http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/67580 2026-10-09T19:44:24Z http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/67586 Title: Teacher Motivation and Mentoring Dynamics in the National Children's Science Congress (NCSC) Authors: Lodh, Debasree; Basundhara; Dutta, Jayanti Abstract: The National Children's Science Congress (NCSC), a flagship initiative of the National Council for Science and Technology Communication under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, seeks to promote scientific temper among students aged 10-17 through decentralised, research-based participation. While the program's scale and student impact have been widely documented, limited research has examined the motivations and experiences of Guide Teachers (GTs), who play a central mentoring role in student projects. This study adopts a mixed-method design, combining quantitative survey data (n = 251) with qualitative insights from open-ended responses and interviews, to explore teacher motivations, mentoring practices, institutional support, and challenges. Findings indicate that intrinsic motivation-particularly professional satisfaction- drives teacher participation, despite limited formal research training and inadequate institutional support. The study identifies structural gaps in training, recognition, and resource allocation and proposes specific policy-level interventions to strengthen teacher capacity within the NCSC ecosystem. Page(s): 5-28 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/67585 Title: Science Education for Social and Ethical Responsibilities: A Systematic Literature Review Authors: Kajal; Singh, Sunita Abstract: For a sustainable future, scientists and educators are emphasising the social and ethical values associated with science. In this perspective, science education is seen as "promising" for fostering the values and skills necessary to become well-informed citizens in young minds. The researcher analysed the favourable aspects of the idea of teaching science with its social and ethical responsibility. A review of science education studies included focusing on social and ethical issues. A total of 26 papers, covering 2003 to 2023, were carefully examined to determine their applicability in the aforementioned context. This paper also attempts to discuss the evolution of research in science education, shifting from a more conceptual understanding to its social and ethical relevance in society. The paper underlines the issues and challenges that lead to identifying the need to discuss science education with real-world problems by situating it in its social, political, and cultural context. The paper argues that a framework needs to be developed which is both contextually and culturally relevant for learners. Additionally, numerous aspects of science education for global social and ethical responsibility were addressed. Page(s): 29-57 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/67584 Title: Advancing Nanoelectronics Innovation in India: Outcomes of the Multi-Institutional NNetRA Research Program Authors: Joshi, Bipin; Mohanty, Manoranjan; Raju, Seena Abstract: Nanoelectronics has emerged as a foundational technology enabling innovations across computing, communication systems, sensing platforms and biomedical diagnostics. Recognising the strategic importance of this field, the Nanoelectronics Network for Research and Applications (NNetRA) Program was launched to strengthen domestic research capabilities and accelerate technology development. Supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the Program established a collaborative research network among five premier institutions: IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Madras and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). The project proposals from these institutes were supported with a total budget of 294 crore, with joint funding by DST, MeitY, and the implementing institution on a 1:1:1 basis w.e.f. 2018. This report highlights the technological and scientific outcomes of the NNetRA Program through a comparative analysis of outputs across the participating institutions. Using institutional reports and Program documentation, the study presents indicators such as research publications, patents, technology prototypes, startup ventures, and trained workforce. The findings indicate that the Program significantly enhanced the nanoelectronics research ecosystem, facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration and technology translation across the country. The results demonstrate that mission-oriented collaborative research networks can play an important role in strengthening national innovation capabilities in strategic technology domains. Page(s): 58-67 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/67583 Title: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of R&D Governance Authors: Srivastava, Preeti; Bandyopadhyay, Debashis Abstract: Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a major enabler of R&D governance and project management. Using a data-intensive approach, it aims to address issues of project choice, risk mitigation, optimal resource allocation etc thereby enhancing efficiency. In the present paper we have attempted to evaluate AI application in R&D governance in the global vis-à-vis national perspectives; and to underline its key strengths, weaknesses and applicability. Page(s): 68-81 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z