Indian scientific diaspora discusses open science policy at virtual forum

In conjunction with Science India Forum of Vijnana Bharti,  the Department of Science and Technology (DST) of Government of India organised a detailed discussion on second post draft of Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (STIP) 2020. The Indian scientific diaspora, in consultation with Indians residing in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, deliberated on fellowships in India, open science policy, opportunities for young researchers as well as innovators at this forum organised on a virtual platform.

The open science policy is unique in such a way that it’s the first policy formulated through consultation with Indian diaspora from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and UAE. Dr Akhilesh Gupta who is the Adviser Scientist-G and Head of SITP 2020, secretariat, said in the past seven years, unprecedented progress has been witnessed in science and technology and that the new policy captures the growth while preparing India for brighter future.

The policy has been prepared after around 300 rounds of consultation and it saw the participation of over 43000 participants. While attending the event, suggestions were provided by Indian diaspora representatives on challenges covering the Article Processing Charge (APC) in facilitating open science policy,  availability of  post-doc fellowships in India, watertight compartments in the definition of science, interconnectivity of state-level institutions to maintain high-quality standards, registration process of innovation incubators in India, contribution of the new policy towards Industry 4.0, among others.