Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Call for Nomination: NIAS-DST Training Programme on "Science, Technology and Innovation Policy" | 13-24 March | NIAS Bangalore

NIAS-DST Training Programme on "Science, Technology and Innovation Policy" for Senior Scientists/ Technologists
13-24 March 2017
at National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bangalore, India



Invitation for Nomination
The National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS) has been organizing with support from the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, training programmes to provide the orientation and planning skills required for scientists/ technocrats of the country, and in particular, to offer views of the broader scientific, economic, social and cultural milieu in which the Indian scientific enterprise could develop in this century. The large pool of scientific and technical manpower in many Indian institutions has not had the benefit of either induction training or a system of regular in-service training that are available to other cadre-based services. In order to bridge this gap, this Programme which is now first in the series for scientist-administrators and technologists at the Senior Level with 15 years of experience and above from various scientific organizations in the country will focus on the theme "Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy". The Course will be conducted during March 13-24, 2017. Consistent with the mission of NIAS, its courses emphasize the development of leadership qualities through the integration of multidisciplinary knowledge.

About the Programme
This program will impart training to participants on how science policies are important and are evolved and what is the government's role in the science and technology innovation system. Given the challenges that lie ahead in India's S&T programmes, this training capsule will aim to equip those planning careers in science and technology and related areas. Similarly, the course will dwell on how S&T policies are formulated when government and the society/public look increasingly to experts to do more for the society than conduct research and produce knowledge, which helps protect against the misuse or unintended consequences of science and technology. This training program will impart sufficient knowledge to participants so that they can contribute to decision making related to S&T issues in public, private and civic settings. The training programme includes lectures by eminent speakers, presentations by the participants, group discussions, project work, week end technical visits, public lectures, cultural programme, 'Yoga' practice from health point of view and feedback. The defining feature of lecture pattern in our courses consists of interactive sessions with distinguished faculty drawn from different organizations and occupations. The general format is a presentation for 45 minutes followed by lively discussions for 45 minutes. The participants would be encouraged to interact as widely as possible with the speakers. 

The course will address broadly the following topics:
  • Origin, evolution and history of science policy;
  • Role of government in regulating, promoting and financing science;
  • Science and Ethics;
  • Science and IPR;
  • S&T in advancement of national goals;
  • Science and Diplomacy;
  • Science and gender;
  • Perception and acceptance of risk in evolution of science policy;
  • Influence of social, cultural and political forces on the production of scientific knowledge;
  • Science Policy and Security;
  • Science Policy, Education and Culture;
  • Advocacy, Special interest or Action Groups in influencing science policies;
  • Science policy in global context: the rise of China, Korea in S&T field;
  • Professional organisations and Science & Engineering Societies;
  • Discussion on Industrial Revolution, Green, Blue and White revolutions;
  • Discussion on DARPA, NSF, NASA, European Research;
  • Discussion on US National Genome Plan Initiative (Five Year Plan: 2014-18); 
  • Discussion on Moon Mission, Mars programme, Antarctica program; etc.
More information about the lectures will be provided to the nominated participants.

Infrastructure:
NIAS has unique infrastructural facilities like accommodation, dining hall, library, auditorium (lecture hall), rest rooms, browsing centre, campus with good ambience. Since the programme is residential, NIAS will arrange boarding and lodging facilities. In view of this, it is necessary that all the participants stay in the campus. In addition, the outstation participants will be provided with transport for their pick-up and drop.

Nominations:
The participants will range from various institutions like DST, DRDO, DAE, ISRO, ICMR, ICAR, CSIR, DSIR and Universities. No participation fee is involved for attending this essentially residential programme. Only the travel expenses from Head Quarters to Bangalore and back are to be met by the nominating organizations as stipulated by DST. Participation in this Programme is limited to 25 individuals. 

Contact Information: Contact the following for further information 
  • Prof.V Bhujanga Rao, Course Coordinator, ISRO Chair Professor, National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS) Indian Institute of Science Campus, Bangalore-560012, INDIA Ph: 91-80-22185074 (Office); 91-8800990254 (Mobile); Email: vepcrew1@rediffmail.com
  • Dr. Nithin Nagaraj, Co-Coordinator, Assistant Professor, National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Indian Institute of Science Campus, Bangalore-560012, INDIA. Ph: 91-80-22185053 (Office); 91-9663861742 (Mobile); Email: nithin.nagaraj@gmail.com 
  • Mr. KS Rama Krishna, Course Secretary, National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Tel: 080-22185132, 91-9448066052 Email: niasdst.stip17@gmail.com



Monday, January 30, 2017

7-Days Training Programme on Social Science Research Methodology | 24-30 March | GIDS, Lucknow, India

Seven Days Training Programme on Social Science Research Methodology


24-30 March 2017


Venue: Giri Institute of Development Studies, Lucknow

 

Giri Institute of Development Studies (GIDS) is organizing a Training Programme on Social Science Research Methodology for Research Scholars and Faculty Members belonging to SC and Marginalized Groups (ST/OBC/Minorities) during 24-30 March 2017. The Programme will provide a unique opportunity to the participants for an intensive interaction with the well-known social scientists of the country. The young social science researchers and teachers from colleges, universities and research institutes belonging to any of the above social groups interested in pursuing research in social sciences would constitute the targeted audience of this programme. A batch of about 30 participants would be selected based on all India basis and their suitability. GIDS will provide DA and TA (upto III Tier AC) of selected participants through a shortest route. The Institute will also provide moderate boarding and lodging facilities. Interested candidates may send their application in the prescribed format downloadable from GIDS website along with latest CV to Dr. Chittaranjan Senapati, Programme Coordinator by e-mail: crsenapati@gmail.com or gids.general@gmail.com; Contact: (M) +91-8188823673 latest by 10 February 2017.


Objective and Themes:

1.       To acquaint the research scholars and faculties with the philosophical and theoretical dimensions of the recent development in social sciences research with a special focus on developing societies;

2.       To make them understand how to recognize a research problem, formulate research questions or hypotheses and determine research objectives along with other components of a research proposal;

3.       To facilitate them to acquire knowledge about different methods of data collection and tools of data handling;  

4.       To enhance the capacities/abilities of the participants in understanding the applicability of various qualitative and quantitative techniques in social sciences research; and

5.       To engage them in preparing a minor field survey based report/monograph of few pages to assess their understanding that they accrue from the programme

Course Content:

(1)    Research Methodology; Theoretical Issues and Different Schools;

(2)    Types of Research and Research Design;

(3)    Types of Data, Methods and Tools of Data Collection;

(4)    Sampling and Statistical Tools;

(5)    Various Methods of Quantitative Research;

(6)    Various Methods of Qualitative Research;

(7)    Writing Report, Research Paper and Monograph.

Further Details


Friday, January 27, 2017

Call for Participation: Workshop on 3RS (Reduce, Reuse & Recycle) | 13 February | NPC, New Delhi

Productivity Week Celebration

Workshop on 3RS (Reduce, Reuse & Recycle)

13 February 2017

Venue: NPC Conference Hall, New Delhi, India

National Productivity Council (under Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Govt. of India) is observing "Productivity Week" during 12th to 18th February, 2017. The theme of productivity week is "Waste to Profit – 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse & Recycle)". A workshop on 3Rs will be organized on 13th February 2017 at NPC Conference Hall, New Delhi. In connection with this, NPC in collaboration with Ministry of Urban Development, Govt. of India has decided to award "Certificates of Excellence in 3Rs" in different categories on 13th February, 2017.

National Productivity Council (NPC) of India, founded on 12th February, 1958, with mission to promote productivity for socio-economic development of the country, has been organizing observance of its Foundation Day as "Productivity Day" and the ensuing week as "Productivity Week" throughout the country. It has been decided to adopt "Waste to Profit - 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse & Recycle)" as the main theme of the Productivity Week for the year 2017. 

Organized by: National Productivity Council (Under Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Govt. of India) & Asian Productivity Organization (APO)

Registration: As seats are limited, a pre-registration is necessary to confirm your nomination. The nomination/s can be sent to: yogendra.p@npcindia.gov.in or o.samuel@npcindia.gov.in, Tel: 011-24607368/25

Tentative Program Schedule

11:00 – 11:05 Welcome Address | by NPC Official

11:05 – 11:15 Inaugural Address | by Director General, NPC

11.30 – 12:00 Waste Management Hierarchy and the 3R Concept | by NPC Official

12:00 – 12:30 Role of Municipal Bodies in applying 3Rs towards Swachh Bharat Mission | by Official from Ministry of Urban Development, Govt. of India

12:30 – 13:00 Policy Framework in India for promotion of 3Rs | by Official from Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change, Govt. of India

14:00 – 16:00 Award Ceremony for distribution of "Certificates of Excellence in 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse & Recycle)" in the categories of: Municipal Corporations (Metropolitan Cities), 5 Star Hotels, Townships of Public Sector Enterprises, Cantonment Board Townships, Schools in Delhi NCR.

16:00 – 16:05 Vote of Thanks | by NPC Official

Thursday, January 26, 2017

Call for Participation: 3-Day Programme on Monitoring & Evaluation for RBM (Result Based Management) | 14-16 February | NPC, New Delhi

Productivity Week Celebration

3-Day Programme on Monitoring & Evaluation for RBM (Result Based Management)

14-16 February 2017

Venue: NPC Conference Hall, New Delhi, India

Organized by: National Productivity Council (Under Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Govt. of India) & Asian Productivity Organization (APO)

Participant Profile: Government / Public sector officials, Urban/Local bodies, Policy makers/ Regulatory bodies, Statistical and Economic Service industries, Researchers/ scholars from institutions, SME Consultants, Entrepreneurs, etc.

Nomination: Fee has been waived off. As seats are limited, a pre-registration is necessary to confirm your nomination. The nomination/s can be sent to: shukla.pal@npcindia.gov.in, nikita@npcindia.gov.in, Tel: 011-24607310/325

 

Programme Coverage:

  • RBM and M&E concept, principles, tools and techniques
  • Productivity in public sector
  • RBM tools for M&E of government schemes/programs/projects
  • Productivity integrated M&E framework
  • Basics and benefits of M&E
  • Integration of RBM and M&E

International Faculty: Dr. Shin Kim,  APO Resource Speaker



FurtherDetails

CfPs: Future Earth SDG Labs launched - Looking for Innovative Ideas for SDG Breakthroughs

Ideas and innovations for breakthroughs to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals

An initiative of Future Earth, The University of Tokyo and Stockholm Resilience Centre

Future Earth and the Stockholm Resilience Centre are launching a call for Sustainable Development Goal Labs (SDG Labs) in advance of the Resilience 2017 conference and International Conference on Sustainability Science, which will be held back to back in Stockholm 21-26 August. We are looking for brilliant ideas with potential to make major breakthroughs on the SDGs. The outcomes of the SDG Labs will be presented on 24 August during the joint "Ideas and Innovation" policy day for policymakers, business, researchers and media.

The SDG Labs are multi-stakeholder processes to catalyse transformation in institutions, systems and sectors of society, for example the global food system, international governance, inequality and poverty, or ecosystem services. The purpose of the SDG labs is to generate prototype solutions to complex problems. We want to encourage innovative ways to overcome lock-ins and plant seeds of change with potential for transformative impact. By "prototype solutions" we mean innovations that can fundamentally change the systems that created the problem in the first place. This may be social, ecological or technological innovations, or, more likely, a combination of the three.

We plan to provide up to $5k seed funding for 5-7 labs, but if you can run a lab with less or no funding, or if you already have funding for a similar activity - great. We will run more labs.

The labs can take place anywhere in the world but must be held before 21 August 2017. The outcomes of the labs will be presented at a special science-policy session of the two conferences in Stockholm on 24 August 2017. Ultimately, our vision is for the labs to feed into the UN's High Level Political Forum (HLPF) in 2018 which is framed as "Transformation towards sustainable and resilient societies". The HLPF will specifically focus around the following themes:

SDG 6 Clean water and sanitation
SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy
SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities
SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production
SDG 15 Life on Land

SDG Labs aligned with these themes will be prioritized, but we are open to all ideas. Given the nature of transformation, and idea generation, we have a flexible approach to SDG Lab design. As a rough guideline, think about a 1 or 2 day activity/workshop/hackathon designed to produce new thinking or prototypes. We would expect, though, that an SDG Lab would engage relevant expertise from, for example academia, policy, private sector, media, technology and innovation to address a specific issue related to the themes above.

To get you thinking, a lab on moving the world to a low-meat diet would be exciting, relevant and essential to achieving SDGs. Or, an initiative to develop new algorithms to measure SDG indicators from satellite data, or other "big data". Or, how about exploring how the textile industry can meet the SDGs. Or, what are the new financial instruments or economic models that could support transformation.
 

Applying

Online application form here. When you submit your application include:

The title of the SDG Lab
What is the problem/s you are trying to solve and how does it link to the definitions of transformation?
Describe the co-design process and the intended participants. What sectors or groups do they represent and why are they invited?
Describe the facilitation of the co-design process. Which method will be used and who will facilitate?
What are the potential innovations/prototypes and impact of these? Describe how the innovations/prototypes are meant to fundamentally change human-environmental interactions and contribute to large-scale changes.
What would be signs of success?
Location (can be anywhere in the world)
Expected cost (if you require less than $5k we can sponsor more labs)

We recognize applicants may require additional funding to support activities and encourage you to seek it. We welcome applicants who already have funding for a similar activity/process within our time horizon. And we welcome applicants who don't require funding at all.

Background

In August 2017, Stockholm will host two major conferences back to back: the Resilience 2017 conference (21-24), organised by the Stockholm Resilience Centre and International Conference on Sustainability Science (24-26 Aug), sponsored by Future Earth. These conferences will be linked together with a science-policy-practice day on 24 August. This day will be a dialogue for pathways for sustainable and resilient societies. The SDG Labs with be complemented by SDG sessions organised by Future Earth's Knowledge Action Networks.

The SDG Labs outcomes will form a central part of the policy day. The SDG Lab concept has emerged from the Transformation Labs (T-Labs) pioneered by the Stockholm Resilience Centre for the Transformation Conference series.

The T-Labs are an example of "change labs". "Change labs" have primarily been used in North America and Western Europe, but the idea is spreading, for example, South Africa's RLabs.

For more details on the background and a "how to" guide to run these labs see the Waterloo Institute for Social Innovation and Resilience "Social Innovation Lab Guide".

We are keen to experiment with different approaches. We expect that the ways in which the SDG-Labs are designed and facilitated will need to differ based on the specific outcomes envisaged by applicants. We hope, however, that the key considerations above, and a focus on the role of innovation in contribution to transformations to sustainability, will be central to work in all hubs.

Any questions, email to owen.gaffney@src.se | Source: http://www2.ir3s.u-tokyo.ac.jp/icss2017/sdg-labs/

-- 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dr. Anup Kumar Das
Centre for Studies in Science Policy
School of Social Sciences
Jawaharlal Nehru University
New Delhi - 110067, India
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

CfPs Seminar on Folk Philosophy in South Asia: Exploring the Cosmic and Mundane in the Folklore | 25 -26 March | Rajasthan, India

National Seminar on Folk Philosophy in South Asia: Exploring the Cosmic and Mundane in the Folklore

Date: 25 -26 March 2017

Organized by Banasthali University in collaboration with South Asian University

Venue: Banasthali University, Tonk, Rajasthan, India

Calls for Papers 
The proposed seminar seeks to bring together researches on various aspects of folklore from across the regions of South Asia contributing to the idea of folk philosophy dealing with key philosophical issues such as cosmology, myths, deities, ritual performances, material relations, everyday life inter alia. The key objective is to offer the possibility of making humble contribution to non- western paradigms of knowledge production- a much needed imperative in the time of cultural globalization. The seminar connects philosophical with folkloric in order to enrich the domains of philosophical inquiries in South Asia. Thematic areas include:
  • Ideas of Folk Philosophy: Conceptual Contours and Methodological Discussions
  • Folk Cosmology (creation, the attributes of god, human soul, death and after life) in various communities, tribal, peasant, and modern. 
  • Fluidity and Flows of folklore in the region of South Asia
  • Philosophy of Consciousness (essential harmony of all creation, light and darkness) in the folklore 
  • Paradigm of Experiential and Epistemological Knowledge (myths and symbols, folklore, proverbs, songs, traditions, rituals, medicine) in Folklore from across the region of South Asia
  • Systems of religious and philosophic beliefs – sects and deities, rituals and performances
  • Moral, and Ethical Discourses in Folklore from across the region of South Asia
  • Identity perceptions and projections (self and others) in Folklore from across the region of South Asia
  • Material Relationship (Relationship with land, forest, environment and culture in tribal world - Social forestry) in Folklore from across the region of South Asia
  • Tribal lore - as a memory of events, historical narratives 
  • Messianic movements in Rajasthan - Lasodia, Govindgiri, Gulia, Mavaji, Motilal Tejawat
  • Gender and Caste issues in Folklore of Tribal and Peasant Society from across the region
Submission of Abstract: Send us an abstract of 500 words latest by 30th January 2017 and first draft by 10th of February 2017. The registration fee will be charged on selection of abstract, from academicians (Rs 1500) & student scholars (Rs 1000). For abstract and paper submission & any queries or information, write us at philosophyfolk@gmail.com
Convener: Prof. Dr. Preeti Sharma, Department Of History & Indian Culture, Banasthali University | Co-convener: Dr. Dev N Pathak, Department of Sociology, South Asian University.


Friday, January 20, 2017

Call for Entries | Dr. Ambedkar Foundation National Essay Competition - 2016

Dr. Ambedkar Foundation National Essay Competition - 2016

Last Date for Submission is 10.02.2017

Essay Topic for Category 1 (School Students): "Ambedkar's Views on Nation & Nationalism"

Essay Topic ​for Category 2 (College/ University Students): "Personality of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, his Social Environment, his Education, or Western Thoughts"




Thursday, January 19, 2017

JNU organizes One-Day Seminar on Philosophy, Science and Technology on the occasion of World Philosophy Day | 25 January at SSS-1, JNU

Centre for Philosophy
School of Social Sciences
Jawaharlal Nehru University


invites to a One-Day Seminar on


Philosophy, Science and Technology


on the occasion of World Philosophy Day


Date: January 25, 2017


Time: 10 am to 5 pm

Venue: Conference Room, SSS-I, JNU


All are invited





JMI, New Delhi organizes "BRICS and the Multipolar World: Workshop on BRICS Studies" | on 1st February



BRICS and the Multipolar World: Workshop on BRICS Studies

Date: 1st February 2017

Venue: Ho Chi Minh Conference Room, MMAJ Academy of International Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi

The five countries that comprise BRICS - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – are emerging economies striving to create of a more just and balanced system of global economic relations. BRICS focuses on good neighbourly relations, mutually beneficial cooperation, climate change, security issues, sustainable growth and reform of the international economic architecture to find means to solve unemployment. It promotes multilateral trade cooperation. Its multi-sectoral cooperation among members includes science, technology, internet governance and security, social security, agriculture, intellectual property, tourism, health, etc. Formed in 2006, it is the largest interregional grouping. South Africa was added to the group in 2010. BRICS has worked through and formulated policies at its summits in member countries (the First Summit was in 2009 in Russia and the Eighth Summit took place in Goa in October 2016). The workshop will have eminent specialists examine and critically evaluate the role of BRICS and its contribution to a multipolar world order.


Who Can Apply for the Workshop? The workshop is open to all MA, MPhil, PhD students from NCR.


How to Apply for the Workshop? A Rs 200 demand draft in favour of "Registrar, JMI" will have to be submitted along with a copy of the latest degree of the applicant to the AIS office. The workshop will register 50 participants on a first come, first served basis.


Deadline for Application: 25 January 2017. 


A certificate of participation will be given to participants at the end of the workshop. Further Information


Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Call for Papers, 4S Boston 2017 | CfPs in Panel "102. Dissemination, Disembodiment, Diversity: Science and Technology in a Post-Truth World"


Call for Papers, Panels, and Making and Doing Presentations

The Society for Social Studies of Science (4S) invites submissions for individual papers, traditional panels, and "Making and Doing" presentations at its Annual Meeting in Boston, August 30 – September 2, 2017.

Conference theme:  STS (In)Sensibilities

If sensibility is the ability to grasp and to respond, how might we articulate the (in)sensibilities of contemporary technoscience?  How, similarly, can we reflect on the extent and limits of our own sensibilities as STS scholars, teachers, and activists?  The conference theme invites an open reading and exploration of how the world is made differently sense-able through multiple discourses and practices of knowledge-making, as well as that which evades the sensoria of technoscience and STS.  Our aim is that the sense of 'sense' be read broadly, from mediating technologies of perception and apprehension to the discursive and material practices that render worlds familiar and strange, real and imagined, actual and possible, politically (in)sensitive and ethically sensible. 

Start Here

Deadline for Submissions is March 1. We suggest you begin at the 4S Meeting Home Page to

·         read Open Panel abstracts

·         read about the return of the Making and Doing session

·         learn about the new login regime for the submission site

·         learn about program policies

About 4S

The Society for Social Studies of Science is an international, nonprofit scholarly society founded in 1975. 4S fosters interdisciplinary and engaged scholarship in social studies of science, technology, and medicine (a field often referred to as STS). Membership in the society is open to anyone interested in understanding developments in science, technology, or medicine in relation to their social contexts.

 

Society for Social Studies of Science
4sonline.org | 4smembers.org

webmaster@4sonline.org



---------- Forwarded message ----------

102. Dissemination, Disembodiment, Diversity: Science and Technology in a Post-Truth World

http://www.4sonline.org/meeting/open_panel_topics_101_129

Organized by: Ravi Shukla, Jamia, New Delhi, ravishu@gmail.com

In normative STS understanding, state as well as corporate actors draw upon the supposedly objective, impersonal nature of science to make their decisions appear impartial and free from bias. Put differently, the scientific claim to truth — where mathematical and abstract rationalities prevail over sensory evidence — has traditionally formed the basis of public credibility. In a social media driven, "post-truth" world, where objective facts are less influential in shaping public opinion, are the nature and mechanisms of state/corporate influence changing? Digital information technologies, in the form of the internet and mobile devices, have played a significant role in this shift. As Katherine Hayles and others have suggested, these technologies tend to assume a disembodied view of the world, one in which the information about an object is seen as distinct from the object itself. How does the traditional debate between social shaping of technologies and technology as an autonomous force change in a scenario wherein the nature and extent of social influence is shaped by the selfsame technologies? Is it possible to have a more embodied approach without abandoning the idea of an objective truth? This panel suggests that post-truth is not a sudden, epochal phenomenon but a more gradual shift that has been in the making. Since the shift to a post-truth world appears to be global, the panel invites both empirically oriented as well as conceptual papers that engage with the tension between a more embodied approach and the need for objective truth.

I had proposed Panel 102 here is the link (http://www.4sonline.org/meeting/open_panel_topics_101_129
Many Thanks,
Ravi Shukla, ravishu@gmail.com

Monday, January 16, 2017

JNU TRCSS Special Lecture "Our Uncommon Past From Sustainable Development to the Anthropocene" by Prof Sheila Jasanoff | 19 January at 3.30pm

TRCSS, JNU Special Lecture Series

Our Uncommon Past From Sustainable Development to the Anthropocene

by Sheila Jasanoff
Pforzheimer Professor of Science and Technology Studies, Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, USA

Date: January 19, 2017; 3.30 PM

Venue: Committee Hall, JNU Convention Centre, New Delhi

Organizers: South Asia Sustainability Hub and Knowledge Network (SASH&KN) | Transdisciplinary Research Cluster on Sustainability Studies (TRCSS) | Jawaharlel Nehru University, New Delhi

New Book | The Data Librarian's Handbook | by Robin Rice & John Southall, 2016

The Data Librarian's Handbook
by Robin Rice and John Southall, Facet Publishing, 2016, 192 pages, paperback, ISBN: 9781783300471.

About the Book 
An insider's guide to data librarianship packed full of practical examples and advice for any library and information professional learning to deal with data. Interest in data has been growing in recent years. Support for this peculiar class of digital information – its use, preservation and curation, and how to support researchers' production and consumption of it in ever greater volumes to create new knowledge, is needed more than ever.  Many librarians and information professionals are finding their working life is pulling them toward data support or research data management but lack the skills required. 
The Data Librarian's Handbook, written by two data librarians with over 30 years' combined experience, unpicks the everyday role of the data librarian and offers practical guidance on how to collect, curate and crunch data for economic, social and scientific purposes. With contemporary case studies from a range of institutions and disciplines, tips for best practice, study aids and links to key resources, this book is a must-read for all new entrants to the field, library and information students and working professionals. 
Readership: This title is for the practising data librarian, possibly new in their post with little experience of providing data support. It is also for managers and policy-makers, public service librarians, research data management coordinators and data support staff. It will also appeal to students and lecturers in iSchools and other library and information degree programmes where academic research support is taught.

Table of Contents
1. Data Librarianship: Responding to Research Innovation
2. What Is Different about Data?
3. Supporting Data Literacy [Sample Chapter]
4. Building a Data Collection
5. Research Data Management Service and Policy: Working Across Your Institution
6. Data Management Plans as a Calling Card
7. Essentials of Data Repositories
8. Dealing with Sensitive Data
9. Data Sharing in the Disciplines
10. Supporting Open Scholarship and Open Science


About the Authors
Robin Rice is Data Librarian at EDINA and Data Library, an organisation providing data services for research and education based in Information Services at the University of Edinburgh.
John Southall is Data Librarian for the Bodleian Libraries at the University of Oxford. He is based in the Social Science Library and is subject consultant for Economics, Sociology and Social Policy & Intervention.

Friday, January 6, 2017

EC OA Report | Evaluation of a National Research System: Morocco | ed by Roland Waast & Mina Kleiche-Dray

Evaluation of a National Research System: Morocco. 
Ed by Roland Waast & Mina Kleiche-Dray. European Commission: Directorate General for Research, 2009, ISBN 9789279129575, doi: 10.2777/36998.

Abstract: The report ends with a synthesis of the evaluation, and a posteriori analysis of this operation by the people in charge of research today (i.e. Ahmed El Hattab and Said Belcadi); they present the lessons retained by the Ministère Délégué à la Recherche Scientifique (Moroccan Ministry for Scientific Research), and the results that followed. This report appears just at the right time. The question of the role and usefulness of the scientific system is an up-to-date one. Genuine financial and resource efforts have been laid out in Morocco. However, what is at stake is not only a question of mobilising means but also of structuring research - not only institutions but links with society, motivation, human resources and, finally, imagination for choosing relevant and anticipating niches. This a constant concern of the Académie Hassan II des Sciences et des Techniques (Sciences and Technologies Academy of Morocco), which, among other missions, has to contribute to defining the general orientations of scientific and technological development of the country.

Table of Contents
Preface | Prof. Omar Fassi-Fehri
Methodology 
1.1 The approach | Roland Waast
1.2 Role of the ministry | Ilham Laaziz el Malti
Framework of Moroccan Research
2.1 A history of research organisation | Mina Kleiche-Dray
2.2 The Moroccan research system: organisation and new initiatives | Mina Kleiche-Dray
2.3 Detailed bibliometric analysis: methods and outcomes | Pier Luigi Rossi and Roland Waast
2.4 The role of the e-survey in evaluating national research systems: a study of Moroccan research laboratories | Anne-Marie Gaillard and Jacques Gaillard
Synthesis and Continuation
3.1 Evaluation overview | Roland Waast
3.2 Lessons learned and follow-up | Said Belcadi and Ahmed El Hattab
References | Mina Kleiche-Dray


Call for Applications: UNESCO Week for Peace and Sustainable Development: The Role of Education


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UNESCO, UNESCO MGIEP and the Canadian Commission for UNESCO are jointly putting out a call for youth to participate in The UNESCO Week for Peace and Sustainable Development: The Role of Education (6-10 March 2017, Ottawa, Canada). The conference will present a unique platform for discussion on two key programmes of UNESCO's Education Sector, namely Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and Global Citizenship Education (GCED), and their practical contribution in achieving Target 4.7 of the Sustainable Development Goal 4 on Education. The Week will focus on the issue of teachers and teacher training, and highlight best practices in the field of ESD and GCED.

We're offering a unique opportunity to global youth committed to creating peaceful and sustainable societies through education to be part of this prestigious conference.

To apply you should:

  • Be between the ages of 18-35 as of June 1, 2016.
  • Be fluent in English or French.
  • Be able to easily and frequently access social media platforms such as Facebook or Twitter during the run-up to the conference week.
  • Be present for the full duration of the conference week in Ottawa Canada (6-10th March, 2017) and available on social media platforms (Facebook and Twitter).

If you meet these criteria, you can apply here:

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And don't forget to actively participate in our weekly online discussions.

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For more information, you can go here.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter now!

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All the best!



 UNESCO MGIEP, ICSSR Building First Floor · 35 Ferozshah Road · New Delhi 110001 · India


AJSTID Book Review | Understanding the Dynamics of Indian Higher Education | [India Higher Education Report 2015]

Mukherjee Das, A. (2016). Understanding the Dynamics of Indian Higher Education, African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development, DOI: 10.1080/20421338.2016.1256595. 

Reviewed book: India Higher Education Report 2015, edited by NV Varghese & Garima Malik, Routledge India, 2015. 

Thursday, January 5, 2017

AJSTID Book Review | The Rise of the Creative Class: Revisited | by Sanghamitra Das, CSSP

Das, Sanghamitra (2016). The Rise of the Creative Class: Revisited, African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development, 8(5-6), 509-511, DOI: 10.1080/20421338.2016.1256596

Reviewed book: The Rise of the Creative Class: Revisited, by Richard Florida, Basic Books, New York, 2012. 


Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Q&A Session with Nobel Laureates | Strengthening Ties between Science, Government and Industry – A Recipe for Innovation? | 12 January | NMML, New Delhi


Nobel Media cordially invites you to a Q&A moderated session with Nobel Laureates at Nehru Memorial Museum and Library on the theme:

Strengthening Ties between Science, Government and Industry – A Recipe for Innovation?

Date: 12 January 2017, 10 am - 11.30 am

Venue: Nehru Memorial Museum and Library, Teen Murti Bhawan,  New Delhi - 110011

The seminar is a part of Nobel Prize Series India 2017, an extensive programme combining an exhibition, conference, lectures, roundtables and other meeting spaces. By sharing achievements and stories of Nobel Laureates with a global audience, this official Nobel programme inspires engagement in science, literature and peace in line with Alfred Nobel's vision.

Participating Nobel Laureates:
  • William E Moerner, Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2014 | "for the development of super-resolved fluorescence microscopy".
  • Harold E Varmus, Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 1989 | "discovery of the cellular origin of retroviral oncogenes".
  • Serge Haroche, Nobel Prize in Physics 2012 | "for ground-breaking experimental methods that enable measuring and manipulation of individual quantum systems"
Moderator: Mattias Fyrenius, CEO Nobel Media AB

We are looking forward to your reply. Please register  to participate no later than 6 January.

Welcome, Lars Heikensten, Executive Director of the Nobel Foundation
Mattias Fyrenius, CEO, Nobel Media AB
(For more information about Nobel Prize Series India 2017, please visit http://www.nobelprize.org/india2017)

Tuesday, January 3, 2017

Call for Participation: General Course on Intellectual Property (DL101) | Free eLearning Course by WIPO Academy - Distance Learning Program

General Course on Intellectual Property  (DL-101)
Free eLearning Course by WIPO Academy - Distance Learning Program


Overview: This course provides an in-depth view of the fundamentals of IP law, and is considered as indispensable to pursue more advanced courses of study on specific areas of IP law. Self-assessment tools are strategically placed throughout each module to assist participants with gauging their respective levels of knowledge and progress, as well as their ability to apply the concepts and facts presented within the course. Academic support is provided throughout each module by experienced tutors who are expert practitioners in the field of IP.
Curriculum
The DL-101 course is comprised of the following modules and final exam:
Module 1: Introduction to IP
Module 2: Copyright
Module 3: Related Rights
Module 4: Trademarks
Module 5: Geographical Indications
Module 6: Industrial Design
Module 7: Patents
Module 8: WIPO Treaties
Module 9: Unfair Competition
Module 10: Protection of New Varieties of Plants
Module 11: Summary and Discussion on Intellectual Property Rights
Module 12: IP and Development - The WIPO Development Agenda
Final Exam and Certificate: The final exam for this course is comprised of a series of multiple choice questions. A fixed amount of time is allocated for participants to complete and submit the exam on-line. Participants are contacted regarding modalities for accessing the final exam approximately one week prior to the deadline for completion of the DL-101 course. Participants who pass the DL-101 final exam are awarded an electronic certificate of course completion.
Eligibility: This course is open to individuals who are/will be employed in the field of administration of intellectual property rights; those seeking general knowledge of IP; and those who generate various forms of IP and seek a deeper understanding of the effective management and protection of IPRs.
To be enrolled before: 31 January 2017
Course Dates: 1 February 2017 to 15 March 2017

CfPs: First Workshop on Indian Science & Technology Entrepreneurship Partnership (ISTEP) | 24-25 February | CSIR-NISTADS, New Delhi, India

First Workshop on Indian Science & Technology Entrepreneurship Partnership (ISTEP)

24-25 February 2017 

CSIR-NISTADS, New Delhi, India

Background: It is generally accepted that Science and Technology can be the major drivers of innovations and enterprise of our times. In particular, a systematic and focused effort to utilize S&T in enterprise holds the promise of revolutionizing the country's economic and industrial landscape. However, this potential of S&T driven enterprise has not yet been fully realized in India. The first step towards such a realization is to identify the key characteristics of an S&T driven enterprise. The first meeting on ISTEP will focus on the characterization of S&T driven enterprise and develop a roadmap for realizing ISTEP.
Approach: While an enterprise automatically includes innovation, the reverse is not true. ISTEP will move beyond innovation by integrating innovations into products for value addition and cost-competitiveness. ISTEP will complement traditional discipline driven research with S&T synergies with enterprise goals. 
Plan of the Workshop: The primary goal of the Workshop will be to identify enterprise goals based on compelling necessities that can significantly value-add national aspirations and provide global leadership. The meeting will examine and explore major thematic areas to make a successful ISTEP. The first session will highlight these thematic areas and bring out critical issues. In the second (parallel) session, groups will discuss each thematic area in detail to develop working models. The third (day 2) sessions will synthesize the inputs from the six groups to arrive at an integrated ISTEP plan. The third day (panel discussion) will create a comprehensive set of recommendations; a Draft Agenda is available online.
Participants: Realization of ISTEP will require sustained, significant and synergetic efforts systematically involving thought leaders, established researchers and young researchers. Accordingly, the meeting will include all the three tiers from industry and academia to develop strategies and roadmap for ISTEP:
  • Thought Leaders
  • Policy Makers
  • Subject Experts including Finance and Management
  • Industry Leaders
  • Young Researchers
In addition to the invited speakers, a few contributed presentations will be included through open call. 
Organization of the Workshop: The event will be jointly organized by CSIR NISTADS, Delhi and NIAS, Bangalore. A Scientific Organizing Committee will design the Agenda and identify the invited speakers. 
Output: The main output will be a document containing the frameworks, recommendations and roadmap for implementation of ISTEP. In addition, a Pilot Project will be considered for a Proof-of-Concept.
Outcome: The primary outcome of the meeting will be the first step towards design and implementation of ISTEP. Another important outcome would be an ISTEP Working Group for sustained follow up.
Follow Up: The first Workshop will be followed up with subsequent events as recommended. A Pilot Project will be developed to create a Proof-of-Concept. 

For Submission to the Workshop 
Key Dates
  • Deadline for submission of extended abstracts January 31, 2017
  • Communication of acceptance of abstracts February 10, 2017
Format of Extended Abstract: Extended abstract (of around 1500 words) should be submitted outlining the main research questions and their relevance to ISTEP. Extended Abstract should be under following sub-heads (a) Purpose (b) Design/Methodology/Approach (c) Findings (d) Implications (e) Originality/Value (f) Keywords (maximum 5).
The work submitted should not have been published earlier in any form. All submissions and communications should be sent through email at istipworkshop2016@gmail.com. Subsequent notifications and other details will be posted on this site


Sunday, January 1, 2017

Gujarat Government announces Biotechnology Policy | ​Download Full-text PDF

Gujarat Government announces Biotechnology Policy

Gandhinagar, Dec 26 (PTI): With an aim to establish Gujarat as a preferred destination for manufacturing of biotechnology products, the state government today announced its Biotechnology Policy-2016. The policy has various incentives for investors who are keen to set up their units in the state. Under the policy, the state government would provide capital subsidy up to Rs 25 crore on the total investment for developing a Biotechnology (BT) Park, said Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel while announcing the policy. In addition, the developer of such park will be eligible for 100 per cent reimbursement of stamp duty paid on sale or lease of the land for setting such park, stated the policy document. BT Park developer will be given 100 per cent reimbursement for electricity duty paid for a period of five years, it added. For individual BT manufacturing units having gross fixed capital investment(GFCI) up to Rs 50 crore, government would give capital subsidy up to Rs 10 per cent of the GFCI with a ceiling of Rs 5 crore. Further, BT units with borrowings up to Rs 50 crore shall be entitled to an interest subsidy at the rate of 5 per cent with a ceiling of 2.5 crore per annum, the document added. To encourage new start-ups in this sector, government would give 100 per cent reimbursement of stamp duty paid on sale or lease of the land for setting such start-up, it added. According to Patel, governments aim is to make Gujarat number one in Biotechnology sector by attracting new investment. "At present, there are 175 BT units in Gujarat having total turnover of Rs 4,500 crore per annum. We are on number three spot in India. Our aim behind bringing this policy is to take this turnover to Rs 15,000 crore within next three-four years and make Gujarat number one in this sector," said Patel. Source.

M S Swaminathan: 
Happy to see progress in #biotech policy. Was involved in 1st policies of Gujarat & TN & Chair of India's 1st National Biotechnology Board.
Congratulate the Gujarat government for its new policy on #biotechnology in the state and in appointing a Mission Director. @CMOGuj