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India Plans to Double Investment in Scientific Research
Last week, Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh announced that the country would form a quasi-independent panel modeled on the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) to promote research in science and engineering. The new National Science and Engineering Research Board (NSERB) would make decisions regarding research funding and the creation of research centers around India.
The new board will oversee the distribution of funds associated with an unprecedented boost in Indian funding for scientific research. Prime Minister Singh announced that the country would double its investment in research from one percent to two percent of India's gross domestic product (GDP).
In his announcement, the Prime Minister emphasized that the new panel would be autonomous and would seek a balance between the immediate needs of industry and the pursuit of basic scientific discovery. Industry is becoming a more important source of research funding in India, but the NSERB would have the flexibility to focus on less market-oriented and short-term ends.
Researchers also hope that the NSERB will be able to reduce some of the bureaucracy associated with research funding in India. Existing agencies, such as the University Grants Commission, often take months to clear project proposals resulting in missed opportunities, according to Calcutta's The Telegraph.
The announcement comes at the end of a year in which India has tried to increase its reputation for scientific research, particularly through its space program. In October the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) launched its first moon mission, deploying a satellite that will orbit the moon for two years and drop a probe to the lunar surface. Prime Minister Singh praised the mission as a "first step" milestone in the development of the country's space program.
For more information about the Indian initiative, read the Indian Prime Minister's announcement at: http://pmindia.nic.in/lspeech.asp?id=762.