Sunday, April 30, 2017

Call for Participation | 6th Annual IPSA-NUS Summer School for Social Science Research Methods | 19-30 June | National University of Singapore

6th Annual IPSA-NUS Summer School for Social Science Research Methods
June 19-30, 2017
The National University of Singapore
          
This year's Methods School offers a wide variety of quantitative, qualitative, and formal methods courses (http://methods-school.nus.edu.sg/courses.html), such as Data Visualization, Discourse and Visual Analysis, Case Study Analysis, Experimental Methods, Game Theory, Network Analysis, Qualitative Data Analysis, Quantitative Text Analysis, Regression Analysis, and Time Series and Spatial Analysis.          
          
All courses are taught by highly experienced international faculty, and they provide participants with rigorous, hands-on training in state-of-the-art research methods at a fraction of the price of similar methods training programs in the U.S., Europe, and Australia even when factoring in travel to Singapore.          
          
For more information on the various Methods School courses and instructors, registration fees, financial aid, and more, visit our website (http://methods-school.nus.edu.sg) or contact us at methods-school@nus.edu.sg.          
          
Best regards,          

Your IPSA-NUS Methods School team          
--
IPSA-NUS Methods School
National University of Singapore
AS1, #04-10, 11 Arts Link
Singapore 117573
methods-school@nus.edu.sg | hofmannt@gmail.com
http://methods-school.nus.edu.sg          
Like us on Facebook: http://facebook.com/MethodsSchool          
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MethodsSchool

Saturday, April 29, 2017

Just Released | Challenges and Prospects for Clinical Trials in India: A Regulatory Perspective

Challenges and Prospects for Clinical Trials in India: A Regulatory Perspective
by Rahul Mongia, Deepmala Pokhriyal, Seema Rao and Ali Mehdi. ICRIER Health Policy Initiatives, and Academic Foundation, New Delhi, ISBN: 9789332704268. 

Summary: Clinical trials are integral to drug discovery and bringing out newer and better medicines. With the evolution of India's disease burden as well as its pharmaceutical industry, the need for clinical trials has increased manifold. This report analyses prospects and challenges of clinical trials in India, focusing on New Chemical Entities and new drugs, and likewise proposes actionable policy recommendations for the Indian drug regulatory landscape so that the country can realize its untapped potential, while addressing concerns raised regarding the conduct and quality of clinical trials. The Government of India needs to develop a promotive ecosystem around clinical trials now more than ever, sooner rather than later. A clear set of policy, rules and guidelines around clinical trials would be a central component in the larger strategy to address India's public health challenges and incentivize the country's pharmaceutical industry to mature to the next level.


Table of Content

1. Introduction

2. Research Methodology

3. The Dilemmas Afflicting Clinical Research in India

4. Under Trial: The Challenges of Clinical Trials in India

5. Conclusions



Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Just Released | The United Nations World Water Development Report 2017 - Wastewater: The Untapped Resource

The United Nations World Water Development Report 2017 - Wastewater: The Untapped Resource
by WWAP (United Nations World Water Assessment Programme).  Paris, UNESCO, 2017, ISBN: 9789231002014.

Abstract: The 2017 edition of the United Nations WWDR, the forth in a series of annual, theme-oriented reports, addresses an often overlooked issue that is critical to water resources management and the provision of basic water-related services: wastewater. Maximizing wastewater's potential as a valuable and sustainable resource requires creation of enabling environment for change, including suitable legal and regulatory framework, appropriate financing mechanisms and social acceptance. With a political will to do so the current obstacles, such as lack of knowledge, capacity, data and information on wastewater, can be effectively overcome.

Summary: Most human activities that use water produce wastewater. As the overall demand for water grows, the quantity of wastewater produced and its overall pollution load are continuously increasing worldwide. Over 80% of the world's wastewater – and over 95% in some least developed countries – is released to the environment without treatment.
Once discharged into water bodies, wastewater is either diluted, transported downstream or infiltrates into aquifers, where it can affect the quality (and therefore the availability) of freshwater supplies. The ultimate destination of wastewater discharged into rivers and lakes is often the ocean with negative consequences for the marine environment.
The 2017 edition of the United Nations World Water Development Report, entitled "Wastewater: The Untapped Resource", demonstrates how improved wastewater management generates social, environmental and economic benefits essential for sustainable development and is essential to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
In particular, the Report seeks to inform decision-makers, government, civil society and private sector, about the importance of managing wastewater as an undervalued and sustainable source of water, energy, nutrients and other recoverable by-products, rather than something to be disposed of or a nuisance to be ignored.
The report's title reflects the critical role that wastewater is poised to play in the context of a circular economy, whereby economic development is balanced with the protection of natural resources and environmental sustainability, and where a cleaner and more sustainable economy has a positive effect on the water quality.
Improved wastewater management generates social, environmental and economic benefits, and is essential to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.


Table of Content

Foreword | by Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO

Foreword | by Guy Ryder, Chair of UN-Water and Director-General of International Labour Organization

Preface | by Stefan Uhlenbrook, WWAP Coordinator and Richard Connor, Editor-in-Chief

Executive Summary

Prologue | State Of Water Resources: Availability and Quality

Part I Baseline and Context

Chapter 1 | Introduction | 1.1 Wastewater flows | 1.2 Wastewater as a resource: Seizing the opportunities

Chapter 2 | Wastewater and The Sustainable Development Agenda | 2.1 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development | 2.2 Potential synergies and conflicts

Chapter 3 | Governance | 3.1 Actors and roles | 3.2 Policy, law and regulation | 3.3 Financing | 3.4 Socio-cultural aspects

Chapter 4 | Technical Aspects Of Wastewater | 4.1 Wastewater sources and components | 4.2 Impacts of releasing untreated or inadequately treated wastewater | 4.3 Wastewater collection and treatment | 4.4 Data and information needs

Part II Thematic Focus

Chapter 5 | Municipal and Urban Wastewater | 5.1 Urbanization and its impact on wastewater production | 5.2 Urban forms | 5.3 Sources of wastewater in municipal and urban systems | 5.4 Composition of municipal and urban wastewater | 5.5 Urban form and the potential for municipal and urban wastewater use | 5.6 Managing urban runoff

Chapter 6 | Industry | 6.1 Extent of industrial wastewater generation | 6.2 Nature of industrial wastewater | 6.3 Addressing the resource challenge | 6.4 Wastewater and sustainable industrial development

Chapter 7 | Agriculture | 7.1 Agriculture as a source of water pollution | 7.2 Agriculture as a user of wastewater

Chapter 8 | Ecosystems | 8.1 The role and limits of ecosystems in wastewater management | 8.2 Planned use of wastewater for ecosystem services | 8.3 Operational and policy aspects

Part III Regional Aspects

Chapter 9 | Africa | 9.1 Water and wastewater in Sub-Saharan Africa | 9.2 Critical challenges | 9.3 The way forward

Chapter 10 | The Arab Region | 10.1 Context | 10.2 Challenges | 10.3 Responses

Chapter 11 | Asia and The Pacific | 11.1 Context and challenges | 11.2 Building resilient infrastructure | 11.3 A systems approach to wastewater by-product recovery | 11.4 Regulatory and capacity needs

Chapter 12 | Europe and North America | 12.1 Context | 12.2 Challenges | 12.3 Responses |

Chapter 13 | Latin America and The Caribbean | 13.1 The urban wastewater challenge | 13.2 Recent expansion of urban wastewater treatment | 13.3 Ongoing concerns and expanding opportunities | 13.4 Benefits of urban wastewater treatment | 13.5 Other sources of wastewater | 13.6 Lessons learned

Part IV Response Options

Chapter 14 | Preventing and Reducing Wastewater Generation and Pollution Loads At The Source | 14.1 Mechanisms for controlling and monitoring pollution | 14.2 Technical responses | 14.3 Financial approaches and behavioural change

Chapter 15 | Enhancing Wastewater Collection and Treatment | 15.1 Sewers and waterborne sanitation | 15.2 Low-cost sewerage | 15.3 Combined sewerage | 15.4 Decentralized treatment (DEWATS) | 15.5 Decentralized stormwater management | 15.6 Evolution of treatment technologies | 15.7 Sewer mining and component separation

Chapter 16 | Water Reuse and Resource Recovery | 16.1 Beneficial reuse of water | 16.2 Resource recovery from wastewater and biosolids | 16.3 Business models and economic approaches | 16.4 Minimizing risks to human health and the environment | 16.5 Regulations for water reuse | 16.6 Social acceptance of wastewater use

Chapter 17 | Knowledge, Innovation, Research and Capacity Development | 17.1 Trends in research and innovation | 17.2 Knowledge, research, technology and capacity-building gaps | 17.3 Future trends in wastewater management | 17.4 Capacity building, public awareness and collaboration among stakeholders |

Chapter 18 | Creating An Enabling Environment | 18.1 Technical options | 18.2 Legal and institutional frameworks | 18.3 Financing opportunities | 18.4 Enhancing knowledge and building capacity | 18.5 Mitigating human and environmental health risks | 18.6 Fostering social acceptance | 18.7 Coda


Call for Participation: National Roundtable Consultation on Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI): The Indian Perspective | 28th April | IHC, New Delhi


Dear Colleagues,

As you are aware, the need for establishing a proper balanced connects between science and society has assumed a greater importance in the present times, both at the national and at global levels.

 

RIS has been actively engaged in the discourses around this issue and has evolved a framework based on the ides of access, equity and inclusion (AEI) in science, technology and innovation, which is similar to the new concept of Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) at the global level.


In order to discuss the relevance of RRI in the Indian context, RIS, in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, is organizing a half-day 'National Roundtable Consultation on Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI): The Indian Perspective' at 09.30 a.m. on 28 April 2017 at the Magnolia Hall, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi (Entry from Gate No. 3). The agenda is attached for your ready reference.


I am pleased to invite you to participate in this important Roundtable and give us the benefit of your insights on the subject.


A line in confirmation will be highly appreciated.


With best regards,

Yours sincerely,

Sachin Chaturvedi


****************************************************************

Prof. Sachin Chaturvedi

Director General

Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS)

Core IV B 4th Floor, India Habitat Centre, Lodi Road, New Delhi 110003, India

dg@ris.org.in; sachin@ris.org.inTwitter @sachin_chat

Tel: 011-24682176

www.ris.org.in


[apeid.higher_education.bgk] Now online: Recalibrating Careers in Academia: Professional advancement policies and practices in Asia-Pacific

Dear Colleagues,

 

On behalf of UNESCO Bangkok, we are proud to announce that our new publication is now online: Recalibrating Careers in Academia: Professional advancement policies and practices in Asia-Pacific.

 

Together with experts from the Education Research Institutes Network (ERI-Net), UNESCO launched a two-year project to assess professional advancement policies and practices of higher education teaching personnel in Asia and the Pacific. Specifically, we set out to collect promising practices and emerging challenges with how higher education teaching personnel are recruited, evaluated and promoted in Asia-Pacific. The new book and results of this effort are especially timely and meaningful given that 2017 is the 20th anniversary of UNESCO's 1997 Recommendation concerning the Status of Higher-Education Teaching Personnel.

 

We look forward to continued dialogue and exploration of the 1997 Recommendation and its implications for Education 2030 and promoting quality higher education, including efforts to more effectively balance the core functions of higher education – teaching, research and service. We welcome your questions and comments along the way.

 

Please do not hesitate to reach out to UNESCO or the editors anytime.  

 

Warm regards,

 

Libing Wang and Wesley Teter

l.wang@unesco.org and wr.teter@unesco.org

http://www.unescobkk.org/ru/education/higher-education

 

Recalibrating Careers in Academia:
Professional advancement policies and practices in Asia-Pacific

 

 

Teachers are at the centre of quality higher education systems. This understanding is part of the international community's 17 Sustainable Development Goals introduced in September 2015. Goal four is known as SDG4 - Education 2030 which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. This bold vision requires high quality teachers using learner-centered, active and collaborative pedagogical approaches. To meet this need, we must first explore how to effectively train, hire and promote the next generation of scholars, including key dimensions outlined in UNESCO's Recommendation concerning the Status of Higher-Education Teaching Personnel (1997).

Twenty years has passed and we struggle to effectively balance the core functions of higher education – teaching, research and service.

 

To address this challenge, UNESCO Bangkok and experts from the Education Research Institutes Network (ERI-Net) launched a two-year project to assess professional advancement policies and practices of higher education teaching personnel in Asia and the Pacific. One of the outcomes of the project is this collection of case studies on academic promotion. Recalibrating Careers in Academia collects promising practices and assesses emerging challenges in how higher education teaching personnel are recruited, evaluated and promoted in Asia and the Pacific. Further, it presents important issues that are fundamental to UNESCO's mandate, including to promote gender equality and address concerns of teaching personnel with disabilities as well as the fair treatment of part-time staff and other potentially vulnerable people. We welcome your feedback on how we can achieve SDG4 and build on the vision of the 1997 Recommendation: eisd.bgk@unesco.org.

 

Recalibrating Careers in Academia: Professional advancement policies and practices in Asia-Pacific
Bangkok: UNESCO Bangkok

ISBN: 978-92-9223-573-4 (print version)      
ISBN: 978-92-9223-574-1 (electronic version)

 

Download pdf (full version)
Download pdf (synthesis report)

 

http://www.unescobkk.org/resources/e-library/publications/article/recalibrating-careers-in-academia-professional-advancement-policies-and-practices-in-asia-pacific/

 

 

 

 

Section for Educational Innovation and Skills Development (EISD)
UNESCO Asia-Pacific Regional Bureau for Education

 

Mom Luang Pin Malakul Centenary Building

920 Sukhumvit Rd.,
Bangkok 10110, Thailand

Tel.: +66 23 91 05 77

www.unesco.org/bangkok


Friday, April 21, 2017

INDIGO Policy Brief: Science, Technology and Innovation, Comparative Analysis between EU-India and Other Countries: Indian Perspective | by V. V. Krishna & Rajiv Mishra, CSSP, JNU

Policy Brief: Science, Technology and Innovation, Comparative Analysis between EU-India and Other Countries: Indian Perspective
by V. V. Krishna with the assistance of Rajiv Mishra, CSSP, JNU.
INDIGO Policy, Centre for Social Innovation (ZSI), Austria, 2017.

Table of Contents
Introduction
1 Setting the context and background of the comparative analysis
2 Some comparisons between the EU multilateral and the non-EU bilateral cooperation from an Indian perspective
3 Gaps in comparative perspective of the EU multilateral and the non-EU bilateral Science and Technology cooperation
4 Comparative perspective on cooperation of Indian funding organisations with other countries
5 Gaps in comparative perspective of the EU funding and the non-EU countries funding mechanisms
6 Good practices of cooperation as seen from the Indian perspective | 6.1 India-United States S&T collaboration | 6.2 India-France S&T collaboration | 6.3 Indo-German S&T collaboration
7 Interviews with Indian funding organisations cooperating with Europe: Correlation with gaps analysis
8 Future of India-European Union Science and Technology cooperation: Key recommendations of comparative analysis



INDIGO Policy Brief: India Science and Technology Cooperation with EU and Other Select Countries | by V. V. Krishna & Rajiv Mishra, CSSP, JNU

Policy Brief: India Science and Technology Cooperation with EU and Other Select Countries
by V. V. Krishna with the assistance of Rajiv Mishra, CSSP, JNU.
INDIGO Policy, Centre for Social Innovation (ZSI), Austria, 2017.

Table of Contents
Introduction
1 EU-India Science, Technology and Innovation cooperation
2 India-US Science, Technology and Innovation cooperation
3 India-Japan Science, Technology and Innovation cooperation
4 India-Canada Science, Technology and Innovation cooperation
5 India-China Science, Technology and Innovation cooperation
6 Concluding summary


INDIGO Policy Brief: Science, Technology and Innovation Policy in India - Some Recent Changes | by V. V. Krishna, CSSP, JNU

Policy Brief: Science, Technology and Innovation Policy in India - Some Recent Changes
by V. V. Krishna, CSSP, JNU
INDIGO Policy, Centre for Social Innovation (ZSI), Austria, 2017.

Table of Contents
Foreword
Introduction
1 Some general features | 1.1 Structure of gross expenditure on Research and Development (GERD) | 1.2 Structure of S & T research system governance |  1.3 Main research performers | 1.4 Intermediary organisations |1.5 Cluster organisations | 1.6 Knowledge production
2 Methodology
3 Evolution of India's Science, Technology and Innovation policy | 3.1 Science, Technology and Innovation policy 2013
4 New government and current changes of STI 2015 | 4.1 National flagship programmes | 4.2 New Research and Innovation policies, schemes and instruments 2014–2015
5 Possible impacts on STI cooperation with Europe

IIED Working Paper "India's Peri-Urban Frontier: Rural-Urban Transformations and Food Security" | by F Marshall & P Randhawa

India's Peri-Urban Frontier: Rural-Urban Transformations and Food Security
by Fiona Marshall and Pritpal Randhawa
IIED Working Paper, 2017, ISBN 9781784313814.

Abstract: In India, peri-urban areas are too often neglected. Many people live in poverty and face increasing marginalisation and food insecurity. Yet peri-urban agriculture could be a major contributor to poverty alleviation and food security. This working paper examines rural-urban transformations in India in relation to changes in food production, access, consumption, nutritional quality and safety. To improve health and nutrition, a more holistic, food security-based perspective is needed. Policy and planning must support those fragile communities engaged in peri-urban agriculture while protecting the environmental services on which they depend. It also discusses examples of specific policies and programmes and considers knowledge gaps, governance challenges and mechanisms that might help facilitate pro-poor food security developments on the ground.

RIS Public Lecture “Blue Economy Framework for Sustainable Development and Economic Prosperity”| 25 April | IHC, New Delhi


RIS, jointly with the Ministry of Earth Sciences, is organising a public lecture on "Blue Economy Framework for Sustainable Development and Economic Prosperity" by the noted expert Prof. Charles Colgan, Professor from National Ocean Economics Programme (NOEP), USA at 3.00 pm on Tuesday, 25 April 2017 at Jacaranda Hall, India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road, New Delhi (Entry from Gate No.3). Prof. Charles Colgan is an eminent scholar in the areas of ocean economies, transportation and economic development, urban planning and policy analysis. 

In the recent years, Blue Economy has emerged as major development paradigm for coastal economies. Ocean sector is a key driver of economic growth for littoral countries and maintenance of good ocean health is the foremost requirement for sustainable use of ocean resources. In this regard, SDG-14 would certainly complement efficacy of the Blue Economy in coastal economies in accomplishing high economic growth. For taking this process forward, domestic, regional and global ocean policies need to be integrated in shaping effectiveness of the Blue Economy policies. A copy of the Tentative Programme is enclosed for your ready reference. 



****************************************************************
Prof. Sachin Chaturvedi
Director General
Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS)
Core IV B 4th Floor, India Habitat Centre, Lodi Road, New Delhi 110003, India
Tel: 011-24682176
Twitter @sachin_chat


Wednesday, April 19, 2017

[apeid.higher_education.bgk] Wenhui Award for Educational Innovation 2017 - Call for nominations

Wenhui () Award for Educational Innovation 2017

Innovations in the Professional Development of Teachers

 

 

Call for nominations

We demand a lot from our teachers. We want them to have strong subject and pedagogic content knowledge, possess effective classroom management skills, readily adopt new technologies, and be inclusive and sensitive to the diverse needs of their students. No longer simply transferring information to learners, teachers are expected to create a conducive environment to facilitate learning and prepare their students for a rapidly changing world. We have these demands because the quality of an education system cannot exceed the quality of its teachers and the quality of teaching.

 

Great teaching needs a lot of practice to deepen teachers' knowledge base and skills. Great teaching can and must be nurtured through high-quality training and continuous learning. This is why professional development is critical.

 

The theme of the 2017 Wenhui Award, Innovations in the Professional Development of Teachers, aims to draw attention to the importance of the professional development of teachers. This is in line with SDG 4-Education 2030 Agenda and UNESCO's vision of education to provide and enhance quality learning opportunities for all, particularly to those most disadvantaged, vulnerable and marginalized, by focussing on innovative professional development of teachers.

 

Two individuals or institutions from the Asia and Pacific region will be selected by a jury of distinguished educators. The winners will each receive a Certificate of Excellence and prize money of US$ 20,000. Certificates of Merit may also be awarded to individuals or institutions that have demonstrated commendable innovative practices.

 

More information is available in the Wenhui Award Brochure. The Application Form and Consent Form can be downloaded from the Award website: http://www.unescobkk.org/education/apeid/wenhuiaward/2017.

 

 

Important dates

Closing date for nominations  21 July 2017

Announcement of winners      End of September 2017

Award ceremony                    To be confirmed

 

For further information, contact:

 

Wenhui Award Secretariat

UNESCO Bangkok

920 Sukhumvit Road, Prakanong

Bangkok 10110, Thailand

Tel: (66-2) 391-0577

Fax: (66-2) 391-0866

Email: apeid-award@unesco.org

Website: http://www.unescobkk.org/education/apeid/wenhuiaward/2017

 

The Wenhui () Award for Educational Innovation, established by the National Commission of the People's Republic of China for UNESCO, and coordinated by UNESCO Bangkok, aims to recognize the contributions of educators and institutions which have optimized the potential of education and the human innovative spirit to address and resolve pressing issues and problems facing our world today.

IIC-3ie Talk on "Transparency & Reproducibility of Impact Evaluation: A Turning Point for the Evaluation Community" | 28 April

Transparency and Reproducibility of Impact Evaluation: A Turning Point for the Evaluation Community
Date: 28 April, 2017 | 3:00-5:00 pm 
Venue: Seminar Hall 1, Kamala Devi Complex, India International Centre, New Delhi

Speaker: Arnaud Vaganay, director of Meta-Lab, Catalyst (Fellow)  of the Berkeley Initiative for Transparency in Social Sciences (BITSS)

Discussant: Kiran Bhatty, senior fellow, Centre for Policy Research, New Delhi

Chair: Diana Milena Lopez Avila, Evaluation Specialist, 3ie

Abstract: Transparency and reproducibility of impact evaluation is paramount to advancing evidence-informed policymaking in lower and middle-income countries. Recent examples demonstrate that pivotal scientific findings cannot be replicated due to poor documentation or methodological bias, sparking debate across scientific and regulatory communities. However, there is general agreement that we need improvements in communicating and documenting research and risk assessment methods.
In this 3ie Delhi seminar, Arnaud Vanagay will present his research in meta-research. He will cover measuring the transparency and the scientific credibility of applied social sciences (e.g. evaluations of employment policies) and the influence of scientific norms, political institutions and financial incentives on the transparency and credibility of this research.

About the speaker: Arnaud Vanagay is the founder and director of Meta-Lab, a consultancy that develops, implements and evaluates new tools to make research and teaching more cost-effective. He is also a visiting lecturer at the London School of Economics and Political Science. He is interested in defining what makes 'good' research decisions. Arnaud studies the economic, political, psychological and philosophical factors driving these decisions. His interest in meta-research stems from his experience as a policy and programme evaluator. Arnaud holds a PhD in Social Research Methods from the London School of Economics and Political Science and a MSc in political science from Science Po Grenoble, France.

Tuesday, April 18, 2017

AAJ Event Today at JNU | An interaction with Women Entrepreneurs and Innovators on "Entrepreneurship and Empowerment"

An interaction with Women Entrepreneurs and Innovators
on Entrepreneurship and Empowerment 
on April 19, 2017 at 4 pm
at JNU Convention Centre

Call for Applications - DST Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy PostDoctoral Fellowships

DST Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy PostDoctoral Fellowships


Background and Motivation
Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) are now recognized as playing a significant role in advancing human, social, and economic development and meeting the aspirations of people and nations across the world. As a result, understanding STI processes and exploring ways to strengthen them is a major strand of intellectual activity, evinced by the explosion of literature on these topics in the last decade. At the same time, there are significant efforts to link this understanding to better policy making by a range of governmental agencies (both in developed and emerging economies) and inter-governmental organizations.
In recognition of importance and potential of STI in meeting India's developmental challenges through "acceleration of the pace of discovery and delivery of science-lead solutions for faster, sustainable and inclusive growth," the government launched the Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy in 2013. Department of Science and Technology (DST) recognized the importance of evidence-driven research and analysis in underpinning the effective achievement of the objectives of this policy and established DST Centers for Policy Research (CPRs) in various academic institutions across the country (Annexure-I). These centers are engaged in targeted research in number of key areas relevant to the country, train young scholars in STI policy research, and contribute towards better STI policy making by providing inputs to DST.
The role of suitable human resources is key to the success of STI policy research enterprise, perhaps even more than many traditional areas of research since intellectual engagement with this area ideally requires both understanding of the STI domain and processes, as well as policy research skills that draw on various strands of social sciences. Thus individuals with a background in natural science, medicine engineering or social science with a background of STI policy research are particularly suited for such research and, if trained appropriately, can bring a unique and important perspective to impending issues in this arena.

Fellowship Proposal
As the country is lagging behind in terms of critical mass and proper structure of policy research institution(s), on the recommendation of the Committee of Experts, Policy Research Cell of DST had announced in 2016 a DST-STI Policy Fellowship Programme at post-doctoral level to generate a critical mass of policy researchers. At present, there is no systematic formal pathway in the country to support such a professional transition, although personal experiences of many established STI policy researchers suggest that there is indeed a cohort of young graduates who have an interest in making such transition and contribute systematically to STI policy-making in the country. The fellowship programme was initiated with the broad objective of (a) enhancing human resources that can engage with and contribute to the STI policy domain and (b) strengthen the knowledge base, think tank, and evidence based policy making. The fellowship may provide an opportunity to develop the skills for young scientists and engineers who are interested in engagement with the STI policy domain and/or as STI policy researchers. This programme aims to attract and encourage top-quality researchers to work on the issues pertaining to STI policy and contribute their knowledge and analytical skills in the policy realm.

It is proposed to call for DST-STI Policy Fellowship- 2017 at POSTDOCTORAL Level. The Fellowship program would also provide an opportunity for policy-makers in various government departments /agencies to draw upon STI policy research expertise from this pool.
DST-STI POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW: The main objective of DST-STI Fellowship is to build up the cadre of academic STI policy researchers in the country, such that these Fellows may actively contribute in policy making in academia, research organizations, or even in government. The candidates who have received a Ph.D. (or equivalent) in natural science /medicine/engineering/ policy research/social science (with a background of STI policy research) within the last three years will be eligible to apply for the fellowship. Applicants must be capable of doing independent research work and have published at least 3 research papers in peer reviewed journals. At the time of application, applicant's age should be below 35 years. 
This will be a 2-year fellowship (with a possible extension of one more year, depending upon performance) where the recipient would be located in a DST-CPR (by mutual agreement) or in an active policy research group in academic/research institutions within the country to undertake STI policy research align to the research program of that CPR or mutually agreed with consent of DST-PRC and policy researchers/mentors in other than that of CPR. They also will build active linkages to a relevant government agency (either a scientific ministry or a line ministry with an S&T component), facilitated by DST itself and/or the DST-CPR. It is hoped that over a time, as policy makers realize the importance of such Fellows, they will be forthcoming to support such Fellows and even host them. In addition to undertaking research and policy engagement, there will be a set of activities – such as a seminar series or topical workshops – developed by the DST-CPRs (in consultation with DST) – that will further add value to the experience gained by Fellows and also build a community for them.

Eligibility
Science/medicine/engineering/ social science (with a background of STI policy) academic scholars, STI policy researchers, with good academic record and holding a Ph.D. degree (within the last three years) are eligible to apply. Applicants must be capable of doing independent research work and have published at least 3 research papers in peer reviewed journals. At the time of application, applicant's age should be below 35 years.

Application/Proposal
Applicants are required to submit following documents written in English:
  • Research Proposal: A proposal of maximum 5 pages on empirical research on STI policy issues, preferably, the issues pertaining to thematic areas of the candidates' desired DST-CPR and/or other Policy Research Group in academic/research institutions (proposal must be formulated though consultation with DST-CPR or active policy research group). The proposal must include: a) a STI related research title, b) a research objective, c) STI related Policy research background/ questions, d) research methodologies, and e) a research plan, including the evidence based outcome. 
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Two recommendation letters.
The remuneration and terms and conditions will be guided as per applicable rules, of DST. The fellowship programme will be run by Policy Research Cell, DST. The duly constituted Review Committee comprising others scientific departments/ ministries representatives as well eminent policy makers, academicians will select the fellows, monitor the progress and make further review of the fellowship programme. 

Selection/Support
The duly constituted Review Committee will select candidates based on their research track record and the relevance, quality, and significance of their proposals. Once the Review Committee finalizes the selection, the program office (Policy Research Cell, DST) will notify a review result to selectees via e-mail. The selected Postdoctoral Fellows will be awarded a fellowship of Rs. 80,000/- (consolidated) in the level of INSPIRE Faculty. Based on the Committee's decision, an amount up to Rs. 200,000/- will be granted annually to the Postdoctoral Fellows to cover researchrelated costs and contingency.
Number Postdoctoral Fellowships: 8 (tentative and can be increased, decreased at the discretion of DST)
 
How to apply: Candidates are required to submit a copy of application in prescribed format available at DST website www.dst.gov.in. The envelope should be superscribed with "DST-STI-PFP Application 2017". The application should be sent to Dr. Akhilesh Mishra, Scientist D, Department of Science and Technology, Technology Bhawan, New Mehrauli Road, New Delhi-110016 by speed post. A soft copy of proposal should also be mailed at akhilesh.mishra@nic.in. (Applicants may note that R&D related proposals will not be considered. Proposal must be on STI policy related issues) 

Last Date of Submission: 30th May, 2017. 

ANNEXURE -1
DST- Centres for Science Policy Research
  1. DST- Centre for Policy Research at IISc-Bangalore | Prof. T. A. Abinandanan, Materials Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560 012 | Email:abinandanan@gmail.com abinand@materials.iisc.ernet.in.  | Thematic Areas of Policy Research:  1. Scientometric Analysis of Indian Institutions. 2. Research on Funding Patterns and Policies. 3. Methods of Assessing Multi-Dimensional Impact
  2. DST- Centre for Policy Research" at IIT-Delhi | Prof. Ambuj Sagar, Coordinator, DST- Centre for Policy Research at IIT-Delhi, Indian Institute of Technology Hauz Khas, New Delhi-110 016, Email: asagar@hss.iitd.ac.in. | Thematic Areas of Policy Research:  1. India's Innovation Mapping. 2. Technology Transfer. 3. Sectorial research study. 4. Benchmarking study reports
  3. DST- Centre for Policy Research in S&T Entrepreneurship "Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII)" Gandhinagar | Prof. S. B. Sareen, Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), P.O. Bhat 382 428, Gandhinagar, Gujarat Email: sareen@ediindia.org. | Thematic Areas of Policy Research:  1. Understating ecosystem to promote and strengthen S&T Entrepreneurship. 2. Scan International Strategy to promote S&T based Entrepreneurship and integrating inclusive growth element. 3. Prospects and Constraints in Technology Commercialization by R&D Institutions in India: The Strategy Imperatives. 4. Maintaining data base of high technology entrepreneurs and preparing and publishing case studies of such entrepreneurs.
  4. DST- Centre for Policy Research" at Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar (Central) University, Lucknow | Dr. Venkatesh Dutta, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (A Central University), Rae Bareily Road, Vidya Vihar, Lucknow – 226 025 (UP), Tel. (+091 522) 2440826/27, 2441515, 2551615, Fax:091-522-2440821, E-mail: dvenks@gmail.com, duttada@yahoo.co.in, Mob:+91-9918466778. | Thematic Areas of Policy Research:  1. Study of policies and mechanisms for delivery of STI outputs to diverse stakeholders including innovation for social inclusion with special reference to: Sustainable agriculture; Health; Energy; Water resource management and Climate governance. 2. Map STI effectiveness in bringing social inclusion. 
  5. DST- Centre for Policy Research" at Panjab University, Chandigarh | Prof. R Tewari, Coordinator, DST- Centre for Policy Research Panjab University, Sector 14, Chandigarh, UT- 160014, Email: rupinder@pu.ac.in, dstprc2014@pu.ac.in. | Thematic Areas of Policy Research:  1. Study of policies and mechanisms that could promote to enhance and expand private sector participation in STI activities including industry - academia - R&D collaboration. 2. Motivation and promotion of IP generation as a tool for enhanced Academia industry collaborations. 


Saturday, April 15, 2017

Re: Hello..

Hello ,

How are you and the family?

I am Ms. chui, I work with one of the popular banks in China and I have a sensitive and private offer from the top executive to seek your partnership in re-profiling some offshore investment funds.

Please contact me on my private email at huichmh@gmail.com for more information.

Regards.

Ms. chui.
Email: huichmh@gmail.com

Letter .. Mrs. Rizavas

My husband and I have to make donation that's why we are contacting you
"I would be interested to Receive Further details from you, we would
appreciate a prompt reply." Thank you. Please reply me
rizavasmrssophie@hotmail.com

Tuesday, April 11, 2017

The HEIRRI International Call for Applications for pilot testing of the HEIRRI training materials is now open!

Dear colleagues,

I am contacting you from the Global University Network for innovation (GUNi) and the ACUP (Catalan Association of Public Universities).

We are currently part of a very interesting initiative: the Higher Education in Responsible Research and Innovation (HEIRRI – www.heirri.euproject, a European Horizon2020 funded project under the call Science for Society. This project aims to promote Responsible Research and Innovation in higher education, and specifically it will provide teaching/training materials in different formats for higher education institutions to integrate into the curriculums of their degrees, or for specific workshops.

The HEIRRI project calls on higher education institutions from all continents interested in Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) and its integration into the curricula for a pilot test of two of the training programs and materials developed by the HEIRRI project. The selected institutions will pilot the testing of the HEIRRI materials in parallel with the Consortium member institutions between June 2017 and April 2018. They will actively participate in the learning process, giving feedback on the materials and their use in their institutions. 

 

The deadline for applications is April 30th, 2017.

 

We hope you find this call of interest for your institution and networks. Additionally we would be very happy if you could help spreading the word by sharing it with your contacts and websites.

 

Here you will find:



What is RRI? 

Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) is a term used widely in Europe, we are aware that it is not used in other parts of the world, but it basically focuses on six dimensions (there are some additional definitions but the ideas are similar):

 

1.     Engagement: It implies that societal challenges should be framed on the basis of widely representative social, economic and ethical concerns and common principles on the strength of joint participation of all societal actors - researchers, industry, policymakers and civil society.

2.     Gender Equality: Addresses the underrepresentation of women, indicating that human resources management must be modernized and that the gender dimension should be integrated in the research and innovation content.

3.     Science Education: Faces the challenge to better equip future researchers and other societal actors with the necessary knowledge and tools to fully participate and take responsibility in the research and innovation process.

4.     Open Access: States that RRI must be both transparent and accessible. Free online access should be given to the results of publicly funded research (publications and data).

5.     Ethics: Requires that research and innovation respects fundamental rights and the highest ethical standards in order to ensure increased societal relevance and acceptability of research and innovation outcomes.

6.     Governance: Addresses the responsibility of policymakers to prevent harmful or unethical developments in research and innovation. The latter is a fundamental basis for the development of the rest of the dimensions.

 

If you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

 

Wishing you a good afternoon,


Marta Cayetano
Tècnica en comunicació / Communication officer
Carrer de la Vila, bloc F, baixos
Campus de la UAB
08193 Bellaterra (Barcelona)
T: 93 519 46 70