Indian research can shape the world
National laboratories need to be liberated from insularity; the bulk of our national labs are currently poorly accessible to researchers, students and companies outside their walls
Indian research has the potential to shape the world, according to experts. For decades, India has struggled to keep up with other nations in technological advancements, including aircraft, weapons, materials, and biotechnology. However, recent changes in the relationship between science and technology have shown promise. Fundamental research and application are increasingly intertwined, with discoveries leading to rapid applications. To make Indian science impactful globally, four key areas must be addressed.
First, invest in high-quality education at scale. Advances in technology, such as AI, can democratize access to learning, enabling millions of students who are currently underserved by traditional institutions. Additionally, creating experimental "foundries" for hands-on learning in various scientific disciplines will be crucial.
Second, national laboratories must be made more accessible to researchers, students, and companies. Currently, many of these labs are isolated, limiting collaboration and knowledge sharing. Organizing labs into three zones – green for open interaction, amber for collaboration, and red for strategic work – will foster greater engagement.
Third, flexibility is essential. India is often criticized for its lack of trust in its research system, leading to cumbersome regulations. However, high-quality institutions with strong compliance should be exempted from strict compliance measures. Trust should be measured by outcomes rather than adherence to procedures, allowing these institutions to excel.
Lastly, regulatory reforms are necessary. The approval process for research involving biological materials and clinical trials is slow and unpredictable. Streamlining these processes will empower small and medium-sized institutions to succeed, particularly those lacking substantial resources.
By addressing these four areas, India can transition to a science-driven nation with a global impact. If improvements are made in each sector at a rate of 10% annually for 20 years, India's scientific capabilities will increase nearly sevenfold. Former Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, K. VijayRaghavan, and Vice-President of Iron Pillar Terms, Archish Mittal, emphasize that while significant changes are needed, they are achievable through strategic steps.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu - Sci-Tech's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
