Indian National Science Academy (INSA) and CSIR-NIScPR sign MoU to advance evidence-based science policy and communication.

Key facts

• Indian National Science Academy (INSA) and National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) signed an MoU on 10 February 2026 at INSA, New Delhi.
• The MoU targets long-term collaborative activities in science communication and evidence-driven science policy research to support informed policymaking and sustainable STI development in India.
• Dr. Brajesh Pandey, Executive Director of INSA, delivered welcome remarks highlighting the need for partnerships bridging scientific research with communication and policy engagement.
• Dr. Akhilesh Gupta, Former Senior Advisor at the Department of Science and Technology (DST), emphasised that sustained collaboration between scientific institutions is essential for advancing evidence-based STI policy research.
• Dr. Geetha Vani Rayasam, Director of CSIR-NIScPR, noted the partnership will harness respective strengths in science communication, policy research and academic engagement to create actionable STI policy frameworks.
• Prof. Anurag Agrawal, Vice President (Policy) at INSA, stressed that evidence-driven approaches are crucial for aligning national scientific progress with long-term developmental goals.
• Prof. Shekhar C. Mande, President of INSA, described strong policy foundations as essential for advancing science and technology and ensuring societal well-being.
• Dr. V. K. Saraswat, Hon’ble Member of NITI Aayog, highlighted the need for policy frameworks supporting responsible, ethical and human-centric adoption of disruptive technologies.
• The MoU covers joint policy research studies, co-authored publications, pilot projects for policy innovation, capacity-building programmes and outreach activities.
• The collaboration will engage government institutions, international organisations, think tanks, researchers and young scholars to strengthen India’s STI policy ecosystem.