Opinion: How will the Nobel drought in science end in India? Award not received since 94 years

Author: V. Ramgopal Rao
Nobel Prize season has arrived. Started in 1901, so far only 12 people of Indian origin have won this honor, out of which only 5 were Indian citizens. Of these, Dr. C.V. Raman is the only Indian to have won this award in the field of science. he/she received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930 for his/her discovery of the Raman effect.

Nobel was not received for 94 years

The gap of 94 years since Raman’s achievement is a matter of concern, especially when many Indian scientists have made important discoveries that went unrecognized. To prepare Indian scientists for Nobel Prizes in the future, we need to take action now to create an environment that encourages groundbreaking research.

Science is the foundation of all technological progress

Science is the foundation of all technological progress. The mobile phones that everyone uses today would not have been possible without at least a dozen Nobel Prize-winning discoveries. Be it transistors (1956, Physics), or laser technology (1964, Physics), information theory (1965, Physics), integrated circuits (2000, Physics), conducting polymers (2000, Chemistry), semiconductor heterostructures (2000, Physics ), Fiber Optics (2009, Physics), LED Technology (2014, Physics), Lithium-ion Battery (2019, Chemistry). Each of these discoveries were essential to the modern revolution we see today in electronics.

It is important to remember that countries do not invest in science because they are developed; They invest in science and hence develop. Here are five steps to improve India’s scientific output and pave the way for future Nobel laureates.

1. Stopping inclination towards engineering and focus on STEM education

The Nobel Prizes often honor fundamental contributions that transform entire fields of study. A strong foundation in fundamental research can unlock technologies that transform the industries that drive today’s digital world. To achieve this, India must focus on early identification and nurturing of scientific talent. Scholarships, strong public programs and research opportunities will ensure that promising young minds are nurtured. We need to revive and launch schemes like Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY) on a large scale, besides launching necessary initiatives to identify talented children in schools themselves.

2. Stopping brain drain

India’s scientific community is quite small compared to global standards. With only 260 scientists per million people, India ranks 81st globally in terms of researchers. In contrast, countries like the US and the UK have more than 4,000 scientists per million. To improve India’s chances of winning the Nobel, the number of researchers will have to be increased. This will require a concerted effort to retain talent and prevent brain drain. Many promising Indian scientists move abroad for better opportunities due to inadequate infrastructure, low salaries and limited career prospects at home. Removing financial incentives for high-performing scientists through awards and recognition is a wrong step. Unlike other professions, the global nature of science means that scientists, regardless of their location, must compete with the best around the world for their work to be recognized and acknowledged.

3. Increasing investment and creating world class research institutes

America has invested heavily in science and is reaping the rewards. It now has more Nobel Prize winners than any other country. At the same time, funding for scientific research in India is less compared to other BRICS countries. Promoting Nobel level discoveries requires a strong commitment to research and development funding from both the government and the private sector. India should focus on supporting its centers of excellence and creating new centers where cutting-edge research can flourish.

4. Promoting international cooperation

The research and discoveries of many Nobel Prize winners were possible only because of international cooperation. India should actively promote international collaboration by enabling its brightest minds to work with leading scientists from around the world, including Nobel laureates. We need to start ‘1000 Scholars Programme’ to encourage our young scientists and students to do internships with top research groups and Nobel laureates around the world. Such initiatives will help in bringing the latest scientific technologies and knowledge to India.

5. You have to stop playing safe

One of the major obstacles to conducting Nobel level research in India is the lack of a strong culture of risk taking and innovation. Scientists are often encouraged to pursue safe, forward-looking research to obtain research funding, rather than pursue bold, high-risk projects that could lead to revolutionary discoveries. The excessive bureaucratization of research management in India is another matter of concern.

If we want to join the prestigious Nobel Club, now is the time to try.