Innovation In Science Pursuit For Inspired Research (INSPIRE) Programme

Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) programme was launched by the Department of Science & Technology (DST) of India in 2008 to attract and nurture young bright students to study basic and natural sciences at the college and university level and to pursue research careers in both basic and applied science areas including engineering, medicine, agriculture and veterinary sciences. The programme is designed to identify talent among students and attract them towards studying science and scientific programmes that have an experimental vision.

Components of INSPIRE Programme

The INSPIRE program has five components that cover different stages of education from class 6 to post-doctoral level. These are:

• Scheme for Early Attraction of Talent (SEATS):

This component targets students of classes 6 to 10 who have an aptitude and interest in science. It provides them with opportunities to interact with eminent scientists, visit research laboratories, participate in science fairs and exhibitions, attend summer camps, etc. The aim is to expose them to the excitement and joy of doing science and to inspire them to take up science as a hobby or a career.

• Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE):

This component targets students who have passed class 12 with science subjects and are enrolled in undergraduate courses in basic and natural sciences. It provides them with a monthly scholarship of Rs. 80,000 per year for five years or till the completion of their degree, whichever is earlier. The aim is to encourage them to continue their studies in science and to pursue research careers.

• Assured Opportunity for Research Careers (AORC)

This component targets students who have completed their undergraduate or postgraduate courses in basic and natural sciences and are interested in pursuing doctoral or post-doctoral research. It provides them with two schemes: INSPIRE Fellowship and INSPIRE Faculty. The INSPIRE Fellowship provides a monthly stipend of Rs. 35,000 for doctoral research for five years or till the completion of their PhD, whichever is earlier. The INSPIRE Faculty provides a contractual position for post-doctoral research for five years with an annual salary of Rs. 12 lakhs. The aim is to provide them with assured opportunities for research careers in both academic and non-academic institutions.

• INSPIRE Internship

This component targets students who are pursuing their undergraduate or postgraduate courses in basic and natural sciences and are interested in doing short-term research projects under the guidance of mentors. It provides them with a monthly stipend of Rs. 10,000 for a duration of one to six months. The aim is to provide them with hands-on experience in research and to enhance their skills and knowledge.

• INSPIRE Awards-MANAK (Million Minds Augmenting National Aspirations and Knowledge)

This component targets students of class 6 to 10 who have innovative ideas or projects that can solve societal or environmental problems using science and technology. It provides them with an award of Rs. 10,000 each for developing their ideas or projects into prototypes or models. The aim is to foster a culture of innovation and creativity among young students.

Benefits of INSPIRE Programme

The INSPIRE programme has several benefits for the students, the scientific community and the society at large. Some of these benefits are:

• Enhancing Interest and Motivation in Science

The programme helps to enhance the interest and motivation of students in science by providing them with various opportunities for learning, exposure, interaction, scholarship, fellowship, mentorship, etc. The programme also helps to create a positive attitude towards science among students by making it fun, enjoyable and rewarding.

• Developing talent and potential in science:

The programme helps to develop the talent and potential of students in science by providing them with quality education, training, guidance and support. The programme also helps to identify the best talent among students and nurture them towards excellence in science.

• Creating a pool of qualified and talented scientists and researchers:

The programme helps to create a pool of qualified and talented scientists and researchers in the country by providing them with assured opportunities for research careers in both academic and non-academic institutions. The programme also helps to retain the talent in the country by providing them with attractive incentives and recognition.

• Contributing to the development of science and technology in the country:

The programme helps to contribute to the development of science and technology in the country by generating new knowledge, innovations, patents, publications, awards, etc. The programme also helps to address the societal and environmental challenges by applying science and technology solutions.

• Advancing the knowledge and innovation in the world:

The programme helps to advance the knowledge and innovation in the world by collaborating with national and international partners, institutions, organizations, etc. The programme also helps to create a global impact by sharing the best practices, experiences, learnings, etc.

Impact of INSPIRE Programme:

The INSPIRE programme has been successful in reaching out to millions of students across the country and inspiring them to pursue science as a career option. According to the DST website, as of March 2021, the programme has:

• Awarded more than 22 lakh students under SEATS
• Awarded more than 1 lakh students under SHE
• Awarded more than 12 thousand students under AORC
• Awarded more than 4 lakh students under INSPIRE Awards-MANAK
• Supported more than 2 thousand students under INSPIRE Internship

The programme has also resulted in several publications, patents, awards, recognitions, innovations, start-ups, etc. by the beneficiaries of the programme.

Conclusion

The programme is a model example of how science education can be made more attractive, accessible and rewarding for students. The programme has been successful in attracting and nurturing talent in science and creating a pool of qualified and talented scientists and researchers in the country. The programme also contributes to the development of science and technology in the country and the advancement of knowledge and innovation.