Annual Report 2007-2008

Science Applications For Well Being Agharkar Research Institute, Pune

Agharkar Research Institute is focusing on life science research. The major areas are: biodiversity studies on microbes, fungi and plants, bioremediation, methanogenesis, crop improvement, plant molecular biology, medico-botany, human nutrition, developmental biology and nanobiotechnology.

A National Facility for Fungal Identification and Culture Collection has become operational. A Centre for Nanobiotechnology has been formed.

A grape hybrid developed by our Institute has been released for cultivation in Punjab in the name of Punjab Purple. Molecular markers have been identified for yellow pigment colour in durum wheat grain, which have potential use in marker aided selection.

In biodiversity studies, the digitized version of herbarium was prepared and hosted on institute website. Identification keys were developed for crude drugs. Monographs of 12 plant species were submitted to ICMR. Taxonomic accounts of three lichen genera comprising of 75 species were prepared. Hepatoprotective activity of a lichen species was studied. Two constituents of essential oils from Chirayat plant- linalool and ±-terpineol were found to possess repellent activities for Indian honey bees.

In bioremediation studies, plants of Hydrilla species were found to be highly effective in removing nitrates from nitroexplosive waste water. Anaerobic bacteria for use in dechlorination of organochlorines from paper and pulp mill waste water were isolated. Chemical constituents of Mehndi leaf were found to preserve raw buffalo hide. A biodegradable polymer was produced using a halotolerant bacterium from Lonar lake. The haloarchaea from volcanic mud of Andaman and Nicobar islands were identified using 16s RNA sequence and FISH technique. Hyperthermophilic bacteria have been isolated for microbial-mediated enhancement of oil recovery from oil wells.

In nanobiotechnology, Iron-Nickel bimetallic nanoparticles were shown to degrade the dye Orange G. Using rat model; nanosized gold particles were shown to ameliorate the symptoms of arthritis caused by diverse causes. LSMO nanoparticles conjugated with bovine serum albumin and dextran were synthesized which have wide range application for cancer hypothermia treatment.

In nutrition studies, central obesity was found to be a better predictor of risk for hypertension among urban population. The cut-offs were lower than conventional values, indicating greater risk. In adolescent obesity studies, somatic disproportion was found to be a better biomarker associated with risk for cardiovascular diseases in adolescent population. In rat liver slice experiments, folic acid caused inhibitory effect on in vitro zinc uptake while ascorbic acid was protective under oxidative stress.

In developmental biology studies, insulin and FGF were found to positively enhance the process of angiogenesis by inducing a wide range of angiogenesis-related gene expression. Inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis revealed disruption of axial structures in early chick embryos.

3 patents were granted and 4 patent applications were submitted.

INTERNATIONAL ADVANCED RESEARCH CENTRE FOR POWDER METALLURGY AND NEW MATERIALS (ARCI), HYDERABAD

ARCI has been set up with a mission to develop unique, novel and techno-commercially viable technologies in the area of advanced materials and processes and subsequently transfer them to industries. Major thrust areas include:

• Nanomaterials;
• Engineered Coatings;
• Ceramic Processing;
• Laser Materials Processing;
• Carbon Materials;
• Non-Oxide Ceramics;
• Fuel Cells; and
• Sol-Gel Coating Technology;

Highlights of the accomplishments in each of these areas are as follows:

Nanomaterials

Having established a vast array of synthesis, processing and characterization facilities for nanomaterials research, application development has been attempted in the areas of nanosilver for drinking water disinfection, nano-ZnO for electrical varistors, nano alumina-based cutting tool materials and nano tungsten carbide as non-noble catalyst in PEM fuel cell electrodes. Progress has been made in terms of conducting field trials to demonstrate some of the technologies. New projects related to functional textile finishes, utilization of aerogels for thermal insulation applications, synthesis of inorganic fullerenes and establishing pulse electrodeposition to make nanostructured coatings and catalysts have been taken up. Accomplishments in each of these activities are summarized as follows:

• Nano-silver coated ceramic candle filters after laboratory testing for antibacterial action were put through field trials in about 40 villages. The filters are found to be working satisfactorily.
  
• Varistors made from nano crystalline powders have high break-down voltage due to higher number of grain boundaries in comparison to conventional ones. The ZnO synthesis process was scaled up to semi-pilot level using spray pyrolysis method. The samples are ready for field trials in collaboration with an Indian company.
  
• Synthesis of Al2O3, TiO2, Fe, Cu, Ni, and Al nanopowders has been demonstrated by Electric Wire Explosion Method (EWE). Conventional process optimization studies are underway.
  
• Nanocrystalline WC-Co powders were synthesized by high energy ball milling and were consolidated to bulk shape using Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) and Microwave Sintering (MW). Dense products with grain size less than 500 nm was obtained, which gave better combination of hardness and fracture toughness in comparison to conventional coarse-grained WC-Co.
  
• Chemical Vapour Synthesis (CVS) process was established and Nano TiO2 was produced from the precursor titanium tetra iso-propoxide, which gave particles as small as 5 nm with surface area as high as 200 m2/gm. XRD results on these powders indicated the presence of anatase phase, which is promising for photocatalytic applications.
  
• Microwave Plasma (MWP) equipment was established and used to demonstrate synthesis of metal, oxide and nitride nanopowders. Titanium dioxide is an attractive material for several applications including cosmetics, paints and photocatalysis. Process optimization to produce anatase TiO2 nanopowders was studied in detail. The process has the capability to produce titania powder with a yield of 100 – 150 gm/h. Titania powders (80% Anatase + 20% rutile) with a surface area of 45 m2/g exhibit high photocatalytic activity for decolorizing methylene blue dye solution.
  
• The effect of nano grain sized magnesia on the mechanical properties of spark plasma sintered alumina was investigated. The effect of magnesia content and sintering parameters on density, grain size, hardness and fracture toughness were evaluated. SPS conditions were optimized at 1150°C/5 min at a pressure of 50 MPa. While 100 nm magnesia addition gave higher density levels, good hardness (25 GPa) and better fracture toughness (4.8 MPa.m1/2) were obtained with 15 nm magnesia. The improved mechanical properties are attributed to the sub-micron grain size of the matrix, and also to the presence of nanograins and nano-pores at grain boundaries induced by the addition of nano magnesia and by the spark plasma sintering (SPS) process.
  
• Nano-Tungsten carbide powders have been tried for fuel cell electrodes and ARCI’s Centre for Fuel Cell Technology (CFCT) has found the performance of these powders satisfactory.
  
• Work on development of Anti-bacterial Nanosilver Suspensions or Nanosilver-Coated Powders for Catheter Applications has been initiated after signing a know-how development agreement in Feb 2007 with a reputed medical devices company.
  
• A 1 KW heat pipe heat sink has been designed for assisting technology receivers.
  
• Plans are underway to initiate work to optimize following applications after signing Know-How development agreement with an Indian company :
  
  

1. Nano- Silver for anti-bacterial textile applications
2. Nano-Titanium Dioxide for self-cleaning antibacterial applications in textiles

The purpose is to develop nano silver modified powders as well as suspensions for polymeric medical devices. Trials have already commenced with powder and suspension samples provided by ARCI.

Engineered Coatings

With various coating techniques available at the centre, a variety of coatings were developed and transferred to industry. The important ones are as under:

• Agreements have been signed with 4 companies located in different parts of the country, for transfer of Micro Arc Oxidation (MAO) technology offering each of them state-wide exclusivity. Prototype units have been supplied and successfully integrated and commissioned at three technology receivers’ sites. In response to enquiries from abroad, efforts were also initiated to establish different MAO applications for International customers in France and Canada. Plans are underway to further develop innovative applications and transfer them subsequently to the MAO technology receivers. Studies to extend utility of MAO technique to Mg and its alloys are also in progress.
• Studies to optimize the influence of various process parameters for copper coatings on aluminum as well as heat treatment studies on copper coatings for use in high conductivity applications were undertaken. Indian patent has been awarded for the cold spray process. A facility for gun and job manipulation using a 6-axis robot will be established shortly.
• Detonation Spray Coating (DSC) system was commissioned at the site of one more technology receiver at Delhi. Commissioning of the second Detonation Spray Coating (DSC) system at one of the Technology receiver’s premises has also been completed.
• The know-how for manufacturing advanced ESC units has been transferred to an industry. Assistance/ training is being provided to initially assemble 5 ESC units. Patent application for ESC technology has been filed in India. Efforts are being made to file the patent in USA.

Ceramic Processing

Ceramic materials in the form of monoliths, composites, fibres, coatings and nanopowders have found increasing use in structural, electrical and optical applications thereby offering huge commercial potential.

An approach that administers a careful control of the processing parameters, right from powder synthesis to component development has been adopted on a variety of ceramic materials and their applications. Some of the major ones are elaborated as follows:

• ARCI is developing know how for the production of calcium aluminate cement (high alumina), low alumina cement, sintered mullites and furnace sealant for an industry. Production parameters for Calcium aluminate cement (high alumina), low alumina cement, and furnace sealant have been optimized. 1 kg batch of each of the above materials has been tested and accepted by Customer Company. Sintered mullite grain production trials are in progress. To complete the technology transfer, ARCI shall demonstrate the commercial batch production in three consecutive trials at SCPL.
• PTC disc for thermal relay application was taken up for a company marketing PTC discs. Samples were provided for field trials.
• NR Industries has signed a technology transfer agreement with ARCI to manufacture honeycomb based molten metal filters for ferrous and non-ferrous metals in foundries. Works related to transfer of process know how for the production of cordierite-Mullite and ZrO 2 spinel based filters have been initiated. Samples for market sensitization have been handed over to the company
• Zirconia toughened alumina (ZTA) is commercially used for making cutting tools. The process involves mixing of zirconia (of various percentages) with alumina of micron size and sintering them conventionally at around 1640°C. Investigations were taken up using nano-powders and sintering by the spark plasma sintering technique. Alumina zirconia composites having zirconia content 8-50 wt% were prepared by milling in acetone medium. The powders were sintered at different conditions in SPS and their mechanical properties were evaluated. Hardness and toughness measurements were conducted on those samples which had high density (~98%) and reasonably low average grain size (around 0.5 micron). A minimum grain size of ~ 0.4 micron with density of 99% hardness of 20 GPa and fracture toughness of 4.5 MPa.m 1/2 were obtained with the composition having 50% zirconia. Further work has to be carried out to give these composites the shape of cutting tool inserts and their cutting properties have to be evaluated.

Laser Processing of Materials

Laser welding, surface treatment and drilling process development for a number of manufacturing applications were pursued. Some of the industry-sponsored projects as well as internal scientific investigations are as follows:

• Detailed investigations have been carried out to know the effect of laser beam spot size on weld properties of tailor-welded blanks
• Crankshafts of a reciprocating air compressor, laser hardened at the center have passed the overload tests conducted by the customer
• Thermal barrier coated shroud segment (aero-engine component), laser drilled at the center has passed the first level inspection in terms of hole size and quality
• Joining of thin section sensor buttons on thick section shafting for automotive testing applications has been accomplished by low heat input precision laser welding and the welded assemblies were supplied to the customer

A 6 kW fiber coupled diode laser with robotic manipulation system is expected to be commissioned soon. This laser can operate in the 100 – 6000 W range, with a number of beam spot sizes being possible. It is also equipped with power control using temperature feedback that is very useful in hardening applications, a programmable twin-powder feeder for cladding applications, a teach arm for 3D profiles and software for export and import of parameters.

Carbon Materials

Efforts are also being made to improve the yield of the carbon nanotubes produced by arc discharge and chemical vapour deposition, establish reliable methods to purify the product and explore the potential applications of Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs). Some of the important achievements are:

• Synthesis of multiwall carbon nanotubes through arc discharge set up.
• Optimization of Process parameters for large-scale synthesis of Carbon Nanotubes.

Samples were supplied to various Institutes and Organizations for exploring various applications of carbon nanotubes.

Ongoing R&D Activities are directed towards

• Effect of Graphite types on the synthesis of carbon nanotubes .
• Synthesis of Single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNT)
• Development of Polymer Composites from the Carbon nanotubes

Non-Oxide Ceramics

ARCI is vigorously pursuing R&D activities in the area of engineered non-oxide ceramics and its composites for a wide range of applications. The emphasis is on indigenous development of high-value products for niche market applications through adoption of cost effective process routes. This Centre is successfully developing technologies for a range of products covering a wide spectrum, such as reaction bonded and pressure-less sintered silicon carbide for mechanical seals and wear parts, titanium silicon carbide composites for wear resistance applications, and silicon nitride and SiAlON materials for diverse requirements demanding low dielectric constant properties.

Fuel Cell Technology

The Centre for Fuel Cell Technology has been working on developing Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel cell (PEMFC) technology for use in

(a) UPS
(b) Decentralized Power Generation
(c) Transportation

The progress made by the Centre during the period of this report is given below:

• A process know–how developed for making fuel cell electrodes was scaled up from 30 sq. cm to 770 sq.cm.
• A semi automatic process has been implemented for making Gas Diffusion Layer (GDL) used in the electrodes and catalyst coated membranes using a screen-printing machine. This development has reduced the time taken to make the GDLs from 15 days to 5 days for a 1 kW stack.
• A novel low cost membrane based reactant humidifier (useful for sub kW level) has been designed and fabricated. These units are import substitutes.
• Process know-how has been developed for making bipolar plates from exfoliated graphite which would help in reducing the stack weight and cost of this component in fuel cell by nearly 50%. This method is amenable for mass production. The process is tested for 7 flow field designs and in two different areas.
• A 1 kW fuel cell stack was successfully integrated with an inverter developed by M/s Alacrity Electronics, the industrial partner in this project.
• A grid independent 300–1000 Watts PEM fuel cell system has been developed and tested. The control circuitry using a PLC has been developed for this purpose.
• 1 kW stack which is air-cooled has been developed and is undergoing tests in the lab for use in electric vehicle.
• A 3 kW fuel cell stack, water cooled (1 st Generation) which operates on hydrogen and air (oxygen) was designed, assembled and tested for stationary applications.
• A non-noble metal catalyst (tungsten carbide based) has been successfully tested for use as anode catalyst in PEMFC cell. Work is under progress to scale up the electrode to large areas using this catalyst.
• Designed and developed a 4.5 kW PEMFC stack, water cooled (1 ^st Generation) for stationary application.

Sol-Gel Technology

Setting up of ARCI-Engineered nano Products, Germany (EPG) Demonstration Centre was successfully accomplished with the commissioning of the facilities equipment including Sol-Gel pilot plant for synthesis of sols at 10L, 20L & 100L scales; Reaction Calorimeter; Plasma Pretreatment Equipment; Flat Glass Cleaner; Flat Spray Coating; Spray Coating Line; Sword Brush Cleaner; Spin Coaters; and Drying Ovens in March 2007.

Out of the five prioritized areas, preliminary work has begun on the following:

a. Glass- like coatings on metal substrates for scratch resistance corrosion of anti-finger print application, and

b. Gels for fire- protection applications

• Sols for preparing scratch/ abrasion resistant glass- like coatings on metals have been synthesized and are being characterized for viscosity and gelation time.
• Preliminary trials of glass-like coating on aluminum and stainless steel substrates have yielded encouraging results. The coatings are expected to give increased wear resistance and high temperature (500 ^o C to 600 ^o C) corrosion resistance. Al substrates when coated with this sol and tested for corrosion, yielded corrosion rates lower by a factor of 35 when compared to bare Al.
• Water containing gels have been prepared for fire protection applications in windows. Initial trials were made on miniaturized glass fixtures minimizing soluble glazed windows with a separation of 8 – 10 mm. The gel was filled in between the space and testing was carried out by fixing on one side of the fixture. After a testing time of 1 min, it was found that the gel remained transparent.
• Representative compositions in the CeO₂ – SiO₂ system have been prepared as stable sols, which can be readily coated on aluminum or glass substrates by either spinning or dripping. By controlled thermal treatments of the coatings, micro- composites have been prepared where one phase crystallizes (CeO₂) in an amorphous matrix. Monolayer coatings on Al substrates showed reduced corrosion rate by a factor of 18 when compared to bare aluminum substrates.

• Patents granted - 5
• Patents in the final stage of processing - 3
• Recently filed patents - 7

Publications

• Journal publications - 39
• Journal publications (in press) - 14
• Conference publications - 9
• Conference publications (in press) - 4

SREE CHITRA TIRUNAL INSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL SCIENCES & TECHNOLOGY (SCTIMST), THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

The Institute has a Biomedical Technology (BMT) wing for the R & D activities, a hospital for cardiovascular thoracic and neurological diseases and a centre for research and training in public health.

Biomedical Technology Development

Vision 2020 expansion programme has been further augmented with the installation of major equipment such as Micro-CT, Environmental SEM and an Inductively Coupled Plasma Emission Spectroscope. The technical know-how for the preparation of single-solution bonding agent for dental applications was transferred to M/s. Anabond Stedman Research Pharma Ltd., Chennai to complement the four products transferred earlier. The second agreement for Bioceramic products was transferred to M/s. Basic Healthcare Ltd., a company in Punjab and is expected to reach the market by end of 2007. The Hemoconcentrator entered the clinical trial phase with the completion of its preclinical safety evaluation. The Tissue Engineering initiative moved forward with a project being sanctioned by DBT. The Biomedical Technology wing witnessed increased interaction with external organizations within the country and outside. The Institute is actively supporting the Drugs Controller General (India) in the implementation of medical device regulation in the area of cardiovascular implants like heart valves and drug eluting stents.

The third surveillance audit of the quality system was carried out by the audit team of Comite Francais D'Accreditation (COFRAC) of France ensuring compliance with the latest revision of the standard ISO: 17025:2005.

Major Highlights of technology activities

• Technology transfer agreement signed for five bioceramic products and a single-solution bonding agent for dental applications,
• Memorandum of Understanding signed with Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Trivandrum for joint development of Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD),
• A R&D Networked Centre for Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering has been sanctioned by the Indo-US Science & Technology Forum,
• Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) based quality system for safety studies of medical devices has been implemented,
• Pre-clinical safety evaluation of the centrifugal blood pump, the new model of the Chitra heart vale and the oral insulin delivery system has been completed.
• The Institute is also engaged in the development of biomedical products, technologies and processes. The progress made in these products is highlighted below:

Product/Process and its status:

• Development of Improved Tilting Disc Heart Valve with objectives of reducing thrombotic potential, ensuring MRI compatibility and improved hemodynamics made considerable progress and the products is expected to reach clinical evaluation in early 2008. M/s. TTK Healthcare Ltd. is the industrial partner in this major product.
• Bioactive Ceramic Composites: Technology Transfer cum pilot production agreement for Bioactive Ceramic Composite (HABG) for dental applications was signed on 22 nd November 2007 between Institute and M/s DORTHOM Medi Dents Pvt Ltd, Coimbatore. This technology will help develop bone fillers for perio and other dental applications.
• The Centrifugal Blood Pump for cardio-pulmonary bypass reached the advanced stage of final development validation with the know-how being transferred to SIDD Life Sciences Pvt. Lrd., Chennai. Approval for ex-vivo trials has been received. Drive unit vendor fabrication and Flow-meter – Vendor development is in progress. Commercialization is ongoing under TDB funding.
• An MOU was signed with the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Trivandrum for the joint development of a Left Ventricular Assist Device. The VSSC will design and develop the hardware, while the detailed in-vitro and in-vivo evaluation of the device, providing feed back for improvements and ensure its efficacy and safety will be the responsibility of the Institute. The first set of prototype pumps were tested in-vitro using freshly collected bovine blood and based on results, further improvement to the pump are in progress. Application for permission for ex-vivo trials has been submitted.
• Dental Composites : The technology transfer documents for Dental composites were handed over to M/ s. Anabond – Stedman Pharma Research Ltd., Chennai on July 10 th and now they are marketed under the brand names ‘RESTOFILL' (Dental Composite), STEDBOND (Primer/Resin bonding agent) and STEDBOND-S (Single solution bonding agent).
• Following the transfer of know-how to USV Ltd., Mumbai for the preparation of insulin loaded nanoparticles for oral insulin delivery during the previous year, the project moved further with the development of oral insulin formulation capsules by USV Ltd., Mumbai, and its efficacy was tested on diabetic pigs and results of the preliminary experiments are positive. A conclusion has reached that the polymeric nanoparticles for oral insulin delivery applications is non-toxic in rats at the laboratory conditions simulated. Further data is planned for pre-clinical studies.
• A second technology transfer agreement was signed with M/s. Anabond Stedman Research Pharma Ltd., (ASPR), Chennai for the commercialization of single solution bonding agent. The product is marketed under the brand name “Stedbond-S. Dental composite technology transferred in 2005 is being marketed by ASPRL in 6 shades and the products are being exported to Kenya and Mozambique after Nairobi University approved porudcts. The main competitor for this product “3M” reduced their prices by 30% in the Indian market, giving an idea of the impact of the Institute's contribution to this segment of healthcare.
• An MOU for a joint collaborative project to develop a drug releasing intrauterine system was signed with Hindustan Latex Ltd., Trivandrum. At present the entire requirement for this fertility control device is imported and a low cost indigenous product will go a long way in supporting the nation's family planning initiatives. The characterization of the drug is under process.
• Glass ionomer cement and carries dissolving agent: Glass ionomer cement for restorative, luting and core build up applications in dentistry and a caries dissolving agent which helps in removing dental caries without the use of a drill was developed
• The process developed for the heparinization of PMMA intra ocular lenses was transferred to M/s. Aurolab, Madurai. Commercialization of the product by the industry is awaited.
• Polyurethane potting compound development based on indigenous raw materials for the fabrication of disposable hollow fibre biomedical devices has progressed well. Industrial trials are in progress with M/s. SIDD Life Sciences Pvt.Ltd., Chennai.
• Porous Chitosan Sponges and Microparticles as Surgical Hemostat: Basic procedure for the preparation of uncrosslinked chitosan microspheres in the range of 50-100 microns was standardized. The optimization of the Freeze Drying process for creating porosity is progressing. The heavy metal content and endotoxin content are being evaluated. The cytotoxicity of the particles and the hemosatic potential evaluation is being planned.
• Development of anti-viper venom antibodies in chicken and purification of IgY has been completed and the yield per egg was estimated. In vitro reactivity of purified antibodies with different batches of venom was established.
• The initiative to develop recombinant proteins, starting with TGF alpha made slow but steady progress. The use of Transformation Growth Factor alpha (TGF alpha) is found to augment wound healing in cases of burns, diabetes wounds, and chronic ulcers. The recombinant human TGF alpha developed and tested for its wound healing ability has been found to enhance the healing by 20-30%. Experiments are underway to evaluate its stability when used along with the Chitosan based wound dressing materials, which are under development in the institute.
• After the phenomenal success of the field trial of 1200 Milk Test Kit produced, transfer of technology for a “Field Kit for testing antibiotic sensitivity in dairy animals” to Institute of Animal Health and Veterinary Biologicals, Department of Animal Husbandry, Govt. of Kerala, was completed in November 2007 and release of the kit for use at the field centers all over the state commenced.
• Bioengineered cell sheet for corneal application: A novel graft copolymer consisting of hydroxyl ethylmethacrylate and NIPAAm was synthesized and characterised. While maintaining the non-cytotoxic nature, the material was found to repel cell adhesion. Development of a corneal construct for treating corneal epithelial damage and for the development of an in-vitro assay as an alternate to the “Rabbit eye irritation test” made good progress.
• Development of artefact free breathing monitor progressed with further improvements being incorporated like the use of microcontroller for impedance measurements at more than one frequency. A final prototype is being fabricated, which after passing the electrical safety requirements would be evaluated clinically.
• Development of instrumentation for bio-impedance measurements to carry out multi-frequency impedance measurements typically required fro clinical application such as early detection of cancers of epithelial tissues progressed well. The preliminary results were encouraging; further miniaturization of the circuit has been found necessary to improve accuracy and is under development.
• Development of bone graft substitutes for spinal fusion surgery: It is aimed to develop a new composite material that has bioactivity (both osteoconductive and osteoinductive properties) and mechanical and biological compatibility with the host bone tissue. Appropriate compositions were developed and a systematic study of the mechanical and biological properties is in progress.
• Novel microporous polymeric membranes for medical applications: The ultimate objective of the project is to develop a micro porous membrane from compatible blends of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and poly dimethyl siloxane rubber (PDMS), which can be developed further to be used as a substitute for human dura mater and as a non-biodegradable scaffolds in tissue engineering. As part of the project a review on different types of polyurethanes and their stability was conducted.

The Institute is also participating in some important ongoing externally funded projects including Tissue engineering hybrid artificial lung model for testing pollutants and drugs, biomimetic processing of inorganic-organic composites for biomedical applications and Evaluation of the pro and anti inflammatory profile of cells onto bio-material surface.

Hospital Services

The hospital continued to provide tertiary care to an increasing number of patients. Several new diagnostic and therapeutic programmes were started which included complex tachy-arrhythmia management, trans-cranial magnetic stimulation for functional localization, sleep disorder management and diffusion tensor imaging and fiber trachography using MRI. In its efforts to extend affordable care to the socio-economically disadvantaged sections of the public, the Institute has further reduced the charges including free treatment to a particular category of patient.

In order to have efficient control of Bio Medical Waste, the Institute has entered into an agreement with the Centralized Biomedical Waste Management facility of Indian Medical Association and Corporation of Trivandrum. The hospital information system is also being augmented periodically to improve the efficiency of the system. License was issued by Government of Kerala for establishing the homograft valve bank after a MOU was signed with the Medical College at Trivandrum.

More than three dozen basic and clinical research projects are under various stages at the hospital wing. The study of isolation and cloning of human adult cardiac stem cells, endothelial progenitor cells and determination of genetic component in hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy are also being carried out.

The Institute currently offers 23 academic (diploma, postgraduate, doctoral and postdoctoral) courses in medical sciences, biomedical engineering and technology, basic sciences and public health attracting significant numbers of students from all over India and for the MPH course, from other countries as well. The Institute has so far under taken 98 Projects with 71 Patents, 5 Books published & 135 publications in reputed Journals.

The Achutha Menon Centre for Health Studies (AMCHSS) is running DPH, MPH and Ph.D programmes along with several short-term courses in non-communicable diseases, maternal health, and ethical and gender dimensions in health care for national and international students. The Centre was visited by the former President of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and the Hon. Minister for Science and Technology, Shri Kapil Sibal who also laid the foundation stone for the National Testing Centre for Medical Devices, a first of its kind in India.

Technology Forecasting -

Technology Information Forecasting & Assessment Council (TIFAC), New Delhi

Resources for Indian S&T Advancement

• Studies & Reports

TIFAC has carried out a number of technology forecasting/assessment and techno-market studies. The reports cover a wide spectrum of technologies which review the status in India vis-à-vis global trends and assess market as well as technology aspects. Some of the recent important reports cover topics such as, technologies for retrofitting of existing buildings and structures to make them earthquake resistant; bioinvasion, SPS measures and import of wood and wood products into India; FDI in R&D sector; assessments of some key energy technologies (offshore wind, under ground coal gasification & solar photo-voltaic), etc. The study on ‘A Techno Market Survey on Vaccines and Molecular Diagnostics' was successfully completed. The other studies on Packaging of Pharmaceutical, Personal Care, Processed Foods, Chemicals, etc are under progress. Further, a study on ‘Optimum utilization for large-scale turmeric cultivation as a commercial crop in Mizoram State' has been initiated.

• Mission Reach Programme

At present 26 TIFAC-Centres of Relevance & Excellence (COREs) are functional in as many disciplines under this programme at various parts of the country. Four New TIFAC-COREs have been established in the areas of Telematics, Food Processing Technology & Quality Control, Green Pharmacy and Technical Textiles at VR Siddhartha College of Engineering, Vijaywada, Techno India, Kolkata, BR Nahata College of Pharmacy, Mandsaur, and DKTE Institute of Engineering & Textiles, Ichalkaranji respectively. All the TIFAC-COREs, eminent personalities from industry & academia attended the 5 th TIFAC-COREs Meet (TCM-2007), organized by Manipal University.

Technology Development Programmes

• Advanced Composite Programme

The study on ‘Composite Products & Applications-A Technology Linked Business Opportunity' have been completed & 8 ongoing projects on various issues such as Composite interiors for railway passenger coaches, Composite Applications Laboratory (CAL), Composite bracket assembly for overhead railway electric traction, Multi-purpose modular housing system, Filament wound venturi scrubber, High-pressure filament wound pipes & pipefittings, Composite planning type high speed boat, etc are under progress.

• Automotive Sector

A new project entitled “Low Cost Flexible Automation (LCFA)' with the objectives of designing, simulation and manufacture three types of robotic arms and validate their performance in 10 specific factory applications has been taken up in collaboration with I.I.T Madras, Systemantics India Pvt. Ltd., IIT Bombay, Magtorq Pvt.Ltd, TVS Motor Co., Mahindra & Mahindra, Sona Koyo, TVS Lucas, MICO Ltd. and 5 ongoing projects on issues like Demonstration of the competence to develop automobile components using Electro-Magnetic Forming (EMF) process; use of straight vegetable oils in IC engines; Ultra-capacitor for electric & hybrid electric vehicles, etc are under process.

• Bioprocess & Bioproducts

TIFAC programme on Bio-Processes & Bio-Products was launched under Technology Vision 2020. 3 new projects viz. ‘Enzymatic conversion of racemic molecules to obtain stereospecific Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients'; ‘Development & optimization of process for alkali stable cellulase from alkalothermophilic Thermomonospora sp.'; and ‘Development of pharmaceutical grade chitosan & value-added formulations thereof' were initiated.

International Science & Technology Cooperation

• India- International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) Programme

IIASA is an independent non-governmental, research organization located in Austria, sponsored by its National Member Organizations in Africa, Asia, Europe and North America. TIFAC is the National Member Organization (NMO) of IIASA and the national committee is headed by Dr.Kirit Parikh, Member Planning Commission.

An India-IIASA joint International workshop on ‘Economic, Societal and Environmental Benefits provided by the Indian Forests' was held in New Delhi and was attended by over 100 participants. Activities like participation in international training programmes, IISA Council meetings and other brain storming sessions were pursued, as a part of capacity building in the area and set of 26 papers have been commissioned by TIFAC on selected themes.

• Patent Facilitating Centre (PFC)

Two candidates completed internship at National Institutes of Health (NIH), Washington on IP management in Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode under the PFC program on Indo-US Technology Management and Exchange.

Science & Technology Programmes for Socio-Economic Development

• Technopreneur Promotion Programme (TePP)

Technopreneur Promotion Programme (TePP) is a joint program of TIFAC and DSIR. 3 projects on lift operating on potential energy; low cost green home structure & additive for petrol and diesel have been successfully completed and 9 projects like screening and development of herbal pesticide for treatment of pests on cotton; screening and development of herbal formulation for treatment of blood pressure and screening and development of herbal formulation for retention of placenta in animals are in progress. 11 new projects like novel internal combustion engine; all purpose cleaning machine; additive for petrol/diesel and solar water heater with fused tube lights have been initiated.

The innovators are being provided support for proposal formulation and mentoring at local level through TePP Outreach Centres (TUCs) spread all across the country. Two more TUCs; College of Technology and Engineering, Udaipur and National Institute of Technology, Silchar have been added to the existing list of five TUCs at Kolkata, Varanasi, Coimbatore, Vellore and Kanpur.

Patent Facilitating Centre (PFC)

PFC continued its efforts in creating awareness about intellectual property rights (IPR) in the country, assisting educational institutions in protecting their inventive work, involving state governments in spreading IPR culture in the states, evolving policies and interacting with other science departments. 55 Indian patent applications were filed including 30 for DRDO and 25 for academic institutes. 2 US patent filings and a PCT application were filed from the academia with full technical and financial support from PFC. 26 new applications on behalf of Universities/educational institutes are in the pipeline. 3 designs and 1 copyright have been registered and 2 copyright applications have been filed for DRDO. A total of ten patents were granted.

PFC has continued its support to 19 Patent Information Centers (PIC) in 19 states. Muga Silk has been registered as a geographical indicator with the initiative of PFC and PIC, Assam including Malda mangoes and Chamba Rumal. For creating awareness, PFC organized 8 patent/IPR awareness workshops including one in Srinagar and sensitized more than 1000 scientists, technologists and policy makers. 2 issues of IPR bulletin were also brought out.

The final update of Ekaswa A and Ekaswa B, the only databases available for providing searchable patent information on patents filed & accepted in India was brought out. A 3 rd database ‘Ekaswa C' on Indian Patent Applications had come out and all these databases are available online and can now be accessed free of cost.

Umbrella Scheme on Technology Vision 2020 Projects in Mission Mode (TV2020)

• Agriculture & Agro-Food Processing

Agriculture: TIFAC has launched different projects in the states of Bihar (Paligang), Uttar Pradesh (Deoria), Sikkim, Orissa (Bhubneswar & Balasore) on improved seed production, promotion of medical & aromatic plants, agriculture diversification through cultivation of aromatic plants, technology demonstration for for farmers, enhancing water productivity, etc. 4 new such projects have been initiated in Orissa (Berhampur), Rajasthan (Jaipur) & Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow & Varanasi) on training & income generation programme for farmers & rural women, processing & packaging of organic vegetables, commercialization & processing of menthe cultivation & quality mode production in rice-wheat cropping.

Fisheries: Two projects have been launched in the states of Kerala (Cochin & Thoothukudi) on processing & export of lion & steak of yellow fin tuna and value addition of low value marine pelagic fishes.

Agro Food Processing Sector

Milk Sector: Projects on Clean Milk Production in West Bengal & establishing Clean Milk network at village level for manufacturing value added products are under progress.

Fruits & Vegetable Sector: The final report on “Study on current status of potato production and potato processing industry in parts of West Bengal” is under finalization.

Health Care Services & Herbal/Natural Products

A project on Mobile Hospital and Research Centre in Uttarakhand with an aim to bring advancements in modern medical sciences at the doorstep of the common man has been commissioned by TIFAC and Govt. of Uttarakhand. The clinic organized a total of 926 camps and about a lakh patients were benifited. A new project on “Plasma Fractionation: Demonstration of Development and Commercialization of Plasma Products” is being initiated with National Plasma Fractionation Centre, Mumbai.

Synergizing S&T with Judicial Processes

The projects on Normative Data for Brain Electrical Activation Profiling, Tamperproof & Secure Courtroom Digital Recording & Video Conferencing System, Digital Pen & Paper Technology for capturing the information at police station and Crime Scene Recording System are under progress and 4 new projects on Court Case Document Tracking Information System using RFID Technology, Tamperproof and Supervised Collection of Physical Clues of Crimes, Selection of Panel of SNP Markers of Forensic Analysis in Indian Population and Interactive Virtual Reality Simulator Software for Crime Scene Training & Proficiency Testing were intiated.

Technology Upgradation for Select SME Cluster

TIFAC has initiated a programme towards upgrading of select SME's clusters towards making them globally competitive. Seven sectors such as Casting (Howrah, West Bengal-Ferrous & Kolhapur, Maharashtra-Non ferrous), Sports Goods Cluster( Jalandhar, Punjab), Pottery, Surgical Instruments (Baruipur, W.B.), Diesel Pump & Engineering Industry (Rajkot, Gujarat), Agricultural Implements Industry (Karnal, Haryana), Scientific Instruments (Ambala, Punjab) have been identified initially for carrying out in depth technology assessment studies to bring out the gap context of current global standard. Subsequently Carpet Industries Cluster (Bhadohi, UP) and Food Processing Cluster (Malda, W.B.) were also identified. Through this program Academia and nearby SME clusters are expected to come closer.

Survey on Rural Pottery, Technology Gap Study and Possible Remedial Measures for the Select Sports Goods, Technology Gap Study for Ambala Scientific Instruments Industry Cluster, Technology Gap study for Karnal Agriculture Implements Industry Cluster are few ongoing projects. A project on Technology Gap Study for Food Processing Cluster of Maldais is in the pipeline with Agriculture & Food Engineering Department, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur, West Bengal.

• Project Implementation under SME Program

During the course of the studies, areas are being identified for technological interventions in different clusters. As a major activity, TIFAC has proposed to implement a comprehensive programme under Technology Vision 2020 Umbrella Scheme which will be focused on undertaking technology development/ adoption projects in the selected clusters in the identified areas of intervention so that the cluster as a whole gets benefited.

Pottery Sector

Pottery sector was taken up as one of the sectors for technology intervention under Technology Vision 2020 program. One of the ongoing projects “Development and Demonstration of a Technology Package Based on Low Grade Raw Materials and Biomass for Adaptation as a Rural Pottery Activity, Panchmura, Bankura, West Bengal” with Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute (CGCRI), Kolkata and Ceramic Centre for Rural Development, Panchmura, Bankura, West Bengal has been initiated.

Science Popularisation - Vigyan Prasar (VP), Noida

Vigyan Prasar was set up by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, as an autonomous organization for taking up large-scale science popularization tasks in the country.

Publication Programme

Under the publication programme, Vigyan Prasar brought out around 140 titles in different Indian languages under different series. During the year, VP has brought out eight titles in English and Hindi. Seven more titles are in different stages of printing and would be brought by March 2008. VP has initiated to bring out a series of publications on various themes of International Year of the Planet Earth 2008. Around 20 titles have been identified on different topics of Planet Earth. By January 2008, Vigyan Prasar will bring out 10 titles each in English and Hindi, on Planet Earth. Vigyan Prasar has been bringing out a monthly bilingual (English & Hindi) newsletter-cum-popular Science Magazine “Dream 2047”. The present circulation of the newsletter is over 50,000.

Vigyan Prasar Information System (VIPRIS)

VIPRIS caters to the needs of the users using information technology through internet, interactive CD-ROMs, databases. VP has its own web portal (www.vigyanprasar.gov.in) which is being regularly updated. Six chat sessions were conducted on the website during the period. Most of the publications of Vigyan Prasar are available online in VP's Digital Library, which can be downloaded free. A link has (Figure 10.9) been created on VP's website for “Planet Earth”. All the stake holders of Planet Earth project would be able to log-on to the site to upload the specific content.

VP is collaborating with Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT) for developing an interactive multimedia CD on Optics and with Agharkar Research Institute (ARI), Pune, for developing an interactive multimedia CD on Biodiversity.Vigyan Prasar organized three popular science lectures jointly with National Science Centre, New Delhi during the period of reporting. The news clipping service “ VIPRIS Clipset” is being continued.

The development and maintenance of websites of various divisions of the Department of Science & Technology; viz. International Division, STAC, NSTMIS, SERC, Science & Society and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) programme is being continued. VP has been entrusted with the design and development of a website on “Indian Women Scientists” for the Task Force on Women in Science set up by Government of India.

Scientific Experiments using a PC

A kit consisting of various experiments has been developed. The first phase is completed and the kit is being fabricated. The second phase of the project has started with development of a new set of experiments. As further initiatives, an Interactive CD on Innovative Experiment in Physics is under development jointly with IIT, Kanpur.

S&T Communication through Radio

Four radio serials were produced and broadcast from AIR stations of Warangal, Madurai, Agartala and Trichur. A radio serial on the theme of the International Year of Planet Earth 2008 in Kokborok language was produced jointly with AIR Agartala. Four audio serials (13-part each in Hindi and English) titled “Zodiac”, “The Living Planet”, “Eureka! Story of Discoveries” and “What are we made of” were produced for transmission on WorldSpace Radio and various Gyan Vani FM stations. A-34 episode radio serial on Biodiversity and Natural resources of North-East in general and Assam in particular is under production. VP has been broadcasting science programmes daily for last four years on the Asiadev channel of WorldSpace Radio for one hour (30 minutes Hindi and 30 minutes English).VP's programmes are being regularly broadcast twice a week from the Gyan Vani stations at Allahabad, Bhopal, Kanpur, Nagpur, Varanasi, Rajkot, Jabalpur, Kolkata, Shilong, Guwahati, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Vishakapatnam, Chennai and Coimbatore. Broadcast of 52-episode radio serial on Planet Earth has begun in 19 Indian languages from 117 AIR stations in different part of the country.

S&T Communication through Television

VP has been telecasting a science serial on National Channel of DD. A serial on health titled “Jeete Raho” and a 12 part serial titled ‘Our Celestial Neighbours-Far and Near' were telecast. A 13 episode serial titled ‘Nano Ke Avishkar' on nanotechnology is currently being telecast. A video film on “Electronic Revolution” is under production. A 26 part quiz “Jigyasa” for students has been commissioned and is being produced by M/s Derek O'Brien Ltd, Kolkata (Figure 10.10). The dubbed versions of ‘Aisa Hi Hota Hai' are being telecast in eleven regional languages from DD Direct channels.

Vigyan Prasar produced a film on Professor B. L. Saraf, a noted experimentalist titled “Babulal Saraf: Master Experimentalist” during the period. The production of the film was coordinated by Inter-University Accelerator Centre (IUAC), New Delhi. The Centre for Development of Physics Education, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur actively supported the production of the film. The film was released by Professor Yash Pal, Chancellor of the Jawaharlal Nehru University, in a function held on 11 July 2007 at IUAC, New Delhi. A 26 part video science serial on the topic of ‘Planet Earth' is being produced. The serial will be telecast in DD National.

S&T communication through EduSat

VP in association with DECU, ISRO has established a network of 50 satellite interactive communication terminals spread throughout the country using EduSat among agencies involved in science communication.

Four regional meetings-cum-training programmes were organized to train the staff at field centres to operate the Satellite Interactive Terminals, as well as review the utilization in the last one year at Bhubaneshwar (Figure 10.11), Chennai and Bhopal. Besides its regular programmes like science lectures, group discussions and training programmes, summer special programmes, on demand programme, quiz competion, were also organized.

Vigyan Prasar NETwork of Science Clubs VIPNET)

VP organized three sensitization-cum-orientation programmes at Ranchi, Delhi and Jammu during the period for establishment of science clubs and initiated science popularization activities in the States of Jharkhand, Delhi and Jammu & Kashmir.

“VIPNET News ” , VP's monthly newsletter for VIPNET Science Clubs is being regularly brought out. The present circulation of the newsletter is 10,000. The total number of VIPNET Clubs stands at 6,612.

Ham Radio

A meeting of radio amateurs was organized by VP at Noida. 35 active hams from New Delhi and Lucknow attended the meeting. Two lectures cum demonstration programmes on new digital ham radio technologies were organized at Assam Police Radio Organization (APRO), Guwahati. Lecture and demonstration were organized at Vigyan Prasar for the school students also. Two Ham Radio Installation and Training Workshops were conducted at Haldwani and Dehradun.

Astronomy Popularization

Vigyan Prasar organized an Astronomy workshop at Periyar Science Centre, Chennai, for the VIPNET clubs of Tamil Nadu for Science teachers. A training workshop on innovative experiments in Physics was organized for science teachers on astronomy and night sky watching at Puducherry.

Vigyan Prasar jointly with Nehru Planetarium, New Delhi, organized the public viewing of the event Occultation of Venus by Moon at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi. VP organized a planet viewing programme using VP's Celestron 11” telescope at Apollo International School, Sonepat, Haryana. The programme was watched by nearly 200 students and public around the school. An activity book on Sun-Moon-Earth has been designed on the occasion of Heliophysical Year: 2007.

VP jointly with Uttarakhand Council for Science and Technology (UCOST) organized a seven day training programme at Mussoori to take up science popularization activities in the State. A five day telescope assembling workshop was conducted where participants assembled 45 Newtonian reflector telescopes (70mm) (Figure 10.12).

Activity Kits

A demonstration programme on activity kits developed by Vigyan Prasar was organized at Bal Bharati Public School, Ghaziabad. Demonstrations on Emergence of modern Physics and Astronomy kits were organized during workshop on Innovative Physics Experiments organized at Bhuvaneswar.

VP conducted two workshops for school students on electronics kit during summer camp organized jointly with Rail Museum, New Delhi. A two day workshop on Astronomy kit was conducted at EduSat network of Vigyan Prasar. VP is in the process of developing of two kits on “Bio - diversity” and “Weather” for the year of Planet Earth-2008.

Initiatives in the North-East

VP and Assam Science Technology & Environment Council (ASTEC) organized a meeting with subject experts and script writers in Guwahati to enhance the activities in S&T communication in local media in Assam. A 34 episode radio serial on Biodiversity and Natural resources of North-East in general and Assam in particular is being produced in collaboration with AIR, Guwahati.

A 13 episode radio programme titled “Bipanna Prithivi” in Bengali jointly produced by VP and AIR, Tripura was broadcast from AIR, Agartala. The broadcast of a 13 episode radio serial in Kokborok language has begun from AIR, Agartala. A 13 episode radio serial on science fiction is under production in Nepali and Bengali jointly with AIR, Kolkata and will be broadcast from AIR stations of Agartala, Kurseong and Gangtok besides the AIR Stations in West Bengal.

Training and Dissemination

Vigyan Prasar organized a three day workshop on Innovative Experiments in Physics and VIPNET orientation programme for Physics teachers of Pondicherry. VP organized a three day sensitization-cum-demonstration workshop on Innovative Physics experiments for the VIPNET members and selected teachers of Orissa. The programme was held at Bhubaneswar jointly with Indian Institute of Youth and Development (IIYD), 60 teachers and representatives of VIPNET clubs and NGOs from various districts of Orissa participated in the workshop. VP organized a four day workshop on Science Communication through puppet making at Balak Matha Mahal, Chandni Chowk, Delhi. In this workshop 35 teachers participated from Pratham, an NGO working for slums in Delhi.

Book Fairs / Science Fairs / Science Meets

VP participated in Delhi Book Fair held in Delhi and other book fairs and exhibitions during the period in different parts of the country. VP participated in a Perfect Health Mela in October - November 2007 at Delhi.

Science Activity Corner at Gwalior Mela - 2007

VP organized a five week long activity corner at the Gwalior Trade fair jointly with Yuva Vigyan Parishad, Gwalior.

National Science Exhibition at Indore

VP organized a series of activities at Emerald Heights International School, Indore. As a part of this event, an exhibition on theme “Understanding Planet Earth” to celebrate 110 th birth anniversary of Dr. Zakir Hussain, the former President of India, was organized

Capacity Building- Indian National Science Academy(INSA), NEW DELHI

• The Academy instituted INSA Medal to recognize young scientists of extraordinary promise and creativity in 1974. During the period, the Academy selected 25 young scientists for INSA medal for young scientists for the year 2007.
• INSA joined the newly formed ICSU Union on Quaternary Research (INQUA). Quaternary Science is a multidisciplinary science encompassing a broad band of specialities, ranging from climatology, geochronology, anthropology, geography, geology, glaciology, isotope geochronology, paleo­oceanography, palaentology, palynology, soil sciences besides the conventional biology, ecology and botany. Quaternary scientists deal with an understanding of the geological record of the past 2 million years and interpret them in terms of basic processes and modern day analogues.
• All the three leading academies i.e Indian National Science Academy, New Delhi; Indian Academy of Sciences, Bangalore; and National Academy of Sciences of India, Allahabad under their Science Education Panel initiated summer research fellowship for students and teachers. 500 students and teachers have been selected in addition to 300 Fellows who will act as supervisors. Under this programme, students will work in the Laboratories of the Fellows for a period ranging 6 to 8 weeks.
• Centre for Cooperation in Science & Technology among Developing Societies (CCSTDS), Chennai functioning under INSA is developing major capacity building programmes for developing societies.
• The Indian National Science Academy and the Royal Society of London have decided to organize Joint Frontiers of Science meeting for young research workers below 45 years of age. The purpose is to bring together the best young researchers-the next generation of leaders-in science, from the UK and India and explore new opportunities for collaboration.
• INSA discussed future action plan for 2007-2008 under Inter Academy Panel (IAP) which covered the scope of the programme, its relevance, the role of the Academies and how IAP can articulate with other existing international programme and organizations to bridge science and water management, helping enhance managerial capacity during the Evaluation & Strategic Planning Meeting of the IAP Water Programme in Trieste from May 29-31, 2007.
• Under the Inter-Academy Exchange Programme, the following Bilateral Seminars were held:
  
  
  1. Under INSA - Slovak Academy of Sciences programme, four member Indian delegations attended the 11 th International Conference of Magnetic Fluids (ICMF-11) at Kosice, Slovak Republic from 23-27 July 2007.
     
  2. Under INSA - DFG (Germany) bilateral programme a joint seminar on “Immunology in Health and Disease” was held in Berlin, Germany during 1-3 July 2007 participated by seven member Indian delegation.
     
  3. Under the bilateral exchange programme between INSA and the Russian Academy of Sciences, a ten member Indian delegation participated in the Second Indo-Russian Symposium on “Organic Chemistry” held as a satellite symposium during the XVII Mendeleev Congress in Moscow from 23-28 September 2007.
     
     
• During the period, publications such as Indian Journal of Pure and Applied Mathematics (IJPAM) vol 38, issue nos. 1,2,3,4,5 (2007), Proceedings of the Indian National Science Academy, vol. 73, issue nos. 1,2,3 (2007) and Indian Journal of History of Science (IJHS) vol. 42, issue nos. 1,2,3 (2007) were published.
• The Indian National Commission for History of Science has recommended 23 projects for the year 2007-08 covering the areas like Indigenous knowledge of Medicinal Plants and Systems, Cancer Research, ICC, Epilepsy, Minerals, Mining, Metallurgy & Craftsmanship, Science and Nationalism in Bengal, Critical Study of Astronomical manuscripts with English Translation, Architecture, Survey of Irrigational Works, Biochemistry, Cannons, Tribal Technology etc
• The Academy initiated steps to develop institutional Repository using D-Space software and the following digital repositories are under construction:
  
  

i) Fellowship Record: Complete details of documents including papers published by fellows at the time of nomination till election and subsequent updation have been digitized and are available in electronic database format. This record is available for the fellows elected upto 2000.

ii) OAI Compliant Digital Repository: An open access digital repository of scientific publications of fellows has been created using open archives software, which is gradually being populated. The repository as of now contains metadata of over 700 papers and can be accessed http:/ www.insaindia.org/informatics_center/scolo.htm.

Recognition of Excellence

Twenty one eminent Indian scientists were elected to the Fellowship of the Academy during the year 2007. Also, 20 eminent scientists were selected for various Awards instituted by the Academy.

The following Indian Scientists were elected to various important positions in ICSU affiliated International Unions:

1. Dr H K Gupta, FNA, Raja Ramanna Fellow, National Geophysical Research Institute, Hyderabad, Vice-President, IUGG (International Union Geological and Geophysics);

2. Professor R Gadagkar, FNA, Indian Institute of Science Bangalore, Member of the IUBS (International Union for Biological Sciences) Executive Committee;

3. Dr V. P. Sharma, FNA, Centre for Rural Development and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi, Member of the SCOPE (Scientific Committee on Problems of Environment) Executive Committee;

4. Professor S. Chandrasekaran, FNA, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Member of the IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) Executive Committee; and

5. Professor D. Balasubramanian, FNA, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Secretary-General , TWAS (Third World Academy of Sciences).

INDIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES (IAS), BANGALORE

The main objective of the Academy is to promote and uphold the cause of science (both pure and applied). A new Council of the Academy with D. Balasubramanian as the President for a three-year term assumed office during the year. The Council of the Academy meets twice every year.

Fellowship

Since its inception the Academy has elected nearly 1550 Fellows. During the year, the Academy elected 34 new Fellows and 2 new Honorary Fellows. The Academy currently has 918 Fellows and 52 Honorary Fellows on its rolls.

Associates

This programme was introduced to identify and encourage promising young scientists. The tenure of Associateship is for a maximum period of five years and up to the age of 35. Presently there are 39 Associates.

Publications

The Academy continued publishing eleven journals in diverse disciplines and varying frequencies are published. These are Bulletin of Materials Science; Current Science; Journal of Astrophysics & Astronomy; Journal of Biosciences; Journal of Chemical Sciences; Journal of Earth Systems Science; Journal of Genetics; Pramana (Journal of Physics); Proceedings (Mathematical Sciences); Resonance-Journal of Science Education; and Sadhana – Academy Proceedings in Engineering Sciences. Severalspecial issues on topical themes were published as part of the journals.

During the year 2007, the Academy entered into an agreement with one of the leading international publishers M/s Springer for co-publishing ten of the Academy journals. This collaboration is aimed at enhancing the visibility of all the Academy journals worldwide. Springer will help us in improving the overseas subscriptions and also make available all the Academy journals on their website with enhanced features. The journals also continue to be freely available online from the server of the Academy.

Scientific Meetings

• Mid-Year Meeting
  

The 18th mid-year meeting was held in Bangalore during 13-14 July. The meeting was attended by over 200 Fellows and Associates apart from local scientists and invited teachers. There were several lecture presentations on semi-popular topics, two special lectures and a public lecture on space exploration by G. Madhavan Nair, Chairman of Space Commission.

• Annual Meeting
  

The annual meeting, seventy-third in the series, was held at Thiruvananthapuram from 1 to 4 November 2007. The meeting was organized by the National Institute of Interdisciplinary Science and Technology and was co-sponsored by several institutions in Thiruvananthapuram. It was attended by 300 scientists and teachers from all over the country. The four-day programme included two symposia (Space science and applications; and Emerging infections such as Chandipura encephalitis, chikungunya, malaria and tuberculosis); 3 public lectures (on eye diseases, sea-faring traditions of the West Coast; and Mohiniattam); two special lectures (on foretelling the monsoon; and towards quieter automobiles) and several semi-popular lectures on such diverse topics as wireless technology, lopsided spiral galaxies, insect wings and vaccines to virogenomics.

Public Lectures

The Academy organizes public lectures by eminent visiting scientists. The following public lectures were held during the year: Living with earthquakes by Dr. Dan Mckenzie of Cambridge; Memory and creativity in physics by Dr. Vinay Ambegaokar of Cornell University; The orphan tsunami of 1700 by Dr. Brian Atwater of University of Washington; The fifth dimension and back by Dr. Raman Sundrum of John Hopkins University; The state of science and mathematics in India by Dr. K R Sreenivasan of Trieste; and photonic band-gap materials by Dr. Sajeev John of University of Toronto.

Science Education Panel

The Academy had for the last ten years, been undertaking several programmes for improving the state of science education in the country. In 2007, with the other two national Academies in the country (Indian National Science Academy, New Delhi and The National Academy of Sciences, India, Allahabad), the activities of the Science Education Panel have now been greatly intensified. Over 500 summer research fellowships of 2-month duration were awarded to students and teachers all over the country in various disciplines to enable them to work with distinguished scientists of the country.

The two other regular programmes to help improve science education and teaching in universities and colleges were continued. These are two-week all India Refresher Courses for teachers and 3-day Lecture Workshops for local students and teachers. The following Refresher Courses were held during the year: Topics in Mathematics and Physics at Belur Math, Howrah; Advances in Biophysics at Hyderabad; Experimental Physics at Chennai; Mathematics and its applications at Durgapur; Marine Geology and Geophysics at Goa; and Zoology Teaching at Allahabad.

Several Lecture Workshops of 2-3 days duration were held during the year which included: Physics of living matter at Hyderabad; Quantum mechanics at Thiruvananthapuram; Frontier topics in Physics at Akkalkot; Science workshops in various subjects at Bangalore; Statistical thermodynamics at Mysore; Modern trends in chemistry at Tiruvedakam; Concepts in chemistry at Bishnupur; Advances in modern biology at Tirupati; Frontiers in biosciences at Mumbai; and Trends in medical biotechnology at Vellore. Few other lecture workshops have been planned at Pollachi, Durg, Berhampur, Pala (Kerala), Bangalore, Thiruvananthapuram and Tiruvalla.

Panels on Scientific Values and Women in Science

As part of the Academy initiatives on topics of importance to scientists, two new panels were set up by the Academy - one on “Scientific Values” and the other on “Women in Science”. The former deals with ethics in science and a document containing measures to improve the conduct of science among scientists have been adopted. The latter Panel is to study and implement measures to improve the status of women in science, starting from the school level.

THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES (NSA), INDIA, ALLAHABAD

The main objective of the Academy is to provide a national forum for the publication of research work carried out by Indian scientists and to provide opportunities for exchange of views among them. The Academy started with 57 ordinary Members and 19 Fellows. Today it has 1463 Members and 1321 Fellows from all parts of the country. The Academy also has 29 Honorary Fellows and 72 Foreign Fellows from various disciplines of Science and Technology.

The Academy has regularly been holding an Annual Session in a scientific and academic Institution. These Annual Sessions provide an opportunity for presentation of research papers by Members and Fellows of the Academy. The sessions are popular and draw young and senior scientists alike from far and wide.

Besides the Annual Session, the Academy holds symposia, seminars, and workshops on subjects of current national and scientific interest, the proceedings of which are mostly published as special volumes. The Academy and its different local Chapters also hold science communication programmes to generate scientific temperament among the students and general public.

Publications

Since its inception, the Academy has been publishing two quarterly journals - Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, India (Section A - Physical Sciences) and the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, India (Section B - Biological Sciences). Since 1978 it is also publishing a bi-monthly journal, the National Academy Science Letters for speedy publication of important research work.

Besides above titles, the Academy also published Year Book 2007; A book on Vector Biology; Annual Report (2006-2007); Presidential Address on ‘Population Growth: India in World Scene’ by Prof. V.P. Kamboj, the then President of the Academy; Address of Prof. S.P.S. Khanuja, Sectional President, Biological Sciences Section of 76th Annual Session; Abstract of Papers of Physical Sciences Section of 76th Annual Session; and Abstract of Papers of Biological Sciences Section of 76th Annual Session.

Memorial Award Lectures

The following Memorial Award Lectures were also organized during the year 2007-08:

• The Uttarakhand Chapter of the Academy organized the first Prof. Shri Ranjan Memorial Award Lecture on October 12, 2006 at Dehradun. Dr. L.M.S. Palni delivered the Award Lecture.
• The Lucknow Chapter of the Academy organized Prof. N.R. Dhar Memorial Award Lecture delivered by Dr. C.L. Khetrapal, Distinguished Professor, SGPGI, Lucknow in the Small Auditorium, CDRI (Main Campus), Lucknow on 12 October 2006.
• The first Prof. Krishnaji Memorial Award Lecture was delivered by Prof. M.G.K. Menon, F.R.S.; Adviser in the Department of Space, ISRO, on January 21, 2007 at NASI, Allahabad.
• The Bangalore Chapter of the Academy organized Prof. U.S. Srivastava Memorial Award Lecture on February 14, 2007 at Bangalore. Prof. Raghavendra Gadagkar, Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore delivered the lecture.

The following prestigious Chairs/Fellowship were also conferred -

1. NASI-Platinum Jubilee Chairs have been awarded to Prof. S.K. Joshi (New Delhi) and Prof. G. Padmanaban (Bangalore).

2. NASI-Senior Scientist Platinum Jubilee Fellowships have been awarded to –

(i) Prof. Suresh Chandra, Formerly Coordinator, CAS and Dean, Faculty of Science; Physics Department, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi;

(ii) Prof. J.S. Singh, Professor Emeritus, CAS in Botany, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi; and

(iii) Prof. S.P. Vij, Botany Department, Panjab University, Chandigarh.

Science Communication Activities

Like previous years, the Academy organized science communication activities to stimulate the students for cultivation of scientific temperament and to opt science as a career. The activities organized during the year included science extension lectures, summer school, science quiz, debate, oration, exhibition, essay, creative writing and painting contest, talent search, vigyan-chaupal and workshops for the teachers.

Centenary Celebrations of Miracle Decade of Discoveries in Science

The Academy organized several lectures and a Seminar on “Centenary of Miracle Decade (1895-1905) of Discoveries in Science” during November 2006 – January 2007. The decade is marked by remarkable discoveries in the areas of Physics and Biology. During this seminar lectures were delivered by distinguished scientists/technologists on important topics such as Electronics and Telecommunication; Genetics; Atom to Quarks; Genetics to Biotechnology; Quantum Physics; Electronics and Robotics; Communicable Diseases; Health; Endocrine and Diseases; Psychoanalysis; New Horizons of Biotechnology; Human Brain; and Role of MRI in detection and diagnosis of several diseases.

Celebration of National Science Day

On the eve of National Science Day (February 28, 2007) the Academy organized the following activities, under its Science Communication Programme.

• Allahabad District Level Talent Search for the Student of Class XI - Biological Sciences (February 12, 2007), Chemical Sciences (February 14, 2007) and Physical & Computer Sciences (February 15, 2007)
• Science Creative Writing & Painting Contest (February 15, 2007)
• Allahabad District Level - Science Exhibition (February 19, 2007), Science Oration (February 20, 2007), Science Debate (February 21, 2007) and Science Quiz (February 22, 2007).
• UP State Level - Science Quiz (February 24, 2007), Science Debate (February 25, 2007), Science Oration (February 26, 2007), Essay Contest (February 26, 2007) and Science Exhibition (February 27, 2007).
  

• NASI-Reliance Industries Platinum Jubilee Awards (2007) for Application Oriented Innovations In Biological Sciences

(i) Dr. P.N. Rangarajan, Associate Professor, Dept. of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore; and
(ii) Dr. Tirlochan Mohapatra, Principal Scientist, NRC on Plant Biotechnology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi.

• NASI-Young Scientist Platinum Jubilee Awards (2007)
  

In Biological Sciences (Plant Sciences)

(i) Dr. Rajeev K. Varshney, Senior Scientist, Applied Genomics Laboratory, International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Patancheru, Hyderabad;
(ii) Dr. Gopaljee Jha, C/o Dr. Ramesh V. Sonti, E-309, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Uppal Road, Hyderabad; and
(iii)Dr. Lily Goswami, Junior Research Fellow, Bose Institute, Kolkata.

In Biological Sciences (Biomedical Sciences)

(i) Dr. Mohan Mondal, Scientist, National Research Centre on Mithun (ICAR), Jharnapani, Medziphema, Via Dimapur, Nagaland;
(ii) Dr. Deepak Narhari Modi, Sr. Research Officer, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (ICMR), Mumbai; and
(iii)Dr. Subhabrata Chakrabarti, Staff Scientist (HERF), L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, Hyderabad.

In Chemical Sciences

(i) Dr. Manoj Kumbhakar, Scientific Officer D, Chemistry Group, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai; and
(ii) Dr. (Ms.) Suman Lata Jain, Research Associate, Process Engineering Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology Division (PEACBD), Indian Institute of Petroleum, Dehradun.

In Physical Sciences

(i) Dr. Suman Chakraborty, Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur; and
(ii) Dr. Deepankar Choudhury, Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai.

Technology Day

To recognize S&T programmes the Academy celebrates National Technology Day and organizes workshops for developing the skills of enterpreuners, so that they may attempt for innovative enterprises leading to socio-economic development. Details are given below.

This year the National Technology Day on the theme Medical Technology was celebrated on May 11, 2007 in the Academy. Prof. C. B. L. Srivastava, the Chief Guest traced the history of the celebration of the National Technology Day and said that it inspires the young scientists, entrepreneurs and technocrats to accept the challenges of rapid changes and problems of the modern world. Dr. S.P. Misra, Director, Kamala Nehru Memorial Hospital, Allahabad in his Key-note Address illustrated many tools and techniques like Xray, CAT Scan, MRI, PET Scan etc., being adopted these days for making fast and accurate diagnosis of several diseases.

In the next session, Dr. Pradeep Tandon, ENT specialist Allahabad, delivered an informative and illustrative lecture on different methods of diagnosis and surgery for ENT disorders and diseases. Dr. Niraj Kumar explained in detail the scope and opportunities in the field of medical technology; and also the courses/training offered at the reputed institutions.

Prof. R. K. Srivastava, CAD Lab, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology, Allahabad and Dr. Kailash Uttam, Physics Department, University of Allahabad were the convenor and co-convenor to organize the celebration of National Technology Day. Dr. M. S. Sinha, Executive Secretary of the Academy proposed a vote of thanks in the end of the Concluding Session.


Gender Intitiative

The Academy has launched two Programmes/Projects under the able guidance of Prof. (Mrs.) Manju Sharma, President & Executive Director, Indian Institute of Advanced Research, New Delhi, for ensuring the participation of Women; and also to make them aware about the importance of proper nutrition etc.

INDIAN NATIONAL ACADEMY OF ENGINEERING (INAE), NEW DELHI

Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE) was established in 1987 to promote the advancement of and excellence in the practice of engineering and technology and the related sciences and disciplines. It is a ‘peer’ body of the most distinguished engineers from the entire spectrum of engineering profession in the Government, R&D Laboratories, Academia and Industry. The Academy undertakes programmes on technology policy issues of national concern and recommends measures for appropriate action by policy makers, planners and administrators for the overall development of the country. One of the objectives of the Academy is to encourage inventions, scientific investigations and research to promote their application for development of all sectors of national economy. The Academy also institutes Professorship, Fellowship, Studentship, Scholarship, Awards and other benefactions.

Seminars/Symposia/Conferences

(i) International Conference on Engineering Education

The INAE Conference on “International Engineering Education” supported by Council of Academies of Engineering and Technological Sciences (CAETS) and IIT Madras was held on March 1-2, 2007 at IIT Madras, Chennai. There were twenty four invited presentations covering eight important themes drawn from 9 countries. The objectives of the conference included: exchange of information on individual National Engineering Systems of CAETS Member Academies; promotion of interaction between Fellows of CAETS Member Academies; exploring the potent potential for bilateral/multilateral collaboration; and focusing attention on Engineering Education as a predominant concern of Engineering Academies.

(ii) Seminar on “Commercialization of Indian Technologies in Chemical Sector – Successes and New Opportunities”

The Seminar on “Commercialization of Indian Technologies in Chemical Sector –Successes and New Opportunities” was held on March 16-17, 2007 at Mumbai. The seminar was a joint initiative of Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE) and Indian Chemical Council (ICC). The unique feature of this seminar was assessing the strengths and weaknesses of public-private partnerships for R&D commercialization in India through an analysis of case studies of completed and ongoing projects supported by government agencies by a panel of eminent experts and a technical session exclusively to deliberate on incentives and support mechanisms required for future technology development programmes in India.

An exhibition-cum-technology Buyers and Sellers event was organized on the occasion.

(iii) INAE-JNU Symposium on “Biology Inspired Nanotechnology”

A joint INAE-JNU Symposium on “Biology Inspired Nanotechnology” was held on March 26, 2007 at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi. This Symposium focused on issues fundamental to life with particular focus on complex systems and nanobiology, nanoelectronics, cancer nanotechnology, nanodiagnostics, nanotoxicology, and nanotherapeutics.

(iv) National Frontiers of Engineering (NatFOE): Young Engineers Interactive Meet

The Second National Frontiers of Engineering Symposium was organized by INAE in collaboration with IIT Kanpur and IIT Delhi on March 31-April 1, 2007 at IIT Delhi. The Symposium brought to focus in the minds of the young engineers, the importance of resources in global economy. Thirty six professionals, less than 45 years of age, were invited to this Symposium, based on their core competence and contributions thus far in their respective fields. Through focused presentations and discussions, these 36 participants shared, learnt and appreciated the frontiers of international state-of-the-art and national state-of-the-practice on four fronts of resources, namely Water, Energy, Knowledge and Transport.

(v) Seminar on “Recycling for Electronics and Automotive Industry”

Indian National Academy of Engineering organized a seminar on “Recycling for Electronics and Automotive Industry” at Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education, Mumbai on September 3, 2007. About 120 delegates from the industries, central and state ministries and research organizations attended the seminar. The seminar had four sessions.

The technical sessions were devoted to Auto Industry and Electronics Industry and the following topics were covered in these sessions:

• Recycling of Automobiles- Problem Definition and Possible Solutions in the Indian Context;
• Economics and Business Models;
• Regulations;
• Research and Development Issues;
• E-Waste Management; and
• Effects of e-Waste on Environment.

The policy recommendations have been finalized for further follow up action by the concerned Ministries/ Departments.

vi) Joint Workshop between INAE and Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) on “Remote Sensing”

The Joint Workshop between INAE and ATSE on “Remote Sensing” was held on Dec 3-5, 2007 at Bangalore. Experts in the field of Remote sensing from India and Australia deliberated on various aspects of this subject and specifically exchanged views on Applications of Remote sensing, Hyper spectral imaging and applications, Meteorology applications including modeling and business opportunities for remote sensing products and services. The workshop also included technical visits to ISRO facilities and provided an insight for possible areas of future co-operation.

vii) 17th CAETS Convocation+

The 17th CAETS Convocation on “Environment and Sustainable Growth” held on October 23-25, 2007 at Tokyo, Japan, was followed by CAETS Council Meeting on October 26, 2007 in which the members of the Indian Delegation gave presentations on “Current Status of Nuclear Energy in India: Sustainable and Environmentally Acceptable Option for Energy Security in 21st Century” and “International Engineering Education”.

viii) Lecture by Prof. Herbert Gleiter, Foreign Fellow of INAE

A lecture on “Nanostructured Materials: A Field, Created and Still Driven by New Ideas” by Prof. Herbert Gleiter, Director Emeritus., Institute of Nanotechnology, Research Centre Karlsruhe, Federal Republic of Germany and Foreign Fellow, INAE was held at 1700 hrs. on Wednesday, 23rd May 2007 at Auditorium, School of Social Sciences, JNU, New Delhi.

Recognition and Promotion of Engineering Excellence

• Fellowship of the Academy

The Governing Council of INAE elected 28 Indian and 3 Foreign Fellows effective from January 1, 2008.

• Life Time Contribution Award in Engineering 2007
  

This award is given to an eminent Indian citizen who has made most distinguished contributions in the field of Engineering/Engineering Research/ Technology, which have brought prestige to the nation and regarded as landmarks of technological development of the country. Dr. CG Krishnadas Nair, Honorary President, SIATI; Vice-Chancellor, MATS University, Society of Indian Aerospace Technologies and Industries (SIATI), Bangalore and Dr. BN Suresh, Director, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Trivandrum have been selected for Life Time Contribution Awards in Engineering 2007.

• Prof. Jai Krishna and Prof. SN Mitra Memorial Awards 2007
  

These awards are given to an eminent engineer, engineer-scientist or a technologist for one or more of
the following:
a. Academic and scholarly achievements in any discipline of technology
b. Outstanding research in engineering and technology and application thereof.
c. Outstanding contributions in the management of education and research in engineering
d. Outstanding achievements and contributions in the Indian industry, engineering services or engineering projects

Prof. DV Singh, Former Director of IIT Roorkee and Former Vice-Chancellor, University of Roorkee and Dr. Surendra Pal, Distinguished Scientist, Programme Director, Satellite Navigation Programme and Deputy Director, Digital & Communication Area, ISRO Satellite Centre, Bangalore have been selected for Prof. Jai Krishna and Prof. SN Mitra Memorial Awards 2007 respectively.

• INAE Young Engineer Award 2007
  

The Academy in 1996 instituted INAE Young Engineer Award for excellence in design and technology transfer, innovative development and engineering research. The scheme has attracted nominations of bright young talent in the country and has become a prestigious national award since then. So far, 107 young engineers have been conferred this Award and their early recognition has encouraged the best upcoming talent to make innovative engineering and technological contributions for our national development.

The nominations for this award for the year 2007 were sought from INAE Fellowship, Engineering institutions, R&D Labs during March 2007. Out of 65 candidates including 12 carried over from the previous years, 21 were shortlisted by the Sectional Committees in their meeting on August 7, 2007 at New Delhi. The shortlisted candidates gave presentation of their work before the Selection Committee on August 30, 2007. 7 candidates working in different areas of Engineering have been selected for INAE Young Engineer Award 2007.

• Innovative Student Projects Award 2007

The Academy has instituted ‘Innovative Student Projects Award’ since 1998 to identify innovative and creative research projects undertaken by the students at three levels, B.E./B. Tech, ME/ M. Tech and Ph.D in Engineering Colleges. The Scheme envisages joint projects among Industry, Research Laboratories and Academic Institutions.

Ninety six nominations received, for Doctoral level (19), Master’s level (27) and Bachelor level (50) were examined by the Steering Committee on August 6, 2007. Out of these, thirty four nominations, for Doctoral level (10), Master’s level (12) and Bachelor level (12) were shortlisted. The shortlisted candidates gave presentations of their work before the Selection Committee on August 31, 2007 at New Delhi. Six candidates at Ph. D. Level; four at M.E./M.Tech. Level and 3 at B.E./B.Tech. Level has been selected for Innovative Students Project Award 2007.

Academia-Industry Interaction

• AICTE-INAE Distinguished Visiting Professorship Scheme

The Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE) launched a Distinguished Visiting Professorship (DVP) Scheme jointly with AICTE in 1999. The Scheme envisages promotion of industry-institute interaction by facilitating the dissemination of knowledge through the expertise of experienced and knowledgeable persons from industry to integrate their rich industrial experience with technical education. The Scheme has received very enthusiastic response from industry and engineering research institutions over the years. The 10th meeting of the Steering Committee of the AICTE-INAE Distinguished Visiting Professorship scheme was held on June 11, 2007 at INAE Office, New Delhi. After deliberations, out of 21 nominations received, the Committee selected fifteen industry experts as AICTE-INAE Distinguished Visiting Professors. · INAE-AICTE Distinguished Industry Professorship A new scheme named as INAE-AICTE Distinguished Industry Professorship has been instituted recently. Under this scheme, faculty from Engineering Institutions will spend a short period of 1-2 months during summer in industry to contribute to the industry as well as gain exposure to the industrial environment/ requirement. For engineering faculty, this would provide the opportunity to learn about the State-of-the-Art technologies and get exposure to current industrial and commercial practice. The interaction with captains of the industry will also lead to bringing new and innovative ideas, thereby enhancing credibility of the teaching imparted at the institutions. This can further result in initiating the development of long-term relationships between the institution and the industry, by way of joint projects, joint student practical training programmes, research and consultancy contracts, donation of equipment and software to the institution and placement of students. Three persons have been selected under this scheme.

Research Schemes/Programmes

With the objective to encourage invention, investigation, research and promote high caliber of engineering-scientists, INAE has instituted the following research schemes.

• INAE Chair Professorship

The INAE Chair Professorship is awarded to INAE Fellows in recognition of their outstanding contributions to any branch of engineering falling within the purview of the ten engineering sections of INAE. The award is to be conferred on INAE Fellows between the age of 35 and 55 years working in a well-recognized teaching/research institutions in India and will be tenable for a maximum period of two years. Initially one INAE Chair Professorship is proposed to be awarded, and the total number at any given time shall not exceed two. The first Chair Professorship will be named as INAE Visvesvarya Chair Professor and the second as INAE Satish Dhawan Chair Professor.

Prof. P. P. Chakrabarti, Professor & Dean (Sponsored Research & Industrial Consultancy), Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur has been selected as “INAE Visvesvarya Chair Professor” for the subject award for the year 2007.

• INAE Distinguished Professors/Technologists

The objective of this scheme is to utilize the expertise of INAE Fellows after Superannuation primarily for research/teaching in institutions/universities/Research & Development establishments, and industry in India. Superannuated Fellows falling below 70 years of age are eligible for consideration. The term of INAE Distinguished Professors/Technologists will be for a maximum period of five years or upto 70 years of age.

Prof. S. Ranganthan, Honorary Professor, Centre for Advance Study, Department of Metallurgy, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore and Prof. V. V. S. Sarma, Department of Computer Science & Automation, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore have been selected as “INAE Distinguished Professors/Technologists”.

• Mentoring of Engineering Teachers by INAE Fellows

The objective of this scheme is mentoring of Engineering Teachers by INAE Fellows on R&D or designoriented projects. The period of mentoring is for any two months during the academic year. Motivated Engineering Teachers from recognized Engineering institutions are eligible under this scheme. This year, 25 Engineering Teachers have been selected in this scheme.

• Mentoring of Engineering Students by INAE Fellows

The objective of the Scheme is the mentoring of bright B. Tech./B.E. students by Fellows of INAE. The period of mentoring is for any two months during the academic year. Meritorious 3rd/4th year B.E./B. Tech. students from recognized Engineering institutions are eligible under the scheme. 20 nominations from the Fellowship have been selected for the current year.

Research Projects: Indian Engineering Heritage

India has a long tradition of outstanding engineering achievements in diverse fields such as Monuments, Bridges, Irrigation Systems, Metallurgy, Textiles etc. The documentation on these achievements is available in the libraries of Archeological Survey of India, State Museums, Professional Societies and with individuals. It is fragmented and not easily accessible.

In this direction, Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE) constituted Experts Study Groups on Railways, Civil Engineering and Metallurgy to compile information and documentation on the outstanding engineering achievements and create an Archives of Indian Engineering Heritage in the Library of the Academy.

• Second Report on IEH (Railways)

INAE Study Group on Indian Engineering Heritage (Railways) has published the Second Report recently which is an updated version of the earlier Report and also includes some new areas as under:

i) Use of Geotextiles, Mechanised Maintenance of Track including Track Machines

ii) Railway Bridges, Railway Locomotives and other Rolling Stock, Electric Multiple Units (EMU), Coaches and Wagons (Freight Stock) etc.

iii) D.C. and A.C. Electrification Publications

• Annals of INAE

The Annals of the INAE (Volume IV) containing the text of the Lectures delivered by Life Time Contribution Awardees; Professor Jai Krishna and Prof. SN Mitra Memorial Awardees and newly elected Fellows of the Academy was published in May 2007 and distributed to the Fellowship. It has been decided that henceforth the text of lectures delivered by Young Engineer Awardees will also be included in the Annals of INAE.

• Newsletter

The Academy has published two issues of INAE Newsletters (Spring and Autumn 2007 Issue) during the current year.(copies enclosed).

Honours and Awards

29 Fellows of the Academy received various prestigious awards during the Year including Padma Shri, Life Time Achievement Award, National Leadership Award etc.

THE INDIAN SCIENCE CONGRESS ASSOCIATION (ISCA), KOLKATA

The Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA) has been promoting science and inculcating the spirit of science through its multifarious activities. The Association was formed with the following objectives:

(i) To advance and promote the cause of Science in India;
(ii) To hold an Annual Congress at a suitable place in India;
(iii)To publish proceedings, journals, transactions, etc.;
(iv) To popularise Science.

ISCA has been actively interacting with various foreign Scientific Academies/Associations, namely, British Association for the Advancement of Science, American Association for the Advancement of Science, French Academy of Sciences, Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, Beijing Association for Science & Technology and others with a view to have a fruitful interactions on topics of mutual interest.

Task Force

The Task Force involving representatives of ISCA and chiefs of different agencies and voluntary organizations, chaired by the Secretary, DST was set-up for follow-up action on various recommendations on the Focal Theme. Every year follow-up actions on recommendations made in the previous Science Congress are discussed at a General Session organized during the Science Congress.

ISCA introduced a programme for the benefit of young scientists from its 68th Session in 1981. The Programme enables young scientists to present their proposed research work and exchange ideas in the relevant scientific problems with their counterparts and specialists. For the best presentations, such young scientists are given the ISCA Young Scientist Award.

A substantial number of the contributed papers, which are accepted on the basis of a careful screening done by the concerned Sectional Presidents with the help of some experts, are presented by way of posters. Further, to encourage scientists it was decided that at most two Cash Prizes along with a certificate are awarded to the best presentation in each section. Oral presentations of selected contributed papers are also included in the programme of each section.

Activities of ISCA Chapters

Tere are now twenty ISCA Chapters which are at Allahabad, Bangalore, Baroda, Bhubaneswar, Bhopal, Bodh-Gaya, Chandigarh, Chennai, Coimbatore, Delhi, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kanpur, Karnal, Kolkata, Mumbai, Nagpur, Patiala and Shillong. The Chapters organized science awareness programme, discussion on focal theme, observation of Science Day, Environment Day, Engineer’s Day, Technology Day, endowment lectures and joint collaborative programmes with other organizations.

National Technology Day

The National Technology Day was observed by the Indian Science Congress Association on May 16, 2007. Prof. Avijit Banerji, General Secretary (Headquarters) delivered the welcome Address. Prof. R. C. Sobti, Vice-Chancellor, Punjab University delivered Key note address. Bsedides the keynote address, special lectures on ‘Re-designing the Industrial System’ and ‘ICT for Rural Developments’ were also delivered on the occasion.

World Environment Day

The Indian Science Congress Association, Kolkata on 7th June 2007 in the auditorium of the Association, celebrated the World Environment Day. An informative lecture on “Melting Ice – A Hot Topic” was delivered on this occasion.

Doctors’ Day

The Doctors’ Day (birthday of Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, who was Chief Minister of West Bengal) was observed by the Indian Science Congress Association on July 2, 2007 at the auditorium of the Association, Kolkata. “Modern Trends in Health Care” was the focal theme on this occasion. Several illustrative lectures were delivered by the specialists on the focal theme.

Engineers’ Day

ISCA celebrated the 40th Engineers’ Day on September 14, 2007 in the auditorium. Lectures were delivered by many eminent scientists/engineers on this occasion.

Representation in Foreign Scientific Meeting

Dr. M. Aruchami, Member, ISCA Council and Convener, ISCA Coimbatore Chapter, represented the Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA) in the 63rd Session of Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS) at Colombo from December 3-8, 2007.

Membership

The trend in Membership of different categories during the last three years can be observed from the following table:

Library Service

During the year under report, the Library of the Indian Science Congress Association subscribed many Indian and Foreign journals. The Library is open to all categories of members of the Association as well as school, college & university teachers.

Publications

ISCA brought out many publications such as: Information Brochure – 95th Indian Science Congress, ISCA Directory: 2007-2008, List of Office-Bearers & Sectional Committees for 2007-2008, Honorary Members, Donor & Life Members for 2007-2008, Members (with Voting Right) for 2007-2008, Annual Report: 2006-2007. Four issues of the bi-monthly journal Everyman’s Science (Volume XLII) were brought out.

Proceedings of the Ninety fourth Annual Session of the Indian Science Congress Association and Synopses of the Presentations of ISCA Young Scientist Awardees for 2007, and Abstracts of Young Scientists’ Award Programme of the 95th Indian Science Congress were published.

95th Indian Science Congress

The 95th Indian Science Congress was held at Visakhapatnam under the auspices of the Andhra University from January 3-7, 2008. The Focal Theme of the Congress was “Knowledge Based Society Using Environmentally Sustainable Science and Technology”. The 95th Session of Indian Science Congress aimed to address several thrust areas through plenary, symposia, panel and round table deliberations to make the world in general and India in particular a knowledge empowered society.

Focal Theme Sessions

The following 30 Panel/Plenary Sessions were organised:

1) Biotechnology for well-being of all; 2) Biodiversity & IPR;3) Genomics & Society; 4) Evergreen Revolution; 5) Coping with water scarcity; 6) Science for School Children; 7) Science Education Content- Presentation & Purpose; 8) Vedic Sciences; 9) Bioinformatics; 10) Oceanography & Ocean Technology; 11) Space Technology for Knowledge; 12) Transportation; 13) Nanotechnology; 14) Evergreen Revolution; 15) Renewable Energy; 16) Technology Challenges for Domestic Water Security in Rural India : ‘ARGHYAM’; 17) Brahman of Physics : Interface between Physics & Vedanta; 18) Sustainable Development; 19) Current status of Viral Diseases & Control; 20) Global Warming : Climate Change; 21) Public/Private/ Industry Interaction; 22) Defence Science & Technologies; 23) Sustainable fisheries & Marine Biotechnology; 24) Stem Cells & Gene Therapy; 25) Social Vision: Water for Everybody; 26) Science for School Children & Science Communication; 27) Global Warming: Sea level changes; 28) Bio-models in Medical Research; 29) E-learning, E-Governance and Telemedicine; and 30) Global Immunization: Challenges & Opportunities.

Besides the above, there were platinum jubilee lectures, endowment lectures, contributory papers, poster presentations and young scientist award competitions in 14 different sections viz. Agriculture and Forestry Sciences; Animal, Veterinary and Fishery Sciences; Anthropological and Behavioural Sciences (including Archaeology and Psychology & Educational Sciences); Chemical Sciences; Earth System Sciences; Engineering Sciences; Environmental Sciences; Information and Communication Science & Technology (including Computer Sciences); Materials Science; Mathematical Sciences (including Statistics); Medical Sciences (including Physiology); New Biology (including Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology and Biotechnology); Physical Sciences; and Plant Sciences. A series of special lectures and public lectures were also organised.

ISCA Awards

The Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA) has instituted several Awards to honour and encourage scientists in India – mainly through special endowments received from individuals and groups and also from its own funds. 27 distinguished scientists/technologists were conferred with different awards of the academy for 2007-2008. Besides, 8 distinguished scientists/technologists (including three foreign nationals) were awarded General President Gold Medal 2007-2008.