Taylor & Francis India and the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) have joined forces to initiate a series of collaborative knowledge-sharing sessions aimed at bridging the gap between science and society for sustainable development. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and nurturing interdisciplinary studies, fostering discussions to propel critical thinking and open-mindedness.
The inaugural session, held on October 10, 2023, themed "Science Communication and Public Engagement: The Power of Diverse Voices in Research," served as a platform to delve into the significance of science communication and public engagement. Esteemed speakers, including Prof. Ashutosh Sharma, President of INSA; Dr. Karishma Kaushik, Executive Director of IndiaBioscience; Dr. Swati Nayak, Borlaug Field Awardee 2023; and Dr. Gagandeep Singh, Senior Publisher at CRC Press, graced the session with their expertise.
Prof. Ashutosh Sharma emphasized INSA's enthusiasm for partnering with the Taylor & Francis Group, citing a mutual dedication to facilitating science and social science communication. He shed light on the overarching theme of Science20, focusing on 'disruptive science for sustainable development' and its three key pillars: clean energy, universal and holistic health, and the convergence of science and society.
The COVID-19 pandemic spotlighted gaps in research communication, underscoring the importance of rapid knowledge dissemination for the public good. It also highlighted the risks associated with unverified literature and poorly conducted research. Nitasha Devasar, Managing Director at Taylor & Francis India and South Asia, stressed the crucial role of open access in facilitating interdisciplinary knowledge sharing. Open access avenues like open-access articles, open books, open data, and preprints facilitate the free flow of research, transcending regional and disciplinary boundaries.
The collaboration between Taylor & Francis and INSA signifies a concerted effort to strengthen the connection between science and society, driving interdisciplinary dialogue and fostering a sustainable and inclusive approach to scientific advancements and societal well-being.
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