In a major step towards strengthening India's research ecosystem, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh today announced an ANRF-supported digital portal aimed at facilitating training in patent filing support and research paper writing assistance for researchers, students and innovators across the country.

The announcement was made while chairing a Joint Review Meeting of the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) and Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), during which the Minister reviewed progress on key scientific initiatives, institutional coordination mechanisms, science administration reforms, outreach activities and preparations for upcoming national science programmes.

The review meeting was attended by Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood; Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale; Chief Executive Officer of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), Dr. Shivkumar Kalyanaraman; and senior officials from the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) and Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).

Dr. Jitendra Singh said that the newly announced portal will serve as an important capacity-building resource for researchers and young innovators by providing structured support in scientific writing, publication processes, intellectual property protection and patent-related procedures. He noted that improving access to such resources would strengthen the quality of research output, enhance innovation outcomes and help researchers translate scientific work into publications and intellectual property assets.

Emphasising the need for greater coordination among scientific departments and institutions, Dr. Jitendra Singh said that scientific organisations working under different departments must function in a collaborative and integrated manner to maximise national outcomes from research, innovation and public investments in science and technology.

Observing that several scientific institutions often undertake complementary work without adequate awareness of developments across departments, Dr. Jitendra Singh stressed the need for regular interaction among laboratories and institutions. He directed that structured mechanisms be established for sharing information on major projects, technological achievements and institutional capabilities so that expertise available within one department can be effectively leveraged by others.

The Minister particularly emphasised the importance of showcasing institutional achievements and success stories. He suggested that every review mechanism should include presentations on notable scientific achievements from laboratories and institutions on a rotational basis. Such an approach, he said, would not only enhance visibility of scientific accomplishments but also promote cross-learning and collaboration among institutions working in similar domains.

Reiterating the growing importance of science communication, Dr. Jitendra Singh called for a more coordinated outreach strategy across scientific departments. He stressed the need to utilise digital platforms, social media and emerging communication tools to present scientific achievements in a manner that is accessible to citizens, students, startups and researchers. He also suggested exploring common communication platforms to improve dissemination of scientific success stories and innovation outcomes across the scientific ecosystem.

Reviewing the Capacity Building for Science Administration initiative, the Minister further said that scientists assuming leadership and administrative responsibilities require greater familiarity with governance procedures, financial rules and institutional management systems. He advocated expanding such programmes and integrating them with ongoing capacity-building efforts under Mission Karmayogi to strengthen scientific administration across institutions.

 

Dr. Jitendra Singh also reviewed departmental performance indicators relating to file disposal, grievance redressal, litigation management and expenditure. Stressing the importance of administrative efficiency, he directed departments to closely monitor governance-related performance parameters and ensure timely disposal of files, effective grievance handling and improved implementation of schemes and projects.

The Minister further reviewed preparations for ESTIC 2026 and emphasised that the event should serve as a platform for showcasing India's scientific achievements, innovation ecosystem and emerging technology capabilities. He suggested wider participation of scientific institutions, startups, industry representatives, students and young innovators, while also encouraging stronger engagement with international experts and thought leaders.

Discussions during the meeting also covered ongoing outreach programmes, institutional communication strategies, ANRF initiatives, the newly announced research support portal and the progress of programmes being undertaken by various scientific departments. The Minister underscored the importance of creating sustained engagement between scientific institutions and society to ensure that scientific advancements are translated into wider public awareness and societal benefits.

During the review, senior officials briefed the Minister on ongoing activities under the capacity-building programme for science administration, outreach initiatives, ANRF programmes, institutional coordination efforts and preparations for ESTIC 2026. Suggestions were also made regarding regular interactions among scientific institutions, sharing of best practices and strengthening communication channels across departments.

The meeting concluded with a collective commitment to deepen cooperation among scientific departments, strengthen institutional capacities and enhance the visibility and societal impact of scientific research and innovation.

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