Context:
The CSIR announced the recipients of the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (SSB) awards for 2022 during the One Week One Lab (OWOL) program, but no female scientists were selected for these awards.
Relevance:
GS III: Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology
Dimensions of the Article:
- One Week One Lab (OWOL) program
- Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Awards
- About CSIR
One Week One Lab (OWOL) program
- The One Week One Lab (OWOL) program, organized by CSIR, is designed to inspire various groups, including young innovators, students, start-ups, academia, and industry professionals.
- The program aims to encourage these participants to explore opportunities in deep tech ventures and innovation.
- Showcasing CSIR’s Technological Advancements
- In this initiative, different CSIR institutes will take turns each week to present their unique innovations and technological achievements.
- These presentations are intended to provide the people of India with insights into the cutting-edge work being carried out by CSIR institutes.
Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Awards
- The Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Awards are renowned as India’s highest multidisciplinary science honors.
- They are named in honor of Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar, a prominent chemist, visionary, and the founder and director of CSIR.
Purpose and Prize Details
- These awards aim to recognize exceptional contributions to science and technology in India.
- Each Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (SSB) Prize carries a value of Rs 5,00,000 and is awarded annually.
- The awards cover a wide range of scientific disciplines, including Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Earth Sciences, Engineering Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Medical Sciences, and Physical Sciences.
Eligibility Criteria
- The SSB Prizes are open to any Indian citizen engaged in research in the field of science and technology up to the age of 45, as of December 31st of the preceding year.
- Overseas citizens of India (OCI) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) working in India are also eligible.
- Contributions made primarily in India during the five years leading up to the award year are considered for the prize.
About CSIR
- The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is India’s largest research and development organization, established in 1942.
- CSIR operates under the Ministry of Science and Technology and functions as an autonomous body.
- It comprises 37 national laboratories, 39 outreach centers, 1 Innovation Complex, and three units with a presence across India.
- The governing body of CSIR is led by the Prime Minister of India as President, with the Union Minister of Science and Technology as Vice President, and the Director-General at the helm, alongside the finance secretary (expenditures).
