The Indian Science Technology and Engineering facilities Map (I-STEM) has recently introduced a new initiative known as the Women in Engineering, Science, and Technology (WEST). This program caters to women with a background in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Its aim is to empower these women to make significant contributions towards the science, technology, and innovation ecosystem.
Understanding the WEST Initiative
The WEST program will provide a dedicated platform for women in scientific roles such as researchers, scientists, and technologists. This initiative will encourage them to pursue research work either in the fundamental or applied sciences in frontier areas of science and engineering.
Through the WEST program, women are given the opportunity to become stakeholders across various domains, fostering careers in Research & Development (R&D) at different levels. These range from roles as technicians, technologists, scientists, to entrepreneurs. They could be involved in activities such as operating scientific equipment and maintaining them, to designing and manufacturing the machines.
The Skill Development Program under WEST
The skill development programs under the WEST initiative aim to provide training for women with backgrounds in S&T. These programs are designed to help these women brush up on their abilities and become actively engaged “in the field” as lab technicians and maintenance engineers.
The I-STEM portal provides access to R&D facilities along with R&D software platforms such as COMSOL, MATLAB, LABVIEW, AUTOCAD. Moreover, a digital consortium named “Connect Quickly” established through the I-STEM WhatsApp and Telegram platforms facilitates immediate online discussions and support.
An exclusive team of women is appointed to ensure the successful implementation of the WEST initiative.
About I-STEM
The I-STEM is a National Web portal for sharing R&D (Research and Development) facilities. The platform was launched in January 2020 by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, under the aegis of the Prime Minister Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC) mission. It allows researchers to schedule the use of equipment, as well as share details of outcomes, such as patents, publications, and technologies.
Role of PM-STIAC
The PM-STIAC is an overarching Council that assists the Principal Scientific Adviser’s Office in evaluating the status of specific science and technology domains, understanding the challenges in hand, framing specific interventions, developing future roadmaps, and advising the Prime Minister accordingly.
Significance and Impact of WEST
The WEST initiative has the potential to bring women back into S&T areas after career breaks. It aims to fill the vital gaps in the country’s R&D infrastructure and build a robust support network for women entrepreneurs in S&T.
I-STEM will provide a forum for women researchers to discuss achievements, issues, and exchange ideas on progressing the country through advances in science, technology, and innovation. Women can also become consultants for the operation and maintenance of sophisticated equipment/instruments through the I-STEM platform.
The Way Forward
For the initiative to be effective, it is crucial for I-STEM to monitor the impact by soliciting feedback and taking necessary steps to increase the wider participation of women in WEST and I-STEM.
Overall, the WEST initiative under the I-STEM portal is an ambitious move towards promoting the inclusion of women in the STEM field. It not only enhances their skills but also opens up new career paths for them, thus contributing to the growth and development of the country’s S&T ecosystem.