The One Week One Lab (OWOL) program is an initiative by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (NIScPR). Recently, CSIR announced the winners for the 2022 Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (SSB) Awards during its inaugural session. A notable aspect of this year’s announcement was the absence of female scientists among the recipients.
About OWOL Program
OWOL is a thematic drive initiated by CSIR, designed to spark creativity among young innovators, students, startups, academia, and industry by incorporating deep tech ventures. This initiative involves different CSIR institutes each week, which feature their unique innovations and technological advancements to the Indian audience.
Understanding the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Awards
The SSB awards are the foremost multidisciplinary scientific accolades in India. They are named after Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar, who not only established and led CSIR but was also an acclaimed chemist and visionary. The purpose of these awards is to acknowledge remarkable efforts in Indian science and technology.
The SSB prizes, valued at Rs 5,00,000 each, are granted annually for substantial and exceptional research, applied or fundamental, across disciplines like Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Earth, Atmosphere, Ocean and Planetary Sciences, Engineering Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Medical Sciences, and Physical Sciences.
Eligibility for the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Awards
Any Indian citizen engaged in scientific and technological research up to the age of 45 years, as determined on 31st December of the year prior to the award year, is eligible. The award also extends to Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) working in India. It is conferred based on contributions made through work primarily done in India during the five years preceding the award year.
Overview of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
Established in 1942, CSIR is India’s most extensive research and development organization, with its headquarters situated in New Delhi. CSIR’s vast network includes 37 national laboratories, 39 outreach centers, one innovation complex, and three units spread across India.
Funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology, it operates as an autonomous body under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. The Prime Minister of India helms CSIR as President, with the Union Minister of Science and Technology serving as Vice President. The governing body, headed by the Director-General, also includes the finance secretary (expenditures).
SSB Award and UPSC Civil Services Examination
A relevant question about the SSB award was asked in the 2009 Prelims of the UPSC Civil Services Examination: “For outstanding contribution to which one of the following fields is Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize given?” The options provided were Literature, Performing Arts, Science, and Social Service. The correct answer was Science.
