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


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

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. 


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


Call for Participation: AuthorAID Online Course in Grant Proposal Writing & Research Writing; Registration Deadline: 18th April

AuthorAID Online Course in Grant Proposal Writing & Research Writing

Course dates: 18th April to 12th June 2017

Hi everyone,

We are very pleased to announce our upcoming online course in grant proposal writing and research writing. This is an open online course and it is free of cost.

Who the course is for: Early career researchers in developing countries.

Main topics covered in the course: Literature review, publication ethics, making a research plan, writing a grant proposal, targeting the right journals, writing and publishing a research paper.

Course duration: 8 weeks

Registration Deadline: 18th April 2017

For full details on how to apply, please visit our website at: http://www.authoraid.info/en/news/details/1173/

Enrollment/ Sign Up: http://moodle.inasp.info/course/index.php  

Best wishes
Andy Nobes | AuthorAID at INASP | ANobes@inasp.info

Saturday, April 8, 2017

Call for Applications: The AAU Graduate Internship Grant


Dear Scholars,
 
This has been brought to our attention which might be of interest to you. 

The Association of African Universities (AAU) has intensified its support for students from its member institutions to acquire employable skills before graduating from their universities. Through support from its development partners, namely African Capacity Development Foundation (ACBF) and Swedish International Development Agency (Sida), the AAU has secured funds for its member universities in good standing (whose annual subscription payment to AAU is up to date) to offer small grants of up to US$600 per student for graduate internships. 

Please encourage your students to apply online at: 

https://www.aau.org/subs/grin/ 

The deadline for application is Friday 19th May, 2017.

Conditions for the Award of the Grant 

•        Grant applicants should be students pursuing post-graduate degree programmes. Applicants should note that the grants are for training purposes only and not meant for the completion of theses or dissertations.

•        Applicants shall commit to undertake an internship programme for a period between twelve (12) and twenty-four (24 weeks). 

•        Applications should be supported with an authorisation note from the Head of Department of the applicant's university as well as an official acceptance letter from the establishment wishing to host the intern.

•        All applicants should submit a detailed curriculum vitae.

•        A detailed but confidential supervisory report would be required from the host institution on the progression of the applicant during the period of internship, and from the university of the applicant on academic progress after the period of internship. 

•        Past beneficiaries of the AAU Internship Scheme are not eligible to apply.

•        Consideration would be given to applicants who have no practical work experience.

Selection Criteria 

Selection of successful applications would be based on a quota system revolving around gender (at least 40% of beneficiaries should be females); country (not more than 10 applicants per country) and language (at least 30% from Francophone institutions). 

 
With kind regards,
Michael Brobbey
@godanSec
GODANSecretariat
Nosworthy Way, Wallingford, OXF OX10 8DE, United Kingdom

Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Call for papers "Science, Technology and Food Security" Special Issue for the journal "Science, Technology and Society"

Call for papers "Science, Technology and Food Security"

Call for papers: Special issue "Science, Technology and Food Security" 

for the journal  "Science, Technology and Society"

Guest editors :

Like other global challenges such as climate change, food security has driven the activities and discourses of many different players (national and international public institutions, industries, NGOs, farmers' organizations, etc.) over the last ten years. Originally rooted in the problem of hunger in developing countries, food security is now an issue embedding new forms of North-South, South-South or North-North relationships. Issues of global governance, social movements, market regulations and food systems have been extensively discussed by scholars, thus giving substance to food security studies. But relatively little attention has been paid to the ways in which science and technology contribute to shape or address debates on food security. The aim of this special issue of Science, Technology and Society is to explore the role of science and technology in the contemporary understandings and government of food security, particularly in terms of global South-North relations.

The literature has described, and often generated, debates on the place of science and technology in the definition of food security and the making of solutions to the food security challenge. For example, contributions have highlighted the reactivation of a productivist agenda following the 2008 food crisis (Dibden et al., 2013). Authors have shown how the food security issue has been used to broadly diffuse a discourse on "feeding the 9 billion in 2050" (Tomlinson, 2013) that promotes technological solutions such as GMO's (Williams, 2009) and reactivates the imaginary of the Green Revolution and the fight against hunger based on scientific principles (Phillips and Ilcan, 2003). In the same way, they have described (and sometimes promoted) the expansion of critical alternatives to the supremacy of science and technology, arguing that a food regime change would entail a new research agenda (Carolan, 2012) or new patterns of relations between science and agrifood systems (Riverra-Ferra, 2012). These changes would include the promotion of agroecological practices (McMichael, 2012) and place-based, participatory and reflexive forms of knowledge (Marsden, 2013). This special issue aims to describe these controversies and the role of science and technology in shaping "solutions" to the food security problem. The ability of scientific and technological actors to legitimate or discriminate certain options and to design certain (un)acceptable futures or promises is an aspect that needs to be explored.

This special issue also seeks to understand the ways in which food security challenges have contributed towards transforming scientific and technological fields. There is a need, for example, to explore the consequences of the definition of food security as a societal grand challenge (Wright, 2012) on the structuration and the activities of the scientific field. Food security has become a key word, an umbrella term (Rip and Voß 2013) under which scientists and industrials have been called to contribute, in order to obtain funding or to justify the social contributions of their activities. The hypothesis might even be made that agricultural research contributes to legitimate and perform the problem of food security itself, securing the funding of its activity and its relevance. It is therefore important to understand both what science does to food security and what food security does to science and technology and how they are coproduced at global and local levels (Jasanoff, 2004). Contributions can explore how tools such as models and foresight/prospective studies developed by experts contribute to shape agendas for agricultural research and international development.

This special issue of Science, Technology and Society will contribute towards providing a fresh look at these debates, with contributions based on local, national or transnational empirical cases studies. For example, it will tackle issues such as :

  • (i) How science and technology actors contribute towards shaping food security as a public issue, and bring it onto the political agenda, for instance in agricultural research, international development policies and trade agreements
  • (ii) With science becoming increasingly driven by "grand challenges", how food security has become a framework for the mobilization, legitimation and funding of agricultural research
  • (iii) How scientific communities and institutions (and industry) mobilize/engage in order to offer technological solutions to the food security problem, and favor new productive arrangements in various regions
  • (iv) How these debates and controversies reflect contemporary matches or mismatches between scientific disciplines, for example between "hard" sciences and social sciences, or between economics and social sciences.

Contributions exploring other aspects of the relationships between science, technology and food security are of course welcome.

Schedule :

  • Submission of abstracts (500 words) : May 1st 2017 

  • Submission of first drafts (7500 – 8000 words) : September 15th 2017
  • Final submission : January 2018


Please send abstracts to : antoine.deraymond@inra.fr and frederic.goulet@cirad.fr

About the Science, Technology and Society journal : Science, Technology and Society is an international journal devoted to the study of science and technology in a social context. It focuses on the way in which advances in science and technology influence society and vice versa. It is a peer-reviewed journal that takes an interdisciplinary perspective, encouraging analyses whose approaches are drawn from a variety of disciplines such as history, sociology, philosophy, economics, political science and international relations, science policy involving innovation, foresight studies involving science and technology, technology management, environmental studies, energy studies and gender studies. The journal consciously endeavors to combine scholarly perspectives relevant to academic research and policy issues relating to development. Besides research articles the journal encourages research-based country reports, commentaries and book reviews. Science, technology and Society is published in association with the Society for the Promotion of Science and Technology Studies. Further information and instruction for authors: http://journals.sagepub.com/home/sts 

Monday, April 3, 2017

New Journal Article "Community Participation or Manufactured Consent? Strategies for Implementation of Drinking Water Project 'Jalanidhi' in Kerala (India)" | by M Govind & A Babu, CSSP JNU

Community Participation or Manufactured Consent? Strategies for Implementation of Drinking Water Project 'Jalanidhi' in Kerala (India)
by Madhav Govind & Abhilash Babu
International Journal of Rural Management, 2017, 13(1), 1-19.
Abstract: The present study explains how the state engages with the dominant groups in the community and how people's consent is manufactured to legitimize the implementation of the project. On the basis of focus group discussion with beneficiaries and informal interview of implementing actors, the study shows that people's responses towards 'Jalanidhi' vary as per their socio-economic positions in the society. While the middle and the upper class people were generally favouring the project, the poor and weaker sections were strongly opposing the idea of user charge for drinking water. The middle class viewed the user charge for drinking water as 'normal' and more efficient compared to the state-driven supply; the lower class, especially those who belonged to the scheduled castes (SC) and scheduled tribes (ST), viewed it as a violation of their rights. Yet, they were denied any alternative to the neoliberal agenda of community-based drinking water supply and were forced to conform to the project. The study focuses on using the insights developed by Michel Foucault. His genealogical analysis offers tools to understand the forms of power relations at the grassroots. The study uses 'Jalanidhi' as a context to examine these concepts and shows how it can be used to understand the processes that lead to the social acceptance of commodification of natural resources like water.



Saturday, April 1, 2017

New Report | Delivering the Sustainable Development Goals: Seizing the Opportunity in Global Manufacturing | by PwC, GMIS and UNIDO, 2017

Delivering the Sustainable Development Goals: Seizing the Opportunity in Global Manufacturing

by PwC, GMIS and UNIDO, 2017.

Executive Summary
This white paper, developed jointly by PwC, GMIS and UNIDO, sets out the business imperative for manufacturing businesses of achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and why global manufacturing organisations must align their strategy with the SDGs. 
Of course businesses cannot achieve the SDGs by themselves. That is not their role. That is the role of government. But individual businesses – including global manufacturers - can help (or hinder) governments in achieving them. 
Governments will also turn to business to help them achieve the SDGs, not primarily through donations or philanthropic activity (although that will help too), but by reviewing and seeking inputs that help shape government policies and procedures impacting businesses. 
For global manufacturing players, this means (a) recognising the relevance of the SDGs to their business activities, and then (b) moving away from "business-as-usual" in the way they deliver and create products and services. 
Manufacturers should look closely at the targets that underpin SDG goals 7, 8, 9, 12 and 13 in particular, as these may well be where their greatest opportunities (and their biggest contribution) lie. UNIDO, which focuses particularly on SDG 9, believes that the structural shift toward more innovation and technology-oriented industrial activities will significantly change the nature of competition, redefine work and redraw traditional industrial boundaries. As such, the arrival of the new industrial revolution promises considerable opportunities for inclusive and sustainable development for manufacturers as they align their business models with the achievement of the SDGs.
The recent 'Better Business, Better World' report revealed that pursuing sustainable and inclusive business models could unlock economic opportunities worth at least US$12 trillion a year by 2030 and generate up to 380 million jobs, mostly in developing countries. But the total economic prize from implementing the Global Goals could be two to three times larger still, assuming that the benefits are captured across the whole economy and accompanied by much higher labour and resource productivity.

Table of Contents
Executive Summary
Foreword - Introducing the SDGs - Driving Sustainable Change
1. The SDGs - the Role of Governments | Governments around the world are getting serious about the SDGs | CEOs recognise the significance of a government agenda | Forging partnerships for the SDGs – a government perspective | So how is the United Arab Emirates government approaching the SDGs? | Where business can partner with governments on the SDGs
2. The SDGs – the Role of Business | No more business-as-usual – why the SDGs matter for business | The 17 SDGs, and the 169 targets that underpin them, are a blueprint | Outlining the opportunities - the SDGs as competitive advantage | Citizens worldwide believe that business is about profit…and more besides | Making the SDGs relevant for leaders and for other corporate functions.
3. The SDGs – Opportunities for Global Manufacturing Businesses | The manufacturing industry worldwide | Manufacturing and the SDGs | Which SDGs matter most for manufacturers? | Connecting the SDGs | So what are the biggest SDG-related opportunities for manufacturers?
4. Conclusions | Aligning with the SDGs is a major opportunity for both manufacturers and governments
Annex A – achieving key targets for SDGs 7, 8, 9, 12, and 13



New Report | Better Business, Better World: The Report of the Business & Sustainable Development Commission

Better Business, Better World: The Report of the Business & Sustainable Development Commission

by Business & Sustainable Development Commission, 2017.

Summary
A call to action to business leaders to align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This report shows how the next decade will be critical for companies to open 60 key market "hot spots", tackle social, environmental challenges, and re-build trust with society.

Table of Contents
The Commissioners | The Challenge
Executive Summary | The Business Case for the Global Goals | Leading for Sustainable development | Making the Choice
1. Introduction: The Global Goals and Why They Matter for Business
1.1 The Global Goals for Sustainable Development | 1.2 The Global Goals need business: business needs the Global Goals
2. Major Market Opportunities Opened up by Delivering the Global Goals 
2.1 The 60 fastest-growing sustainable market opportunities | 2.2 Opportunities by economic system | 2.3 Progress on all the Global Goals is needed to deliver all the benefits | 2.4 Pricing of externalities would increase the value of market opportunities | 2.5 Geographic distribution of opportunities | 2.6 The impact on jobs
3. Leading for Better Business and a Better World 
3.1 Sustainability is already good business | 3.2 Innovative businesses are already capturing Global Goals opportunities | 3.3 Transforming the way business operates for better business and a better world | 3.4 Gaining commitment from CEOs and boards | 3.5 Incorporating the Global Goals into business strategy | 3.6 Accelerating sectoral shifts to sustainable competition by working with peers | 3.7 Shaping public policy
4. Sustainable Finance
4.1 Simplifying reporting of environment, social and governance (ESG) performance | 4.2 Unlocking infrastructure investment | 4.3 Aligning regulation with investment 
5. Renewing the Social Contract
5.1 An uncertain outlook for employment | 5.2 Providing decent work and more jobs | 5.3 Providing training and skills | 5.4 Forging a new social contract | 5.5 Actions for business | 5.6 Actions for governments | 5.7 Actions for civil society | 
6. Conclusion 
6.1 Actions for sustainable business leaders | 6.2 Actions for the Commission