The Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) has initiated a new scheme called Accelerate Vigyan (AV) to fortify scientific research procedures in the nation. This striking step aims to bolster scientific research and cultivate manpower capable of contributing to a knowledge-based economy.
Objectives of Accelerate Vigyan
The prime focus of AV is to augment high-end scientific research and foster a scientific competency that can shape careers in research and a knowledge-driven economy. The initiative seeks to enlarge the research base with three principal objectives; consolidation of all scientific programs, initiating high-end orientation workshops, and the creation of research internships opportunities.
Components of Accelerate Vigyan
AV comprises two primary components: the ABHYAAS Programme and SAMMOHAN. The former is inviting applications for the winter season to nurture research and development in the country by empowering potential PG/PhD students. This empowerment is aimed at honing their research skills in select areas across varying disciplines. It consists of two elements: High-End Workshops or KARYASHALA and Research Internships or VRITIKA. These are particularly crucial for researchers with limited access to facilities and infrastructure.
SAMMOHAN is further divided into SAYONJIKA and SANGOSHTI. SAYONJIKA is an open-ended program designed for cataloguing capacity building endeavors in science and technology supported by all government funding agencies in the country. On the other hand, SANGOSHTI is a pre-existing SERB program for the organization of workshops.
Execution of Accelerate Vigyan
An Inter-Ministerial Overseeing Committee (IMOC) consisting of representatives from all the scientific ministries/departments has been constituted to assist the SERB in implementing the AV scheme.
Significance of Accelerate Vigyan
The plan is expected to aid in capacity building with the database of skilled manpower created across various disciplines through all sub-components of AV. Additionally, it plans to uphold the social responsibility of the scientific community in the nation.
About Science and Engineering Research Board
SERB is a statutory entity under the Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology. Established by an Act of the Parliament of India in 2009, it is chaired by the Secretary to the Government of India in the Department of Science and Technology. It boasts other senior government officials and distinguished scientists as members. The board was constituted to promote basic research in science and engineering and provide financial support to scientists, academic institutions, Research and Development laboratories, industrial concerns, and other agencies for such research.
Way Forward
AV will operate on a mission mode, particularly concerning its component associated with consolidating all significant scientific events in the country. It will also commence mechanisms of mentoring, training, and hands-on workshops on a national scale. Ultimately, the AV platform is envisaged to revolutionise the development of career paths and provide support to skilled manpower in the nation.
