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India's higher education landscape is poised for a transformative shift, with research emerging

as a key driver of growth and innovation. While significant strides have been made, the nation's
research output and impact still lag behind global leaders.

India's research output has indeed seen impressive growth, ranking fourth globally in terms of
published papers, with a notable surge in patents, particularly in sectors like technology,
healthcare, and renewable energy. However, while the quantity of research has increased over
the years, the quality remains a critical concern. Indicators such as the H-index and citations per
paper continue to lag behind global peers, underscoring the need for enhanced quality in
research. To address these issues, the government has set up Anusandhan National Research
Foundation (ANRF) in line with NEP 2020, along with increased funding and grants, aiming to
create a more robust and impactful research culture. While the ANRF is a crucial step forward,
sustained efforts and reforms are necessary to fully realize India’s research potential and its role
in global innovation.

Introduction

National Education Policy (NEP 2020) envisions positioning India as a global leader in
knowledge and innovation by placing a strong emphasis on the promotion of STEM (Science,
Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education and research initiatives. The policy aims
to cultivate a culture of innovation and critical thinking, empowering researchers to contribute
to the growth and strengthening India's research ecosystem. By prioritizing research, NEP 2020
not only seeks to enhance the quality of education but also address global challenges, drive
technological advancements, and contribute to nation-building, ensuring that India's higher
education institutions are globally competitive and contribute significantly to the nation's
growth.

Accordingly, Capacity Building Workshop on Science Communication for young faculty in
science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) has been conceptualized under the
aegis of Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Programme (MMTTP) to address the key elements
of NEP 2020. The workshop is initially targeted at young faculty members from National
Institutes of Technology (NITs) in STEM disciplines, with plans to extend participation to
faculty from Centrally Funded Technical Institutes (CFTIs) in the future. The workshop is
designed to equip young STEM faculty with the necessary skills to effectively communicate
their research to diverse audiences and design a 1-credit Science Communication course at their
home institutions. This addresses the critical need for effective science communication in
academia and beyond, ensuring that research reaches a broader public and engages audiences
in meaningful ways.

Capacity Building Workshop on Science Communication

Science communication is critical for bridging the gap between researchers and the public,
making scientific knowledge accessible, and ensuring that research reaches a broader audience.
It plays an essential role in fostering scientific literacy and improving public understanding of
complex scientific issues. However, the lack of proper training and resources has been identified
as a significant barrier in this area.

This initiative aligns with the Ministry of Education's vision to support the professional
development of educators, enhance the quality of science communication, and foster
interdisciplinary collaboration in scientific research.
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