SSR guidelines for scientists will sway appraisal

SSR guidelines – NEW DELHI: Every scientist in the country is expected to devote at least 10 days a year to scientific social responsibility,’ and such extracurricular activities would be given fair weightage in their yearly performance review. 
 
This clause is part of the science ministry’s SSR guidelines, which were released in the spirit of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and aim to utilize the scientific community’s capabilities in attaining societal goals. “SSR aims to create an effective ecosystem for maximizing the use of existing assets in order to empower the less endowed, marginalized, and exploited sections of society by enhancing their capability, capacity, and latent potential,” according to the 14-page guidelines released on National Technology Day last Wednesday. 
 
The ministry outlined 17 major tasks that scientists might undertake as part of their SSR to bridge the gap between science and society in the recommendations. It would apply to scientists working in public and private knowledge organizations (laboratories, institutes, universities, colleges, and scientific institutions), central ministries, state governments, and their departments, as well as connected autonomous agencies.

SSR guidelines

Individual and institutional SSR initiatives would be suitably incentivized with required monetary support, according to the standards. A knowledge institution’s SSR operations and projects would not be allowed to be outsourced or subcontracted. SSR must be planned and strategized by all central government ministries and state governments in accordance with their respective duties. 
 
Lectures by scientists in schools and colleges on modular or full courses or on a theme to inspire students to study science and pursue a career in science; mentoring of school students in their innovation projects; organizing visits to planetariums, laboratories, science centres, and industries; skill development through training and workshops; and sharing of infrastructure and knowledge resources are among the illustrative SSR activities listed.