CSIR-NIScPR and NIAS sign MoU to strengthen collaboration in science communication and S&T policy research

📌 Summary:

• CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (NIScPR), New Delhi, signed an MoU with the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru, on 25 May 2026
• The MoU aims to strengthen collaboration in science communication and public engagement, and in S&T policy research
• The collaboration will promote joint research projects, exchange of faculty and research scholars, joint events and capacity-building programmes
• A brainstorming discussion on "Inclusive Science Communication in the Digital Era: Priorities, Practices and Policies" was held after the signing ceremony
• Major recommendations: encourage trust in science, train science communicators and journalists, manage misinformation effectively, popularise citizen science, strengthen science communication in schools, and build a larger community of public intellectuals
• The discussion stressed the ethical use of AI in science communication in Indian languages and developing S&T communication policies suited to the Indian context
• Emphasis was placed on promoting interaction between scientists, policy-makers and communicators

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS3 (Science & Technology) — science communication, scientific temper, countering misinformation, S&T policy research and the ethical use of AI.

🔑 Key Term: Citizen science — scientific research conducted wholly or partly by members of the public (non-professional scientists), often through data collection and observation, to broaden public participation in science.