The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) organised an online session on science policy and communication on 16 September 2026 as part of the Science Summit at the United Nations General Assembly. The Ministry of Science and Technology, through its research bodies, brought together experts to discuss how scientific knowledge can better serve public policy and address worldwide challenges affecting researchers, policymakers and ordinary citizens across all nations.
What was discussed
The session focused on bridging what speakers called a global “science divide” in research infrastructure, skills and participation. Participants emphasised that science policy and science communication must work together to create sustainable and inclusive development.
Key topics included:
- Technology readiness frameworks: India’s evidence-based system for assessing how mature a technology is before investment, designed so emerging economies can adapt it to their own needs.
- Open knowledge systems: The role of governments, funders, researchers and universities in making scientific findings freely accessible rather than locked behind paywalls.
- Breaking down barriers: Addressing obstacles like language, literacy levels, cultural differences and lack of digital access that prevent communities from benefiting from scientific advances.
- Identifying breakthrough research: New methods to move beyond simple citation counts to spot genuinely transformative scientific work and map which countries are leading in which fields.
- Technology and entrepreneurship: How startups using emerging technologies can tackle real social problems while also creating economic opportunity.
What this means for you
These discussions shape how India approaches connecting laboratory discoveries with actual policy decisions and public welfare. The framework being developed by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser could influence how your government evaluates which new technologies to support and invest in. Better science communication efforts mean information about scientific advances should gradually become more accessible in Indian languages and through channels that reach rural and less-connected areas. If you work in technology, research or policy, these conversations affect the standards and processes your organisation follows when deciding which innovations to pursue.