(a) the steps taken by the Government to encourage young scientists to conduct advance research for the development of technology;
(b) whether the Government has conducted/proposes to conduct various competitions to identify such talent; and
(c) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES
(SHRI.Y. S. CHOWDARY)
(a) Government has taken several measures to encourage young scientists to conduct advance research for the development of technology. Some of the targeted Programmes include Young Scientist Project Award Schemes, Early Career Research Award (ECRA), National Postdoctoral Fellowship (N-PDF), Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) Faculty Scheme, CSIR-Nehru Postdoctoral Fellowships etc. Awards like Innovative Biotechnologist Award, National Bioscience Awards for Career Development are given to Young scientists to recognize innovative thinkers in sectoral areas. The research infrastructure in Universities and colleges has been substantially enhanced for undertaking advanced research. Researchers, especially young scientists have been supported to engage in international collaborations with prominent countries thereby ensuring that the research undertaken in our country is relevant and advanced.
(b) & (c): Government has instituted many schemes to identify talent and competence of young researchers to take up advanced research in the country. The Swarnajayanti Fellowship of Department of Science and Technology identifies a selected number of young scientists, with proven track record, to pursue research in frontier areas of science and technology and provide them special assistance. The Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize instituted by Council of Scientific and Industrial Research is highly competitive to identify outstanding contribution to science and technology by Indian scientists. Young Scientist Medal/Award of Academies and CSIR are designed to identify talented researchers.
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