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Youth must focus on research to make India a leader in science, technology: UP Governor

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  Published in Science and Technology on Tuesday, October 7th 2025 at 15:39 GMT by ThePrint
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India’s Young Researchers Are the Key to Global Leadership in Science, Says Uttar Pradesh Governor

In a stirring address to a gathering of students, academicians, and science‑policy makers on Thursday, the Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Ramesh Bais, underscored the critical role that young minds must play in elevating India to the forefront of global science and technology. Drawing from his own background in public service and a keen awareness of the country’s research landscape, the governor urged a nationwide shift in focus toward rigorous, impactful research—especially among the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators.

A Call to Action for the Youth

Bais opened his speech with a resonant statement that has since been quoted across the country: “Youth must focus on research to make India a leader in science and technology.” He emphasized that the country’s future hinges on a robust research ecosystem that nurtures talent from the grassroots to the global stage. “We have the intellectual capital, the universities, the laboratories, but we lack the sustained commitment to turn curiosity into breakthrough discoveries,” the governor said, noting that India’s share of global research output remains a fraction of its economic potential.

The Current State of Research in India

The governor drew on recent statistics to illustrate the urgency of the situation. He pointed out that India spends roughly 0.6–0.7 % of its GDP on research and development (R&D)—a figure that sits below the 2 % benchmark recommended by the World Bank for nations aspiring to be innovation leaders. In contrast, countries such as the United States, China, and Germany spend between 2.5 % and 3.5 % of their GDP on R&D. “If we want to match the innovation trajectory of these economies, we need to double our R&D investment and cultivate a culture that rewards inquiry,” Bais said.

Bais also highlighted the uneven distribution of research output across the country. While the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Indian Institutes of Science (IISc), and Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) campuses in the west and south produce a significant share of high‑impact publications, the academic productivity of northern states—including Uttar Pradesh—has historically lagged. “Our universities and research institutions are capable of world‑class work; they just need the right environment, mentorship, and funding to do so,” he explained.

The Role of Policy and Institutional Support

The governor took a moment to recognize recent policy initiatives designed to catalyze research in India. He referred to the National Research Foundation (NRF), which has been established to fund basic and applied research across a spectrum of disciplines. “The NRF is a game‑changer because it allows young researchers to access seed funding, mentorship, and a network of established scientists,” Bais observed.

He also spoke about the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) and the National Innovation Grid (NIG), which provide financial incentives, incubator facilities, and market linkages for innovation ventures. “These mechanisms bridge the gap between academic research and commercial applications—a critical step toward a knowledge economy,” the governor said.

In a forward‑looking segment, Bais mentioned the Uttar Pradesh State Innovation Council, a recently formed body aimed at integrating industry and academia at the state level. The council’s mandate includes creating a research talent pipeline, facilitating technology transfer, and promoting start‑ups that are rooted in scientific research. “The state has an obligation to build a conducive ecosystem for research and innovation,” Bais emphasized, citing the council’s early success in funding projects on renewable energy and agritech.

Specific Calls for Youth Engagement

The governor outlined a multi‑pronged strategy for engaging young talent:

1. Early Exposure to Research
   Bais urged schools and universities to embed research modules into the curriculum, encouraging students to pursue research projects even at the undergraduate level. He highlighted existing initiatives such as the “National Science Talent Search” and the “Young Scientist Award” as platforms for showcasing student research.

2. Mentorship and Career Guidance
   “The next generation needs mentors who can guide them through the intricacies of publishing, grant writing, and navigating the peer‑review process,” he said. He called for formal mentorship programs connecting PhD students with senior scientists from national laboratories and industry.

3. Financial Incentives
   The governor suggested expanding scholarship schemes—such as the “Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship”—to include more early‑career researchers and to offer matching funds for student‑led projects.

4. Public‑Private Partnerships
   Recognizing that many breakthroughs arise at the interface of academia and industry, Bais advocated for a policy framework that incentivizes companies to sponsor research grants, co‑develop prototypes, and provide internships to students.

5. Digital and Open‑Science Platforms
   “We are living in a digital age; we must harness open‑science platforms and data‑sharing networks to democratize research,” the governor said, citing the National Knowledge Network as a key infrastructure enabling collaboration across institutions.

Closing Vision

The governor’s speech concluded with a powerful vision: “If we can harness the intellect of our youth, foster a culture of curiosity, and invest strategically in research infrastructure, Uttar Pradesh will become a beacon of scientific excellence—one that can inspire the entire nation.”

He added, “Science and technology are the engines of progress, and the engine’s fuel is curiosity, perseverance, and a robust support system. Let us ignite that engine.”

Follow‑up Links and Further Reading

1. National Research Foundation (NRF) – The official NRF website provides detailed information on grant programmes, application deadlines, and success stories of funded projects.
2. Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) – The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship’s portal outlines the AIM incubator network, funding schemes, and case studies of startups that emerged from the programme.
3. Uttar Pradesh State Innovation Council – The council’s website offers updates on ongoing projects, funding calls, and a directory of research collaborators in the state.
4. National Knowledge Network (NKN) – The NKN portal details the high‑speed connectivity framework that connects universities, research institutions, and industry across India.
5. National Science Talent Search – This competition portal lists eligibility criteria, application procedures, and awardees’ profiles.

By aligning policy, infrastructure, and youth engagement, the governor’s message is clear: the path to India’s scientific prominence lies in empowering its young researchers and ensuring that curiosity is met with opportunity.