CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (NIScPR), New Delhi, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru, on 25 May 2026. The MoU aims to strengthen collaboration in science communication & public engagement and S&T policy research. This collaboration will also promote joint research projects, exchange of faculty and research scholars, organising joint events and capacity-building programmes.

Dr Shailesh Nayak, Director NIAS, in his welcome address, mentioned the importance of institutional collaborations for strengthening science communication and the need for joint capacity building programmes. Dr Geetha Vani Rayasam, Director CSIR- NIScPR, discussed the importance of inclusive science communication, tailoring content effectively for target audiences, and the use of modern technologies to foster public engagement in science. Dr Rayasam also emphasized the relevance of ethical use of AI in communication in the Indian languages.

A brainstorming discussion on “Inclusive Science Communication in the Digital Era: Priorities, Practices and Policies” was organised after the MoU signing ceremony. Prof DK Srivastava, Prof Sanjay Srivastava, Prof Rajani MB, Prof Sisir Roy, Dr Anant Kamath and Dr V V Binoy, from NIAS, Dr Geetha Vani Rayasam, Dr Kasturi Mandal, and Dr Paramananda Barman from NIScPR, Dr H S Sudhira from Gubbi Labs and Dr Suryesh K Namdeo, CSP, IISc shared their thoughts in the discussion. The panellists highlighted the gaps and priorities for strengthening responsible and inclusive science communication and the need for SciComm policies suitable for the Indian context. Major recommendations include encouraging trust in science, training science communicators and journalists, managing misinformation effectively, building a larger community of public intellectuals, strengthening SciComm in schools, popularising citizen science, developing and implementing effective guidelines and promoting interaction between scientists, policy-makers and communicators.

*****

NKR/AK/NM

(Release ID: 2265195) Visitor Counter : 686