To focus on basic science,DIAT joins hands with Russian Academy of Sciences

When asked about the viability of a MoU with Russia in the post-Cold War era while India is making significant defence purchases from the US and France,he said,“Though many talented Russian scientists migrated to the USA and other countries owing to the lack of opportunities,especially after the collapse of the USSR and the resultant weak economy the Russians have always had a strong base in basic science,which includes physics,chemistry,mathematics and so on. While the Americans are good with theory,Russian scientists are better at pure analysis,” Patnaik told mediapersons on the sidelines of a press meet to announce the fourth convocation of the DIAT,which will be held on Wednesday.

“In India,theory related to high energy physics is relevant to the defence sector. DIAT students pursuing PhD programmes in the same area and related fields can benefit from Russian expertise. In the long run,the collaboration hopes to assimilate and apply the added knowledge that Russia can lend us in basic science,which along with engineering is an integral part of research and development,” he said. Patnaik pointed out that the MoU primarily aimed at promoting the concept of basic science rather than advanced defence technology. “India requires many more PhDs in basic science,” he said.

Regarding the dearth of faculty at the DIAT,he said,“There are vacancies for professors,associate professors,assistant professors and the like. We plan to hire serving officers from the tri-services as well as civilians.” The DIAT has received applications from dual citizens in several foreign countries,such as the USA,Japan and European nations,Patnaik said. “However,foreign nationals of Indian origin holding dual citizenships will have to give up their foreign nationality to serve here,” he said.