The 96th Indian Science Congress concluded today with the scientific community making specific recommendations for a tangible and substantial action to be taken in future to strengthen Science and Technology scenario and Science Education in the country. In his address at the concluding session at NEHU in Shillong, the President of the ISC2009, Dr. T Ramasami summed up the final recommendations as follows:

1. Science Education systems at various levels must be reviewed and special schemes for attraction of talent for excellence in research though the newly launched INSPIRE must be strengthened though the participation of the community.

2. HRD initiatives for space, agriculture, industrial research must be further strengthened.

3. Further strengthening of ongoing Indian initiatives on mega science, astronomy and astrophysics, women in science is supported.

4. New models for PPPs in science education as well as research and development.

5. Teacher motivation and enabling systems including in-service training, teaching tools from local examples, project-based learning systems and implementation of some recommendations of the Inter-academy panel on new educational models.

6. Formation of scientific advisory councils to the states in the NER for promotion of science and technology in the region. ISCA recommends that such councils may be formed by other states as well.

7. A special package for relating science education and promotion of research in the NER may be developed and resources made available through a special grant.

8. Approaches for an evidence-based budgeting and policy building.

9. Right sizing and expansion of R&D base in both public and private sector.

10. Increased career opportunities in S&T sector for the youth; and

11. Introduction of Performance Related Incentive Systems for the S&T staff

Source : Press Information Bureau
Date : January 07, 2009