‘Conversion of research into useful innovation lacking’

The 17th annual HK Firodia award for excellence in science and technology was presented to Dr K Vijayaraghavan and Dr T V Ramakrishnan at a function organised at Balgandharva Raghmandir on Monday.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr K Kasturirangan, Member of the Planning Commission, said the 12th five year plan intends to allocate 2 per cent of GDP for research and development in science instead of the current 0.8 per cent.

Vijayaraghavan, professor and director of the National Centre for Biological Sciences, received the prize for his contribution to the field of Developmental Biology, Genetics and Neurogenetics while Ramakrishnan, DAE Homi Bhabha Professor, Banaras Hindu University, and also a distinguished associate at center for condensed matter theory, Department of Physics, IISC, Bangalore, bagged the prize for his contribution to the area of condensed matter theory.

The chief guest for the function Dr Kasturirangan said there is no dearth of research but what India lacks is the conversion of research into practically useful innovation. "As of now, we are allocating a portion of GDP, around 0.8 per cent, for R&D in science. In the 12th five year plan, 2 per cent of our GDP will be dedicated to R&D. But in next two five year plans, we hope to reach a level where innovation and science lead to generating a considerable portion of our GDP.

"We need to take publications in science from the current 3.5 per cent to 5 per cent. There is a also need for collaboration of industry, agriculture, science and corporate world for growth in social sectors like health and education."

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