Introduction
The Government of India established the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) in November 1999. The PSA’s office aims to provide pragmatic and objective advice to the Prime Minister and the cabinet in matters of Science and Technology. The Office of PSA was placed under the Cabinet Secretariat in August, 2018.
Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood is currently serving as the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India.
Roles of Office of PSA
S&T fundamentals with applied research in collaboration with multiple stakeholders, both in central and state governments
Enabling future preparedness in emerging domains of science and technology
Formulating and coordinating major inter-ministerial S&T missions
Providing an enabling ecosystem for technology led innovations and techno-entrepreneurship
Driving innovation and technology delivery towards solving socio-economic challenges for sustainable growth
Fostering effective public-private linkages for driving research and innovation
Key Initiatives Undertaken By the Office of PSA
Former Principal Scientific Advisers
In the office from Nov 1999 to Nov 2001
Major Initiatives as PSA
Dr. Abdul Kalam, as the first PSA was responsible for evolving policies, strategies and missions for many development applications.
Significant Awards
Profile
- Graduated in Science from St. Joseph's College, Trichy in 1954 and specialized in Aeronautical Engineering from Madras Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1957
- At Indian Space Research Organisation, served as Project Director and developed India's first indigenous Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-3)
- Responsible for the evolution of ISRO's launch vehicle programme, particularly the PSLV configuration
- As Chief Executive of Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP), he developed the Indigenous Guided Missiles at Defence Research and Development Organisation
- Created Research Centre Imarat for advanced technologies
- Was the Scientific Adviser to Defence Minister and Secretary, Department of Defence Research & Development between 1992-1999
- Became the 11th President of India on 25th July 2002
Awards
- 2007 - the King Charles-II Medal for Science and Technology by The Royal Society, UK
- 2008 - Woodrow Wilson Award
- 2009 - International Medal by The Royal Academy of Engineering, London
- 2009 - Hoover Medal 2008 by The Hoover Board of Awards
- 2009 - International Von Karman Wings Award by The Aerospace Historical Society in Collaboration with the Graduate Aerospace Laboratories (GALCIT)
Honorary Doctorates
Dr. Kalam has the unique honour of receiving honorary doctorates from 48 Universities and institutions from India and abroad. Major Universities include:
- Nyenrode Business University
- Netherlands; Nanyang Technological University
- Singapore; Carnegie Mellon University
- Pittsburgh, USA
- University of Wolverhampton, UK
- University of Kentucky, USA
- Oakland University, Michigan USA
- University of Waterloo, Canada
- University Sans Malaysia, Malaysia
- University Australia
- The Simon Fraser University, Vancouver
Former Scientific Secretaries
In the office from Mar 2000 to Oct 2002
Significant Awards
Profile
- Dr Y S Rajan is an accomplished Indian scientist, professor, technologist, administrator, diplomat, academic, writer and poet.
- He has significantly contributed to India’s space research and technology since 1964, including shaping ISRO from its early experimental phases into a major service delivery organisation.
- He is also a well-recognised authority and thought leader in technology development, business management, and linking technology with society.
- He has shaped policies and implemented successful R&D projects involving industry and is a key figure in shaping “India Vision 2020”.
- He is an expert in areas like satellite meteorology, remote sensing, mapping systems, and intellectual property rights.
- He has completed assignments for UN organisations.
- He has wide international experience and has led Indian delegations to the UN and visited about 40 countries for science/technology cooperation.
- He has been actively engaged with the academic world since 1976, by funding research, introducing new courses, and creating industry-academia centers.
- He has practical ground-level experience in developmental issues and has founded and built organisations like the Technology Information Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC), which he has led for about two decades.
Awards
He has been bestowed with prestigious awards like Padma Shri and the Lifetime Achievement Award at the India Geospatial Forum.
