Nano Mission

The ICONSAT (International Conference on Nano Science and Technology) under the Nano Mission was organised in Kolkata recently to focus on the recent advances in the field.

Nano Science and Technology Mission

The first phase of NSTM was launched in 2007 by the Department of Science and Technology under the Ministry of Science and Technology. It targeted scientists, industrial players and institutions to develop the field through promotion of R&D, capacity building, infrastructure augmentation, etc. The second phase was launched in the 12^th Plan Period with a budget of 650 crore INR.

Results of the NSTM

The NSTM has resulted in India entering the top 5 countries’ list in terms of scientific publication in nano science and technology field. It moved from the 4^th to the 3^rd position. It has resulted in creation of products like nano hydrogel based eye drops, pesticide removal technology for drinking water, water filters for arsenic and fluoride removal, nano-silver based antimicrobial textile coating, etc.

AWSAR Scheme

The AWSAR scheme was highlighted at the ICONSAT event. It is Augmenting Writing Skills for Articulating Research scheme, launched by the DST. It is aimed at tapping the potential of 20,000 Ph.D. scholars to communicate and popularise their research through blogs, newspapers, social media, magazines, etc. It gives a monetary incentive to encourage popular science writers.