BRICS Young Scientist Forum started today in Bengaluru (File)
The Department of Science and Technology under the BRICS - grouping of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - framework organized the first 'Young Scientists Conference' in Bengaluru today. The conference will see 50 young scientists meet over the next four days. The BRICS Young Scientist Forum (BRICS - YSF) was started last year.
Organised and coordinated by the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS) Bengaluru, the meet would provide a platform for engaging, connecting and networking to young scientists who will hold discussions and find solutions to some of the common challenges and problems being faced in BRICS countries.
The conclave would be on the three thematic topics - Computational Intelligence, Energy Solutions and Affordable Healthcare. It assumes importance as it is taking place during India's chairmanship of BRICS.
The event was inaugurated by Professor K Kasturirangan, the former Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation.
Respective Science ministries of BRICS nations are the lead coordinating organisations for the forum which aims to build a 'BRICS Innovation Corps' to accelerate change through better quality of life in the region.
Some of the lead speakers at the conclave include Dr Ashutosh Sharma, secretary of the Department of Science and Technology, Dr K Vijay Raghavan of the Department of Biotechnology, Dr VK Saraswat who is a member of the NITI Ayog and Dr Baldev Raj, director of NIAS.
Two reports will be released during the conclave.
The first titled "BRICS Science and Technology Enterprise Partnership" is prepared by a group of eminent scholars and which envisions sustained critical efforts for achieving Science and Technology Research Leadership, offering new ways for BRICS cohesion.
The second report titled "Hampi: Splendours of a World Heritage Site" projects the historical significance of the heritage site as well as depicting the intellectual and technological innovations of the site.