Collaborative excellence in basic science: Lessons from Vainu BappuFounder's day Lecture

by Ramasami T (Former Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India & Distinguished Professor of Eminence, Technology Enabling Centre, Anna University, Guindy, Chennai)

Wednesday Aug 10, 2022, 10:45 AM → 12:00 PM Asia/Kolkata

Auditorium

IIA Founder's day Lecture

Abstract

Since beginning of the new millennium, India has made policy changes and started to invest in many global R&D facilities for enabling scientists in basic research. Investments needed for mega science experimental research areas like high energy physics, astronomy etc. are beyond capacities of any one or a group of nation states. A new consortium model required for creating large and mega R&D infrastructure is emerging. Such models call for new research cultures which rely on shared passions and dissolution of personal identities into the causes of science.  Competitive excellence is the current prevailing norm in research. Vainu Bappu showcased the benefits of global citizenry and collaborative models even in passion driven basic research in astronomy. An attempt will be made to highlight the cultural changes required for collaborative excellence models for gaining returns from investments made by India in some emerging facilities including TMT drawing lessons from the work of Vainu Bappu.

Dr. Thirumalachari Ramasami served the Government of India as the Secretary, Department of Science and Technology during May 2006- 2014, He is currently distinguished professor of eminence at the Anna University, Chennai He served as the Secretary to the Government of India in the Ministry of Science and Technology during 2006-14 He is renowned for his leadership contributions in leather research and strengthening of Science, Technology and innovation landscape in the country. Some programmes initiated by DST like INSPIRE, PURSE, CURIE and many others have proved as game changers. He was instrumental in the formulation of Science, Technology and Innovation Policy 2013 by the Government of India. He is a renowned chemist with traceable impact in the domain of leather technology. His contributions to the sustainable development of leather industry in India and shaping of Indian science, technology and innovation landscape are noteworthy. He brings current strengths in policy research and strengthening governance systems in public funded bodies.