We the voters: Scientists in Pune want elected representatives to improve basic science research

“As a scientist, I would like to see an increase in the amount of funding for basic science. It is important to realise that basic research is the foundation for future translational outcomes and it is equally important to fund translational studies and basic research,” said Deepa Subramanyam, scientist, National Centre for Cell Science, Pune told The Indian Express.

Her key expectations from the Lok Sabha representatives include simplifying policies regarding procuring scientific supplies and reagents from overseas suppliers. “The government disbursing funds for research as well as for student fellowships needs to be done in a timely manner. Salary structures of school teachers must be overhauled and training programmes for teachers must be improved with an aim to encourage scientific pursuits,” Subramanyam said.

For Dr Shekhar Mande, former DG, CSIR, elected representatives need to be closely engaged with the scientific community.

“The scientific community hopes that political representatives in Lok Sabha should be aware of and take positive action on global, national and local issues. There are scientific and technological solutions to all such matters and only a well informed representative would be able to appreciate that,” Dr Mande told The Indian Express.

According to Mande, global issues would, for example, include climate change. Acting from a local standpoint would include constructing buildings with sustainable material, or promoting sustainable public transport facilities that could have a larger global impact.

“An example of a national issue would be India’s water scarcity. Local action to conserve water with appropriate scientific inputs as well as measures to improve rainfall, among other things, will have significant impact at the national level,” the scientist pointed out.

“Local issues relating to solid waste management, e-waste management, road traffic management facilitated by computer simulations are some that need attention. For each such example, the scientific community has to be engaged closely. The elected representative should plan for regular and frequent meetings with the scientific community to address all such problems,” Dr Mande said.