Infosys Science Foundation emphasises on need to kindle interest in research from grassroots

Aiming to kindle interest of children in research, Infosys Science Foundation (ISF) President S D Shibual said there were plans to reach out to schools in the field of basic sciences. Only one per cent of children look at research as career option, he said, adding, the foundation would create role models and mentors.

"The ISF will create role models and mentors and we are also coming out with outreach programmes to showcase these role models. We are also planning to reach out to very large number of students at a very young age," the former Infosys CEO, told reporters in Thiruvananthapuram. "We will partner with other foundations and reach out to schools in basic sciences. India's education system does not foster research orientation at grass root level," he added.

In its quest to spread the culture of science and research and create pathways for India's collective future, the foundation has organised 'Celebrating the Sciences', a programme aimed at providing students a glimpse into inspiring research as an endeavour to champion the cause of securing India's scientific future.

According to PTI, the event was inaugurated by Kerala Governor P Sathasivam. Stating that India hardly spends 0.81 per cent of its GDP on research while China sets apart 1.87 per cent of its GDP for research activities, Shibulal lamented with all this the future for Indian research does not look bright. "Only a miniscule fraction of students go for research. This is due to lack of investments in R&D," he said.

Stressing the need to bring back the "romance in pure science research", he said it was heartening to know that the Kerala government was creating opportunities for taking up research as a career. The union government was also keen on promoting critical R&D in various fields and had launched 20 Design Innovative Centres, he added.

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