India is one of the top-ranking countries in the field of basic research. Indian Science has come to be regarded as one of the most powerful instruments of growth and development, especially in the emerging scenario and competitive economy. In the wake of the recent developments and the new demands that are being placed on the S&T system, it is necessary for us to embark on some major science projects which have relevance to national needs and which will also be relevant for tomorrow's technology. The Department of Science & Technology plays a pivotal role in promotion of science & technology in the country. The department has wide ranging activities ranging from promoting high end basic research and development of cutting edge technologies on one hand to service the technological requirements of the common man through development of appropriate skills and technologies on the other.

Mission and Objectives:  

The Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India was established on the 3rd of May 1971 following the success of Green revolution,that signified innovative deployment of scientific methodologies. . Over the last forty three years, DST developed several streams that later established themselves as departments or even ministries with focused goals. Some of these include the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Ministry of Environment & Forests (MoEF), Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE), Department of Electronics (DoE) and Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES). The DST serves as a nodal agency connecting the science sector to the Government verticals. The roles played by DST are varied and these evolved with time. DST is accordingly (a) Develops S&T policies, (b) Strengthens human resources and institutional capacities, (c) Enables development & deployment of technologies, (d) Creates opportunities for societal interventions through S & T & (e) Establishes and engages in mechanisms of cooperation, partnerships & alliances. These approaches that reflect its mission ensure a holistic systemic influence, immediate, medium and long term relevance/ gains. It enables cross cutting impacts across sectors to sustain growth/ development and synergies to optimize on time, human, institutional and financial resources.

The DST has consistently enabled transformational changes through appropriate responses and often non-participative roles. DST accordingly played the role of an extra mural research funding agency wherein competitive grants for research was provided to investigators based on technical merit. This system was in vogue for nearly three decades. DST also took cognizance of several changes in approaches around the world, over the years and evolved its own systems adapted to India’s needs. This resulted in some directional changes that evolved into proactive functions and participative actions. These are evident in DST’s robust facets including proactive identification of gap areas and development of new programmes and schemes, evidencebased approaches to define gaps / needs balancing competitive and development models, championing for larger resource allocations for science, expansion of stakeholder variety and base, interactions centered on value of stakeholder engagement, internal connectivity of various programmes, effective planning and coordination to optimize use and delivery of resources, gain a deeper understanding of local needs and establish a dynamic balance among three basic priorities of an integrated vision to synthesize equity, expansion and excellence in the science sector.

DST ensures a synthesis of the outcome of policies, plans, programmes and projects through appropriate forward and backward linkages. International S&T cooperation with friendly countries had become a national priority and DST was assigned the task. Thus, DST establishes strategically important systems / mechanisms to stimulate and foster excellence and leadership in scientific research and development. These are aligned with India’s developmental aspirations and will further help consolidate the niche it has established in several frontiers at the national, regional and global levels.

National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS) was conceived and founded in 1988 by the late Mr. J. R. D. Tata, who sought to create an institution to conduct advanced multidisciplinary research. Housed in a picturesque green campus in Bangalore the Institute serves as a forum to bring together individuals from diverse intellectual backgrounds. They include administrators and managers from industry and government, leaders in public affairs, eminent individuals in different walks of life, and the academicians in the natural and life sciences, humanities, and social sciences.

The philosophy underlying NIAS is given shape by its research teams, which are drawn from a variety of disciplines in the natural and social sciences, humanities and arts. The Institute is unique in its integrated approach to the study of intersections between science and technology, philosophy, social issues and leadership.

The objective is to nurture a broad base of scholars, managers and leaders who would respond to the complex challenges that face contemporary India and global society, with insight, sensitivity, confidence and dedication.

The Institute has ample facilities for conferences, lectures and theatrical programmes. The JRD Tata Auditorium and the Lecture Halls facilitate an ideal atmosphere for long hours of deliberation and discussion. Situated on five acres of land within the verdant campus of the Indian Institute of Science, the buildings of NIAS have a strikingly distinctive architecture with elegant lines and arched corridors. The fully furnished guest rooms make the visitors' and course participants' stay a pleasant one.

NIAS has an active programme of public lectures, regional, national and international conferences, symposia and seminars organized independently or jointly with other institutions that focus on topical areas of research and public concern.

Mission

The current aims of NIAS are to integrate the findings of scholarship in the natural and social sciences as well as technology, the humanities and arts through multi-disciplinary research on the complex issues that face Indian and global society, and to assist in the creation of new leadership with broad horizons in all sectors of society by disseminating the conclusions of such research through appropriate publications and courses as well as through dialogues with leaders and the public.

Brazil

Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Esplanada dos Ministerios, Bloco E, 4 andar, CEP: 70067-900 Brasilia-DF, Brazil

Russia

Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation, Department of Science and Technology, 11 Tverskaya Street, 125993, Moscow, Russia

India

Ministry of Science and Technology, Department of Science & Technology, Technology Bhavan, New Mehrauli Road, New Delhi 110016

China

Ministry of Science and Technology, 158, Fu Xing Road, Beijing, 100862

South Africa

Department of Science and Technology, Private Bag x894, Pretoria, 001, RSA, DST Building 672, Meiring Naude Road, Brummeria, Pretoria 0180