While India’s progress in scientific research and development is getting significant and impressive by the day and ranks behind only USA and China in such output, the R & D expenditure-GDP ratio of close to 0.7% is still significantly below the world average of 1.8%. Therefore, limited funding opportunities, competition, lack of access to labs and other resources, can be challenge for young researchers and they need to be well informed on the support system to navigate their careers as lot of opportunities emerge in diverse domains
By Steven Inchcoombe, President, Research, Springer Nature Group
India has made significant strides in scientific research and innovation over the years, positioning itself as a global leader in various fields. It has emerged as a key contributor to global research output across disciplines like science, technology, medicine, social sciences, and humanities.
It now ranks third only behind China and USA in terms of research output globally. India has been actively investing in scientific research and technological innovation. Over the years, institutes like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs), and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) laboratories have been the leading centers for scientific research. Additionally, government funding agencies like the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Department of Biotechnology (DBT), and Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) have been supporting research projects and infrastructure development.
However, India does have its own set of challenges, the biggest one of them all being the underfunding by Indian institutions. India’s research and development expenditure-GDP ratio of close to 0.7% is significantly below the world average of 1.8%.
While India’s Gross Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD) has been gradually increasing, reflecting the country’s efforts to boost its scientific and technological capabilities, there is a lot of room for improvement.
Government needs to do more but the biggest funding shortfall compared with other countries is in India’s private sector. The National Research Foundation (NRF), created by an act of Parliament last year and modelled on America’s National Science Foundation should add INR 500bn over five years, but this also depends on the private sector stepping up. This matters to India’s young demographic, early-career researchers will play a crucial role in driving innovation, advancing knowledge, and addressing societal challenges. They encompass a diverse group of individuals across various disciplines, including science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), social sciences, humanities, and arts.
Research integrity is also an area where India can do more by better training early career researchers and collaborating with other stakeholders. Formal training on research integrity will not only help India create a transparent and ethical environment, but will also ensure publishing of more accurate, trustworthy, and unbiased work out, aiding its international reputation.
Challenges faced by early-career researchers in India:
Life is challenging for early-career researchers in India, especially with the limited funding opportunities. Furthermore, lack of a track record of publications and grant success can prove detrimental. Competition for research grants and fellowships can be intense, leading to a scarcity of resources for young researchers. Many research institutions in India face constraints in terms of infrastructure, equipment, and access to cutting-edge technology. Limited access to laboratories, libraries, and research materials can impede the progress of research projects and limit the scope of investigations. Limited open access publishing also hinders widespread dissemination and use of research findings. Publishing research findings in indexed journals is essential for career advancement and recognition in academia. However, young researchers often struggle to navigate the publication process and may face challenges in getting their work accepted in prestigious journals, especially without established networks or collaborations. Also, the time taken by traditional journals to accept and publish articles can be anywhere range from 6- 8 months which can be an impediment. Women and other underrepresented groups in academia may face additional challenges, including gender bias, discrimination, and lack of support for work-life balance. Addressing gender and diversity issues is essential for promoting inclusivity and equality in the research community. Lastly, administrative, and bureaucratic procedures within research institutions and funding agencies can be time-consuming and complex, diverting valuable time and resources away from research activities.
Opportunities for early-career researchers in India
Despite the challenges, there are several opportunities available for young researchers in India to grow and succeed in their careers. Various government agencies, non-profit organisations, and private foundations offer research grants and fellowships to support young researchers. Programmes such as the Department of Science and Technology (DST) INSPIRE Fellowship, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Junior Research Fellowship, and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Junior Research Fellowship provide financial support for research projects and doctoral studies. Indian universities and research institutions offer opportunities for young researchers to pursue advanced degrees, postdoctoral fellowships, and faculty positions. Institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs), and National Institutes of Technology (NITs) provide a conducive environment for research and offer competitive salaries and benefits. Further, collaborating with researchers and institutions abroad can provide young researchers in India access to resources, expertise, and networking opportunities. International collaborations enhance the quality and impact of research and open avenues for joint publications, grants, and exchange programmes. Collaborating with industry partners can help young researchers translate their research findings into practical applications and innovations. Many companies in sectors such as technology, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and renewable energy actively now seek collaborations with academic researchers to address industry challenges and drive innovation. We hope to see even more of this. There are new age open access journals which can be leveraged by early career researchers where the turnaround times from article submission to publishing have been greatly reduced to weeks rather than months and there are no article submission charges. This can help early-career researchers to get their research published without the hassles of a traditional journal but by upkeeping total research integrity. Participating in workshops, seminars, conferences, and training programmes can help young researchers develop essential skills such as scientific writing, grant writing, presentation skills, and project management. Professional societies and organizations in various disciplines offer networking opportunities and career development resources for early-career researchers.
Conclusion
Addressing these challenges requires concerted efforts from policymakers, research institutions, funding agencies, the commercial sector, and the academic community to create a supportive environment for young researchers to thrive and contribute meaningfully to the research landscape in India. This may involve increasing funding opportunities, improving infrastructure and resources, promoting mentorship and networking, fostering diversity and inclusion, and enhancing career development support.
