I think it is time to articulate a grand vision for Indian science. But at the same time, we need to be cognizant of the barriers. Our approach has to strike a fine balance, avoiding the twin pitfalls of a) dreams unanchored by reality or b) of being too mired in the present and its challenges that one loses sight of bigger objectives. We need to find the right vehicle that can carry the vision ahead without getting derailed.
When a researcher conducts scientific studies in a geographical area, what exactly is the impact of that research for the residents of that area? How can a scientist make his or her work more relevant for such people? Anne Toomey presents a case study from Bolivia that is surprisingly close to sentiments expressed by Indian ecologists and environmentalists.
The purpose of this article is to highlight some of the gaps in the Indian scientific and pharma landscape.
Arsenic contamination in groundwater in parts of West Bengal is well-knownfor more than two decades. Such contamination elsewhere within the Indian sub-continent has been detected in more recent times. The implication ofthe latter has been considered primarily in respect of contaminated groundwater-derived drinking water sector with appropriate remedial measures. However, the use of such contaminated groundwater in the vast sector of agricultural irrigation, leading to entry of toxic arsenic in the food-chain, has remained largely confined till date within the research sector only. Even though such research efforts have led to important leads, worth pursuing, especially in regard to practicing the effective remedial options, not much is being implemented at the ground level. It appears that the policy makers and the planners need to be adequately sensitized in this respect for overall control of the menace.
In-situ conservation of traditional grass species was initiated by the Phasepardhi tribe as this was the source of fodder for their livestock.
The plastic ban is a lost opportunity to simultaneously impact the environment, while strengthening local innovation networks and mitigating the disruption to industry.
When investible amount is limiting and not the investment opportunities, a ratio model is appropriate whereas when the investment opportunities are limiting and not investible amount, a difference model is appropriate.
The thrill of writing the story and the pride of having carried out the research still belong to the individual journalist and scientist respectively, but the activity, as a whole is more important than that.
Our broader work examines whether a good model for sustainability engineering could be developed by studying the practice of grassroots technology design, by both untrained as well as trained designers.
In these days of specialization in every field, it has come as a bane of the teaching profession that those, who are otherwise erudite, do not have the flair to impart knowledge to others, thereby defeating the very purpose of education.
If we wish to make people rational and scientific, we must teach them the scientific method and let them work out the results for themselves.
