300 women scientists awarded research grants under CSIR-aspire scheme.
New Delhi:
In a significant move towards advancing women in science, Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, announced today in New Delhi that 300 women scientists are slated to receive research grants for a duration of three years under the CSIR-ASPIRE scheme. This initiative, aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of enhancing ease of living, reflects the government’s steadfast commitment to fostering innovation and gender inclusivity in the scientific domain.
Launched on International Women’s Day last year, the CSIR-ASPIRE scheme garnered immense interest, with a staggering 3000 proposals submitted. Following stringent evaluation and independent review processes, 301 research proposals were selected for support by area-specific research committees.
Dr. Singh lauded the success of the ‘One Week One Lab’ initiative, advocating for its expansion and exploration of the ‘One Week One Theme’ concept. This initiative aims to showcase the diverse innovations and technological advancements of CSIR labs nationwide, bridging the gap between research institutions and industries.
Moreover, Dr. Singh underscored the significance of initiatives like the Seaweed mission and the transformation of pathogenic biomedical waste into valuable soil additives. These endeavors highlight CSIR’s pivotal role in fostering a sustainable green economy and addressing pressing environmental concerns.
In the realm of healthcare, Dr. Singh urged scientists to integrate the Phenome India-CSIR Health Cohort Knowledgebase with artificial intelligence and machine learning models, thereby propelling precision medicine forward. He also inquired about the progress of developing a comprehensive database for Indian women’s foot anthropometry, aimed at mitigating age-related complications through supportive footwear.
Shifting focus to the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Dr. Singh chaired a review meeting that showcased India’s remarkable growth in the bio-economy, soaring from $10 billion in 2014 to over $130 billion in 2024. With Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, India has nurtured an enabling ecosystem for industrial development and entrepreneurship.
Dr. Singh unveiled plans for a scheme to promote biomanufacturing and bio-foundry, envisioning a transition towards regenerative manufacturing principles. This scheme seeks to provide eco-friendly alternatives such as biodegradable polymers and bio-pharmaceuticals, bolstering bio-startups and the bio-economy.
Emphasizing the importance of sustaining momentum, Dr. Singh advocated for a holistic approach towards the bio-economy, environment, and employment (BIO E3), empowering farmers and agri-entrepreneurs. He called for the development of indigenous technologies and products, along with harmonized integration of research between institutions, industrial R&D, and the startup ecosystem.
The meeting, attended by senior officials including Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary of the Department of Biotechnology, and Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, DG CSIR, reaffirmed the government’s resolute commitment to promoting scientific research and innovation, particularly with a focus on empowering women and fostering a sustainable, inclusive economy.
