CSIR-NIScPR and NIAS Join Hands to Strengthen Inclusive Science Communication and Policy Research

The panellists extensively discussed the current gaps, challenges and future priorities for strengthening responsible science communication in India.

In a major initiative aimed at strengthening science communication, public engagement and science policy research in India, the CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR), New Delhi, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru, on May 25, 2026.

The collaboration marks an important step toward promoting responsible, inclusive and technology-driven science communication practices in the country while encouraging stronger cooperation between researchers, policymakers, educators and communicators.

The MoU seeks to build a long-term institutional partnership between the two premier organisations through joint research projects, faculty and scholar exchanges, collaborative events and specialised capacity-building programmes in the fields of science communication and science & technology (S&T) policy research.

Officials said the partnership comes at a crucial time when effective science communication has become increasingly important in addressing challenges related to misinformation, digital literacy, public trust in science and the ethical use of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Dr Shailesh Nayak, Director of NIAS, highlighted the growing importance of institutional collaborations in strengthening science communication ecosystems in India. He stressed the need for joint capacity-building initiatives that can equip communicators, researchers and educators with the tools required to engage effectively with diverse audiences in the digital age.

Dr. Nayak noted that science communication is no longer limited to academic dissemination but has become central to policymaking, public awareness, education and democratic participation in science-driven societies.

Dr. Geetha Vani Rayasam, Director of CSIR-NIScPR, emphasized the importance of inclusive science communication that can reach people across linguistic, cultural and social backgrounds. She stated that science communication must be tailored carefully for target audiences to ensure meaningful engagement and improved public understanding of scientific developments.

Highlighting the transformative role of technology, Dr. Rayasam said modern digital tools offer unprecedented opportunities for public engagement in science, but also require ethical and responsible usage. She particularly emphasized the relevance of ethical artificial intelligence applications in science communication, especially for Indian languages where digital accessibility and multilingual outreach remain critical priorities.

According to experts, India's linguistic diversity presents unique challenges and opportunities in science communication. Promoting scientific awareness in regional languages is increasingly being viewed as essential for expanding public participation in scientific discussions and ensuring equitable access to scientific knowledge.

Following the MoU signing ceremony, a brainstorming session on "Inclusive Science Communication in the Digital Era: Priorities, Practices and Policies" was organized, bringing together experts, academicians, researchers and science communication professionals from leading institutions.

The discussion witnessed participation from several eminent scholars including Prof. D.K. Srivastava, Prof. Sanjay Srivastava, Prof. Rajani M.B., Prof. Sisir Roy, Dr. Anant Kamath and Dr. V.V. Binoy from NIAS. Representatives from NIScPR included Dr. Geetha Vani Rayasam, Dr. Kasturi Mandal and Dr. Paramananda Barman. Experts from other institutions such as Dr. H.S. Sudhira from Gubbi Labs and Dr. Suryesh K. Namdeo from the Centre for Science Policy at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) also contributed to the discussions.

The panellists extensively discussed the current gaps, challenges and future priorities for strengthening responsible science communication in India. Participants stressed the need for policy frameworks specifically designed for the Indian context, taking into account the country's social diversity, digital divide and multilingual environment.

One of the key concerns raised during the discussion was the growing spread of misinformation and pseudoscience in the digital era. Experts noted that the rapid circulation of unverified content on social media platforms has made it increasingly important to strengthen public trust in science through credible and accessible communication.

Participants recommended systematic training programmes for science communicators, journalists and educators to improve the quality and reach of science reporting in the country. They also emphasized the importance of developing a larger community of public intellectuals capable of engaging effectively with society on scientific and technological issues.

Another major recommendation emerging from the discussion was the integration of science communication into school education systems. Experts highlighted the need to encourage scientific temper among young students through interactive learning methods, citizen science initiatives and better communication of scientific concepts in classrooms.

The panel also stressed the importance of popularising citizen science projects, where ordinary citizens actively participate in scientific research, environmental monitoring and data collection. Such initiatives, experts argued, can help bridge the gap between scientists and society while improving public engagement in research and innovation.

Participants further recommended the development of effective guidelines and ethical frameworks for digital science communication, especially in areas involving artificial intelligence, algorithm-driven content dissemination and multilingual outreach.

Another significant aspect highlighted during the discussions was the need for stronger interaction between scientists, policymakers, communicators and media professionals to ensure that scientific research is translated effectively into public policy and social awareness.

Experts observed that in an era increasingly shaped by climate change, public health challenges, technological disruption and digital transformation, effective science communication is becoming essential not only for public awareness but also for informed policymaking and democratic participation.

The MoU between CSIR-NIScPR and NIAS is expected to play an important role in building a more robust and inclusive science communication ecosystem in India by encouraging interdisciplinary research, policy dialogue and collaborative innovation.

Officials stated that the partnership will contribute significantly toward strengthening India's scientific literacy, promoting evidence-based public discourse and fostering a stronger culture of science engagement among citizens.

The collaboration is also being viewed as part of India's broader efforts to build a knowledge-driven society capable of addressing future scientific, technological and societal challenges through informed communication and inclusive public participation.