Research labs from across India to present plans at conference

In a first of the kind, the government has asked scientists of over 38 laboratories under the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), to hold brainstorming sessions, give presentations and present long-term and short-term plans at a conference, to help set out the "national priorities" as per its needs.
During the two-day conference at Dehardun, which will be held later this week, the government has asked the scientists to come up with presentations, pertaining to the research that happens at their respective institutes.
"It will be a two-day brainstorming session in which directors of these institutes from across the country will come and give presentations. This will help set national priorities according to the needs.

"Time-bound targets will be set to bring in more accountability. This will help us give more clarity on what we need to do and set our national priorities as per our need... The institutions will also present long-term and short-term plans," Union Minister of Science and Technology Harsh Vardhan said.
CSIR laboratories, known to be premier research institutes in the country, are spread across the country that carries out research in diverse areas ranging from leather to oceanic studies. The technology developed in the laboratories is later passed on to the industry.
Citing the example of 'Swachch Bharat Mission', he said, scientists could work on toilets which are not only eco-friendly, but also cheap. This can help in the Mission. Similarly, he said the government is also working on having a solar train for which research is being initiated.

He added that the government is also trying to bring in coordination between various institutes in order to strengthen research.
"For example, scientists working in Chennai and Chandigarh may be working on a similar topic or an area. But if there is coordination between the two then it will be much easier and benefit the both and ultimately the nation," he said.