Dr Geetha Vani Rayasam has 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 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 (AI), 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 (AI) tools will be critical for ensuring trust and credibility. She noted that while emerging technologies present challenges, these also offer unprecedented opportunities for reaching wider audiences and building stronger science-society linkages.

Underscoring 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 the World Health Organization (WHO), World Bank, United Nations (UN), Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and industry bodies to strengthen the institute’s global footprint.

Concluding her address, she said that NIScPR must evolve as a future-ready, India-centric global institute and a leader in science communication and policy research.