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Special Feature: Research Opportunities in India--An Upward Trajectory

Alan Kotok
United States
27 April 2007

In the past 2 years, countries in the West, as well as the E.U., Japan, and Australia, have moved aggressively to establish new scientific exchange agreements with India, or to update their existing arrangements. And no wonder: India’s emergence in scientific research parallels its rapid economic growth; the country’s gross domestic product increased 8.5% last year. India has become a leading exporter of software and technology services, and it has a large and well-educated English-speaking population. Companies worldwide have established research centers in India to take advantage of this brainpower, and not just because of the recognized cost advantages. MORE …

Despite this rapid economic growth, India still faces a high poverty rate--25% of the population lives below the poverty line--threats of environmental degradation, and serious public health concerns such as HIV/AIDS and avian influenza. India’s national research priorities combine its well-publicized focus on advanced technology--especially information technology--with the need to feed and protect a population in excess of 1 billion, and keep it healthy. But these days, India is moving beyond these core efforts and into the kind of fundamental research that's often found in Western labs.

Because of the widespread use of English in India’s university system, Indian students and postdocs have been a common sight on campuses in North America and Europe for decades. But only recently have students or research scholars begun making the return trip in significant numbers. For this growing group of research pioneers, Science Careers takes a look at the Indian research environment, discusses opportunities for conducting basic scientific research, and shares the experiences of recently returned science exchangees from India.

Pallava Bagla, Science magazine’s contributing writer in New Delhi, describes India as the “new knowledge hot spot.” Bagla describes India’s research system, including its major science institutions, trends in funding and support, and opportunities for collaboration with research institutes, universities, and private companies.

London-based science writer Amarendra Swarup tells how a new bilateral initiative between the United Kingdom and India, along with other exchange programs, are creating more opportunities for British researchers. The United Kingdom, Swarup writes, is lagging in its connections to India despite its long historical connections. But it's determined not to miss out on these emerging opportunities.

Science Careers correspondent Andrew Fazekas relates the experiences of American scientists who recently returned from scientific exchanges in India. Fazekas reports that American researchers faced various challenges in making the journey, but they feel the experience was well worth it, and opportunities for foreign scientists in India are expanding.

Finally, Alan Kotok, Science Careers managing editor, has compiled a list of programs to finance one’s research exchange in India, from GrantsNet and other sources.

Researcher Ann Russell with her family and local villagers in Kerala province, India

DOI: 10.1126/science.caredit.a0700056

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