Emerging Technologies, STI Diaspora and Science Diplomacy in India: Towards a New Approach.

Utilizing the expertise and knowledge resources of the diaspora, particularly the scientific diaspora, has been part of the strategies of many countries. In the recent years, realizing the importance of the potential of the diaspora to contribute to national development and Science, Technology, and Innovation ecosystem, countries have used Science Diplomacy also to engage with the scientific diaspora. Science Diplomacy is hailed as an enabler and facilitator and is often seen in the context of international S&T collaboration or big science projects.

Why Public Engagement Matters in Science.

Despite criticisms, public engagement is a necessary part of the process to democratize science. Organizations such as the US National Academy of Sciences (NAS) and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) have recognized its importance. Citizen science and stakeholder involvement in medical research demonstrate that the public is not always a passive beneficiary of science and can contribute to it.

Biobanking and Privacy in India.

Biobank-based research is not specifically addressed in Indian statutory law and therefore Indian Council for Medical Research guidelines are the primary regulators of biobank research in India. The guidelines allow for broad consent and for any level of identification of specimens. Although privacy is a fundamental right under the Indian Constitution, courts have limited this right when it conflicts with other rights or with the public interest.