With Science Policy and Diplomacy Meet, One Week One Lab programme concludes at CSIR-NIScPR

New Delhi, September 16: CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) concluded “One Week One Lab (OWOL)” programme, and the valedictory function for this enriching week-long event took place on Sayurday at Vivekananda Hall of CSIR-NIScPR at New Delhi.

During One Week One Lab programme (OWOL), CSIR-NIScPR organised 9 major events namely India’s Startup Revolution: From Idea to Market, Grassroots Innovation & Skill development Conclave for Rural development, Science Communication Workshop, Student-Science Connect, Science Communication: Public Engagement with Science, Science Knowledge Convention, Science policy & Diplomacy Meet. During the OWOL programme, NIScPR invited its key stakeholders like science policy makers, diplomats, science communicators, scientists, industry, innovators, entrepreneurs, startups, farmers, teachers, students and science publishers, etc. and showcased them new initiatives and achievements of NIScPR.

In the fifth day’s Science Knowledge Convention event, the Authors & Publishers Interaction Meet commenced with a talk by Mr. Rishab Bajaj from Wiley who talked about the existing collaboration between Wiley and NKRC. They highlighted the collaboration between ACS and NKRC and the features they have to offer.

The One Week One Lab programme of CSIR-NIScPR, aimed at fostering public engagement with sciences and science policy and showcasing the achievements of CSIR-NIScPR, has been a resounding success, thanks to the dedication and hardwork of the participants and the organizers. The valedictory function proved to be fitting culmination to the week filled with insightful presentations and discussions.

The Science Policy & Diplomacy Meet started today with a warm and welcoming address by Prof. Ranjana Aggarwal, Director, CSIR-NIScPR, setting the stage for a captivating and fruitful program. Prof. Aggarwal expressed pride in hosting the "One Week One Lab" programme, underscoring its role in fostering connections and stimulating discussions on critical topics such as science communication, science policy, knowledge-sharing, and science diplomacy for sustainable development. She highlighted that this initiative embodies CSIR-NIScPR's unwavering commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and promoting global cooperation. Director NIScPR highlighted the core activities and achievements of the Institute including STI policy initiatives and science communication endeavours.

Prof. Ranjana Aggarwal, CSIR-NIScPR felicitating Chief Guest of the Science Policy & Diplomacy event Dr. Philipp Ackermann, the German Ambassador to India and Bhutan (Left) and Guest of Honour, Dr. Bhaskar Balakrishnan, former Ambassador of India (Right)

The event's Guest of Honour, Dr. Bhaskar Balakrishnan, former Ambassador of India and Science Diplomacy Fellow at Research and Information System (RIS), New Delhi, shared invaluable insights into the paramount significance of science diplomacy in the contemporary world. Dr. Balakrishnan emphasized the need for India to increase its research and development (R&D) intensity as a percentage of GDP by at least 2%. He stressed the importance of stimulating sector-specific R&D and called for a substantial increase in the number of researchers, accompanied by enhanced R&D infrastructure. He also underlined the necessity for India to actively participate in global science programs and emphasized the need for young researchers to acquire the tools necessary for crafting research proposals and managing funding.

Moment of the release of a special publication on Science Diplomacy by the dignitaries of the event

The highlight of the event was the release of a special publication on Science Diplomacy, which was unveiled by the Chief Guest, Dr. Philipp Ackermann, the German Ambassador to India and Bhutan. This publication marks a significant milestone in the dissemination of knowledge in the field of science diplomacy.

In his keynote address on Science Diplomacy for Sustainable Development, Dr. Ackermann shared his deep admiration for India's scientific achievements and its robust relationship with Germany. He noted the substantial presence of Indian students in Germany, underlining the strong ties between the two nations.

In conclusion, the event served as a platform for robust discussions on science diplomacy, science policy, and international collaboration in advancing scientific knowledge and achieving sustainable development goals. CSIR-NIScPR's commitment to these endeavors was evident throughout the event, making it a significant milestone in the pursuit of global cooperation and scientific progress. Top of Form

This was followed by Vote of Thanks by Dr Kasturi Mandal, Head, GGSD and Principal Scientist, CSIR-NIScPR.

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