CSIR-NIScPR Celebrates the Foundation Day

CSIR-NIScPR Celebrates the Foundation Day

Subject: Science and tech

Section: Msc

Context:

• The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) celebrated its Foundation Day with a dynamic event showcasing a commitment to advancing science communication, STI policy research, innovation, and research.

More on news:

• Prof. Ranjana Aggarwal who is Director of CSIR-NIScPR had emphasized the institute’s dedication to disseminating scientific achievements in all Indian languages. 
• Highlighting the new initiatives of the Institute, Prof. Aggarwal mentioned the concrete outcomes of the Science Media Communication Cell, SVASTIK, Technology Readiness Level efforts and many others. 
• She also emphasized the strong focus on language diversity as a means to reach a wider audience.
• She had shared insights into the institute’s prominent role as the host of the National Science Library, the largest in Asia.
• Prof. Aggarwal highlighted the institute’s commitment to creating rural livelihoods by leveraging CSIR technology.

Key deliberations out of the address by the Director CSIR-NIScPR: 

• Science Media Communication Cell (SMCC) is an innovative initiative bridging the gap between media and science.
• This cell is designed to enhance the communication of scientific achievements to the public, fostering a better understanding of S&T knowledge to society. 
• NETRA Framework has been developed in collaboration with National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) for assessing technology readiness levels. 
• CSIR-NIScPR will play a pivotal role in certifying technologies for the NRDC, further supporting technological advancements.
• This initiative will utilize the networks of the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan and Vijanan Bharati, aiming to empower rural communities through innovation. 
• In line with Prime Minister Modi’s vision, SVASTIK seeks to disseminate scientifically validated traditional knowledge of India. 
• This initiative reflects CSIR-NIScPR’s dedication towards preserving and promoting traditional wisdom.

About CSIR-NIScPR

• CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) is one of the constituent laboratories of the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) under the Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India. 
• CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR), New Delhi came into existence on 01-04-2021 with the merger of erstwhile CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources (CSIR-NISCAIR), New Delhi and erstwhile CSIR-National Institute of Science, Technology and Development Studies (CSIR-NISTADS), New Delhi
• Consequent upon the merger of erstwhile CSIR-NISCAIR & erstwhile CSIR-NISTADS into a new institute CSIR-NIScPR, all units/divisions have been reorganized.
• The new entity may serve as a ‘Think Tank’ for the Indian ST&I system and may lead ST&I communication and policy studies at National level fulfilling the emerging National aspirations and needs.
• It specializes in the fields of science communication.
• STI focuses on evidence-based policy research and studies. 
• It publishes various journals, books, magazines, newsletters, and reports on science and technology. 
• It also conducts research on science communication, science policy, innovation systems, science-society interface, and science diplomacy.
• Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) was set up in 1942 and its major objectives mentioned in the Memorandum of Association of the Council are “the collection and dissemination of information” and “publication of scientific papers and journals”.