Union Minister of State (Independent Representative) for Science and Technology; Minister of State (Independent Representative) for Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said today, “Science leaders” are needed to drive the integration of science and technology development in society in a way that puts science in a position to address the needs citizen and sector.
Inaugurating the ‘Building Science Leaders Programme‘, Dr Jitendra Singh said that for government service delivery, it is important for scientists to be at the forefront of their work and hone competencies to deliver science for the public good. Dr Jitendra Singh said the science and technology sector in India is further emphasizing the derivation of social good, a good example being the use of remote sensing technology for life-saving cyclone predictions in coastal areas.
Similarly, technology like the United Payment Interface built on the India Stack is revolutionizing payments for everyone. UPI is the world’s only interoperable real-time API-driven money transfer platform designed for a mobile-only world; added the minister. Dr Jitendra Singh appreciated the role of Capacity Building Commission, Office of the Principal Science Adviser (PSA) of Government of India, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) for collaboration with Center for Technology, Innovation and Economic Research (CTIER) and Ahmedabad. University to develop and deliver the program “Building Science Leaders in India”.
The minister said that ‘Building Science Leaders in India’ is a uniquely designed joint executive development program for scientists who are leading laboratories or likely to take up leadership roles and future directors of research organizations. He said the program will hone key competencies such as communication, design thinking and project management in scientists.
The first batches of the program involve 7 science departments under the Government of India – DST, DBT, ISRO, DAE, CSIR, MoES and MoEFCC. The cohort approach is also aimed at ensuring the mutual cooperation of scientists across departments. The program has been designed in two phases – Phase 1 (Online): A two-day online program held on September 7 and 8, while Phase 2 (In Person): Four days of an in-person program at ISRO Bangalore between September 27 and 30.
