your abstracts/papers: knowledge@skoch.in

Format

  • File format- Word Document
  • Font style – Arial in single column format
  • Font size – 12 for paper
  • Font size -14 for the title and authors
  • Line spacing -1.5 lines

Please note that only original papers which have not been published previously or submitted for publication elsewhere can be submitted. The authors of selected papers must accept to grant the copyright of the papers to the Summit organisers for the use of papers or parts thereof in any of Skoch publications.

The authors of selected final papers must confirm their presence through the 36th Skoch Summit and present their paper at the 20th Thinkers and Writers Forum. At least one author of each accepted paper (in case of joint paper) must be registered for the 36th Skoch Summit to be eligible for presentation at the Forum.***

Apart from a review by a distinguished jury, the paper(s) will also go through a peer review at the Forum. The author(s) may be asked to update the paper(s) and re-submit, if required. This would be followed by final selection of papers to be published in the Compendium volume.

*Students are not allowed.

** Accommodation will be provided on a twin-sharing basis after confirmed participation by the author/presenter.

*** This is a pre-requisite to present paper during the Thinkers & Writers Forum and for being eligible for the Grant-in-Aid.

Applicable for Resident Indian Nationals Only

  

Sent By:
Skoch Development Foundation
A-222, Sushant Lok I
Gurgaon Haryana 122001
India
 

Monday, April 14, 2014

HCSS Internship Program

HCSS Internship Program

The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies (HCSS) offers motivated students the opportunity to apply knowledge and gain experience in strategic research and multidisciplinary analysis of international and national security issues and broader geopolitical, economic, societal, and environmental trends. The HCSS internship program is designed to help interns develop their skills, while working in an intellectually challenging environment with experts that are passionate about their work. The HCSS internship offers an excellent springboard for future careers in a wide range of fields.

Requirements
Candidates should have an excellent academic background, strong transferable skills, and a keen interest in the topics covered by HCSS research. Further requirements include:

• Outstanding analytical, writing and synthesizing skills
• Excellent command of English; proficiency in Dutch or other languages is considered a plus
• Knowledge of research methods; strong quantitative skills are considered a plus
• Knowledge of advanced internet search strategies
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment
• Flexibility and ability to multi-task
• Positive professional attitude
• Strong work ethic and willingness to learn
• Prior work or internship experience is considered a plus.

Eligibility
• Candidates must be enrolled as a student at a university during the whole internship period.
• The minimum internship period is four months; a period of six months is preferred. Interns should be able to commit to working 40 hours a week.
• Successful candidates are asked to provide a certificate of good conduct (‘Verklaring Omtrent het Gedrag’), available from the Dutch Ministry of Justice.

Application Procedure
To apply, send the following items to info@hcss.nl:

• A curriculum vitae
• A cover letter, stating you are applying for the internship starting in March
• Proof of university enrollment
• Copy of official transcript of academic grades
• A one-page writing sample (excluding bibliography) answering one of the following questions:
1. What does the rise of new powerful states mean for security policy of the West?
2. Is there a future for the Bretton Woods institutions?
3. What could the EU do to increase its innovativeness and the competitiveness of European industries?
4. Is a more ambitious international agreement on combating climate change likely to emerge?

Dutch speakers are asked to write their cover letter in English and their writing sample in Dutch.

Practical Information
The HCSS internship is paid.

Deadlines
Application Deadline > Internship Start Date

  • 21st May 2014 > 2nd June 2014
  • 25th June 2014 > 1st July 2014

The application deadlines allow the 6 weeks necessary for non-EU candidates to arrange all permits necessary to conduct the internship in the Netherlands.

The HCSS internship program attracts a large number of outstanding candidates from around the world and is highly competitive. HCSS only considers candidates that submit a complete application and fulfill all eligibility requirements. Successful applicants will be invited for an interview.

Source: http://www.hcss.nl/jobs/

Sunday, April 6, 2014

Audio recordings of a Round Table Discussion on "Innovation in Higher Education - Indo-U.S. Collaboration", held on 20th March

Communication and Information Services (CIS), JNU, India organized a round table discussion on “Innovation in Higher Education – Indo-U.S. Collaboration” at JNU Convention Centre on 20th March 2014. Dr. Sam Pitroda, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Public Information Infrastructure & Innovations chaired the session. The panelists included the Presidents, Vice Presidents, Chief Information Officers (CIOs), Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) of U.S. Universities and select Vice Chancellors and Directors from Indian universities. The Indian discussants talked about promises and optimal utilization of resources available in the National Knowledge Network (NKN), whereas U.S. delegates talked about their experiences in implementing advanced information and communication technologies (ICTs) in their respective universities. They also shared their experiences in implementing Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), open courseware (OCW), and digital learning channels for connecting millions of lifelong learners. 

Now listen to audio recordings of this Round Table Discussion on “Innovation in Higher Education – Indo-U.S. Collaboration”. 

Link1: http://www.mixcloud.com/cssp_jnu/a-round-table-discussion-on-innovation-in-higher-education-indo-us-collaboration-at-jnu/ 

Link2: http://i.mixcloud.com/CHL8SY



Thursday, April 3, 2014

IDRC releases "BRICS: National Systems of Innovation" Book Series

BRICS: National Systems of Innovation

New Delhi: Routledge, IDRC, 2013-14.

Series Editors: José E. Cassiolato, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Maria Clara Couto Soares, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

This series of books brings together results of an intensive research programme on aspects of the national systems of innovation in the five BRICS countries — Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. It provides a comprehensive and comparative examination of the challenges and opportunities faced by these dynamic and emerging economies. In discussing the impact of innovation with respect to economic, geopolitical, socio-cultural, institutional and technological systems, it reveals the possibilities of new development paradigms for equitable and sustainable growth.

 

Books in this Series

(V. 1) The Role of the State

Editors: Mario Scerri and Helena M. M. Lastres

New Delhi: Routledge, IDRC, 2013. ISBN: 9780415842549 / 390 pg.

Download Full-text PDF: http://idl-bnc.idrc.ca/dspace/bitstream/10625/50905/1/IDL-50905.pdf

Includes Chapter:

India by V. V. Krishna, 138-187.

 

(V. 2) Inequality and Development Challenges

Editors: Maria Clara Couto Soares, Mario Scerri, and Rasigan Maharajh

New Delhi: Routledge, IDRC, 2013. ISBN: 9780415710329 / 372 pg.

Download Full-text PDF: http://idl-bnc.idrc.ca/dspace/bitstream/10625/51766/1/IDL-51766.pdf

Includes Chapter:

Dealing with the Innovation-Inequality Conundrum: The Indian Experience by K. J. Joseph, Lakhwinder Singh and Vinoj Abraham, 149-189.

 

(V. 3) The Promise of Small and Medium Enterprises

Editors: Ana Arroio and Mario Scerri

New Delhi: Routledge, IDRC, 2013. ISBN: 9780415710367 / 262 pg.

Download Full-text PDF: http://idl-bnc.idrc.ca/dspace/bitstream/10625/52039/1/IDL-52039.pdf

Includes Chapter:

On Learning, Innovation and Competence Building in India’s SMEs: The Challenges Ahead by Keshab Das and K. J. Joseph 121-160.

 

(V. 4) Transnational Corporations and Local Innovation

Editors: José Cassiolato, Graziela Zucoloto, Dinesh Abrol, and Liu Xielin

New Delhi: Routledge, IDRC, 2013. ISBN: 9780415710381 / 418 pg.

Download Full-text PDF: http://idl-bnc.idrc.ca/dspace/bitstream/10625/52180/1/IDL-52180.pdf

Includes Chapter:

Foreign Direct Investment and National Innovation System: Evidence from India by Dinesh Abrol 189-280.

 

(V. 5) Financing Innovation

Editors: Michael Kahn, Luiz Martins de Melo, and Marcelo G. Pessoa de Matos

New Delhi: Routledge, IDRC, 2013. ISBN: 9780415710398 / 255 pg.

Download Full-text PDF: http://idl-bnc.idrc.ca/dspace/bitstream/10625/52181/1/IDL-52181.pdf

Includes Chapter:

India by Sunil Mani 134-162.

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

India-EU Research & Innovation Workshop on Information and Communication Technology and Electronics (ICTE)

India-EU Research & Innovation Workshop on Information and Communication Technology and Electronics (ICTE)
Date and Venue: Tuesday 29 April 2014 in New Delhi

The Department of Electronics and Information Technology (DeitY) under The Indian Ministry of Communications and Information Technology is organising an India-EU ICTE research and innovation workshop on 29 April in New Delhi (see draft agenda clicking above). The Delegation of the European Union to India is supporting this event. EURAXESS Links India will also participate.

Sessions will be held on:
- R&D Cooperation- Strengths and Opportunities
- Innovation, incubation, mobility in ICTE sector
- Collaborative Academic/Institutional Research
- Investment and Innovation

The workshop is open to European as well as Indian researchers and innovators based in India. REGISTRATION OPEN. For registration and further information please contact Mr. Abhinav Sharma, Sci B: Email: abhinav.sharma@deity.gov.in Mob: 99682150109968215010

Download Agenda: http://ec.europa.eu/euraxess/data/linksImages/india/Agenda%20R&D%20Workshop%202%20April%202014.doc

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