**Summary:**
Dr. Geetha Vani Rayasam assumed the role of Director at the CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (NIScPR) on September 9, 2025. In her inaugural address, Dr. Rayasam emphasized the need for a transformative approach to science communication and Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) policy. She advocated for agile and flexible STI policies to address the challenges and opportunities presented by Artificial Intelligence, digital platforms, and evolving global dynamics.
Dr. Rayasam highlighted the importance of NIScPR playing a crucial role in shaping national and international STI policy by moving beyond conventional methods and addressing current needs. She proposed that NIScPR should serve as a role model for the Global South, catering to the broader science and technology community under the theme of "Connecting the Unconnected."
Key priorities outlined by Dr. Rayasam include aligning science communication with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), developing high-quality Indian journals and digital platforms, promoting citizen science initiatives, and fostering science-art collaborations to enhance public engagement. She stressed the importance of digital literacy, responsible social media usage, and proactive engagement with AI tools to maintain trust and credibility in science communication.
Dr. Rayasam emphasized the need for strategic partnerships, suggesting closer collaboration between NIScPR initiatives like the Science Media Communication Cell (SMCC) and SVASTIK with entities such as the Ministry of AYUSH, Ministry of Education, and science museums. She also recommended joint projects with international organizations, including WHO, World Bank, UN, OECD, IIMs, and industry bodies, to expand NIScPR's global influence.
Dr. Rayasam concluded by stating her vision for NIScPR to evolve into a future-ready, India-centric global institution and a leader in science communication and policy research. The joining ceremony was attended by senior officials including Dr. Naresh Kumar, Chief Scientist and FAO; Shri R.K.S. Roushan, COA; and Ms. Gurmeet Kaur, FAO, along with other CSIR-NIScPR staff. Release ID: 2165004.
Key Entities Referenced
Dr. Geetha Vani Rayasam: New Director of CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (NIScPR)
CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (NIScPR): A science communication and policy research institute. It is expected to play a vital role in shaping national and international STI policy
Science, Technology and Innovation (STI): The policy area that NIScPR is expected to focus on.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The global goals that science communication should align with, according to Dr. Rayasam.
Science Media Communication Cell (SMCC): An initiative of NIScPR that could collaborate with other ministries and stakeholders.
SVASTIK: An initiative of NIScPR that could collaborate with other ministries and stakeholders.
Ministry of AYUSH: A ministry of the Government of India that NIScPR initiatives could collaborate with.
Ministry of Education: A ministry of the Government of India that NIScPR initiatives could collaborate with.
Ministry of Science & Technology
Dr. Geetha Vani Rayasam assumes charge as
Director, CSIR-NIScPR
Dr. Vani Called for agile STI policies, future-ready
science communication and stronger global
collaborations
Posted On: 09 SEP 2025 5:47PM by PIB Delhi
Dr. Geetha Vani Rayasam today assumed charge as the new Director of CSIR-National Institute of Science
Communication and Policy Research (NIScPR). Addressing the staff, researchers and students at her joining
ceremony, Dr. Rayasam underlined the institute’s strong legacy and called for a transformative approach to
science communication and science, technology and innovation (STI) policy.
She stressed that India’s STI policy must adopt agile and flexible models to remain relevant in the age of
Artificial Intelligence, digital platforms and fast-evolving global challenges. “NIScPR has to play an
important role in shaping national and international STI policy by moving beyond conventional approaches
and focusing on the needs of the time,” she remarked.
Highlighting the theme of “Connecting the Unconnected”, Dr. Rayasam said NIScPR should act as a role
model for the Global South and the world, catering to the entire science and technology community. She
emphasised the need to align science communication with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and
encouraged the development of high-quality Indian journals, digital platforms, citizen science initiatives and
science–art collaborations to expand public engagement.
Dr. Rayasam also pointed out that in the evolving landscape of science communication, digital literacy,
responsible use of social media, and proactive engagement with artificial intelligence tools will be critical for
ensuring trust and credibility. She noted that while emerging technologies present challenges, they also offer
unprecedented opportunities for reaching wider audiences and building stronger science–society linkages.
She further underscored the importance of partnerships. She suggested that NIScPR initiatives such as the
Science Media Communication Cell (SMCC) and SVASTIK could collaborate more closely with the Ministry
of AYUSH, Ministry of Education, science museums and other stakeholders. She also recommended joint
projects with international organisations including WHO, World Bank, UN, OECD, IIMs and industry bodies
to strengthen the institute’s global footprint.
Concluding her address, Dr. Rayasam said that NIScPR must evolve as a future-ready, India-centric global
institute and a leader in science communication and policy research.
The ceremony was attended by senior dignitaries including Dr. Naresh Kumar, Chief Scientist and FAO; Shri
R.K.S. Roushan, COA; Ms. Gurmeet Kaur, FAO, along with other staff members of CSIR-NIScPR.*****
NKR/PSM/SK
(Release ID: 2165004)