Advancing Science for a Sustainable Global Future: India’s Perspective

Abstract: Science plays a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable global future by providing innovative solutions to complex challenges such as climate change, public health crises, resource depletion, and equitable development. In this context, India occupies a unique and strategic position, supported by its vast talent pool, growing research infrastructure, and expanding innovation ecosystem. Advancing science in India requires a strong focus on curiosity-driven education, hands-on learning, interdisciplinary research, and the promotion of socially relevant scientific work.

Emphasis on indigenous technology development, frugal and disruptive innovations, increased quality research output, and robust industry–academia collaboration is essential to reduce technological dependence and strengthen global competitiveness. At the same time, ensuring ethical governance, transparency in research funding, and maintaining a conducive environment to prevent brain drain remain critical priorities. By aligning scientific advancement with sustainability goals and societal needs, India can make significant contributions to global scientific progress while securing a respected and impactful position in the international scientific landscape.

Contemporary Scientific Landscape 

National Science Day 2026 plays a crucial role in shaping a science-aware society by promoting scientific temper in youngsters to question, observe, experiment, and think logically based on scientific facts, inspiring them to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, medicine, defence research, and space science, highlighting national scientific achievements in digital technologies, medical research, and sustainable innovation, while emphasizing sustainable development, breakthrough, innovation, and responsible use of technology for future generations [1-3].

More than seven decades have passed since India gained independence, a significant period in the nation’s history. However, the country is still striving to achieve the status of a fully developed nation. After Sir C. V. Raman’s Nobel Prize in 1930, there have been very few Nobel recognitions for work conducted on Indian soil by resident Indian scientists [4]. The number of patents filed remains relatively low, and many Indian universities do not consistently feature among the top positions in global QS rankings [5, 6]. Furthermore, deep-technology innovation is still limited [7].

Real gold medals are often undervalued while fake gold medals are promoted when scientific godfathers hold influence, reflecting a broader concern about merit, ethics, and power dynamics within academic and scientific ecosystems. Genuine talent and honest achievement can sometimes be overshadowed by favoritism, professional networks, and institutional politics. When control over research funding, editorial influence in journals, authority in selection committees, institutional hierarchies, and professional networks is misused, it can lead to recognition of less deserving work, suppression of innovative thinkers, and career barriers for talented but less connected individuals.

Science for a Sustainable Future

India must focus on increasing high-quality patent filings, encouraging impactful research publications in reputed journals, and creating a supportive and conducive ecosystem for scientific research across disciplines. Such an environment is crucial for reducing brain drain and promoting sustained innovation within the country. India must prioritize the development of indigenous technologies to reduce substantial royalty payments to multinational corporations. By effectively harnessing its vast talent pool, the country can strengthen its domestic manufacturing base and produce high-quality ‘Made in India’ products that are globally competitive and export-oriented. Greater emphasis must be placed on promoting frugal and disruptive innovations to address local and global challenges in a cost-effective manner.

At the same time, strict measures are needed to prevent the misuse of research funds and to ensure transparency, accountability, and integrity in the scientific ecosystem. Socially relevant and productive scientific work that directly benefits society must be actively encouraged, ensuring that research outcomes address real-world challenges and contribute to sustainable national development. A compulsory course on corruption awareness, ethics, and anti-corruption strategies should be introduced in higher education institutions and universities to foster integrity among students and contribute to building a corruption-free India in the long term.

Science is the cornerstone of a sustainable global future, providing the domain knowledge, technological innovations, and evidence-based, socially useful, and productive work strategies necessary to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion [8,9]. Knowledge of nature encompasses the understanding of physical laws, biological systems, small-scale chemical reactions, and large-scale ecological processes that govern the multiverse, spanning from microscopic interactions to macroscopic planetary natural cycles. It bridges scientific, data-driven studies with traditional ecological wisdom and personal experience, aiming to decode the working relationships, natural evolution, and, crucially, the sustainability of all life forms on the Earth.

Key perspectives and practical lessons emphasize interdisciplinary approaches/evolutionary processes such as sustainability science and experiential knowledge to balance human needs with environmental limits, enabling unique, invaluable perspectives on the world where technology consumers become creators of disruptive innovators [10,11]. Setting up several novel social business enterprises by young people to spread the vision of sustainable development goals, reducing unemployment, poverty, and net carbon emissions [12,13].  

Strengthening Science Higher Education 

Science education should primarily focus on intellectual development, cognitive skill building, and broad knowledge acquisition across disciplines, rather than merely producing doctors or engineers, which reflects a long-term, nation-building perspective [14-20]. Scientific stalwarts must adopt a realistic and balanced approach in addressing national concerns and challenges, ensuring that their engagement remains sincere and solution-oriented rather than turning into a scripted or desperate public relations exercise aimed merely at managing headlines.

It is extremely essential to establish a learning ecosystem that enables students to bridge the gap between theoretical and complex scientific concepts and practical skills/real-world applications through experiments and hands-on activities [21]. This approach rekindles curiosity in their learning journey, transforming them into confident innovators. Structured training in entrepreneurship will better equip students to build creative businesses that blend technology and business, creating career paths beyond employment for the present generation and the future generations to come [22, 23].  

Empowering Youth for Scientific Progress

A practical, implementable techniques to channelize the energy of youngsters in the right direction during their scientific journey through interactive and experiential approaches include the following:

• i) question-driven learning, where every topic starts with real-world questions instead of theory to build curiosity, critical thinking, and ownership of learning [24].
• ii) introducing hands-on micro-experiments culture (one/week) to transform passive learners into active investigators [25]
• iii) assigning problem-based community projects collaborating with local industries or communities to connect science with social relevance and responsibility [26, 27]
• iv) establishing innovation clubs and idea incubation cells (monthly idea pitch sessions) to channel creativity  into tangible innovation/prototype [28]
• v) maintaining mentorship ecosystem (meet the scientist interactive sessions) to provide inspiration, scientific direction, and career clarity [29]
• vi) organizing scientific challenges (hackathons/quizzes/design challenges) to keep students motivated and engaged [30-36]
• vii) early exposure to research (participation in conferences/workshops/symposia) to develop scientific spirit and inquiry skills [37]
• viii) developing interdisciplinary learning modules (science + engineering + social science) to encourage holistic thinking and innovation [38]
• ix) recognition and showcase platforms (science fairs, innovation days, publication opportunities) to build confidence and motivation [39]
• x) establishing ethical and purpose-driven science education (ethics, sustainability, social impact) to channel energy toward meaningful and responsible science [40]

Thus, the core principles of engaging curiosity, providing hands-on experiences, connecting science to real-life applications, recognizing achievements, and offering mentorship are essential to guide progress in the right direction and to strengthen a nation’s respectable position in the global scientific landscape.

Foundational Perspectives on Science for Sustainability

Core perspectives on science for sustainability commonly involve the following: i) interdisciplinary sustainability science integrates knowledge from fields such as chemistry, biology, physics, engineering, and social sciences [41, 42].

This helps tackle complex environmental and health challenges. ii) science drives technological innovation and supports solutions such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and advanced materials [43, 44].

These innovations contribute to a greener future. iii) science offers a foundation for achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals by guiding policymakers with data on environmental impacts, resource conservation, and climate change mitigation [45, 46].

This enables evidence-based policy and action. iv) modern research, such as the Future Earth initiative, encourages collaboration with extra-scientific actors [47, 48]. This approach promotes the coproduction of actionable and relevant knowledge. v) sustainability requires international cooperation. It also requires supporting young scientists, especially in the Global South, to ensure equity and long-term solutions [49, 50]. vi) science serves as a diplomatic tool for peace and sustainable development [51, 52].

It emphasizes ‘planetary health,’ with research applied ethically to protect humanity and the environment. 

 Key components of knowledge regarding nature include understanding ecosystems, species adaptation, and life cycles [53, 54]. It also involves understanding the intricate and interdependent relationships between living organisms, a domain explored by biology and ecology. This knowledge also encompasses the foundational principles that govern the universe, including gravity, thermodynamics, and the transfer of energy.

On a broader scale, it encompasses geological phenomena such as plate tectonics, which illustrate the operation of physical laws and processes shaping the Earth. Traditional and indigenous knowledge represents culturally transmitted, time-tested insights into local fauna, flora, and sustainable environmental stewardship, often rooted in direct observation and practical experience.

It is often deeply intertwined with spirituality and daily survival. Recognizing recurring natural phenomena, such as seasonal cycles and the water cycle, as well as mathematical patterns like the Fibonacci sequence, demonstrates the prevalence of order and repetition in nature. Identifying these regularities not only reveals underlying scientific principles but also inspires advances in fields ranging from ecology to engineering, as humans apply these patterns to solve complex problems. Ecological and observational knowledge is applied to address environmental challenges. For example, leveraging biodiversity, understanding predator-prey dynamics, and applying principles from natural systems to human technology support sustainability and application. 

Frontiers of Innovation in Engineering Science and Technology

Emerging trends include using quantum technologies for advanced climate modeling, materials research, and efficient computing (quantum science for sustainability), applying AI and digital technologies to optimize resource use in agriculture, health, and urban planning (digital transformation), and utilizing biological sensors to monitor environmental health (bio-indicators) [55-60].Following emerging trends in science, technology, and medicine is essential for nations and institutions to remain globally competitive and relevant.

Rapid advancements in areas such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, renewable energy, nanotechnology, and digital health are continuously reshaping economies, industries, and healthcare systems. Keeping pace with these developments enables countries to innovate, improve productivity, enhance public well-being, and respond effectively to global challenges such as pandemics, climate change, and resource constraints. Moreover, awareness and adoption of emerging trends help build skilled human capital, attract investments, strengthen research output, and ensure that a nation maintains a strong and respected position in the global scientific and technological landscape.

Women in Science: Catalysing Developed India

The theme for National Science Day 2026, “Women in Science: Catalysing Developed India,” underscores the vital role women play in advancing the scientific community, leading in STEM fields, and contributing to India’s progress through innovation and research. Women are powerful drivers of transformation, making significant contributions across domains ranging from space technology to green chemistry. Although women account for more than 40 % of STEM graduates in India, their representation in teaching faculty and research positions remains limited at about 14-16 %, highlighting the need for focused support and leadership opportunities.

Key challenges include persistent underrepresentation in scientific careers, low participation at senior research and leadership levels, and ongoing cultural and institutional barriers. At the same time, women are instrumental in promoting eco-friendly technologies and sustainable practices, directly supporting the transition toward a greener economy. Strengthening government initiatives, mentorship networks, inclusive policies, and visibility of women role models is essential to expanding opportunities and fostering growth. Moving forward, creating an equitable and supportive ecosystem will be crucial to empowering women not only to participate in science, but to emerge as true catalysts of India’s scientific and technological renaissance.

Path Forward for Sustainable Progress

Science is the cornerstone of a sustainable global future, driving solutions to pressing challenges such as climate change, resource scarcity, public health, and equitable development. For nations to secure a strong and respectable position in the global scientific landscape, it is essential to nurture curiosity, strengthen hands-on learning, promote socially relevant and productive research, and foster innovation ecosystems that translate knowledge into real-world impact.

Emphasis on indigenous technologies, frugal and disruptive innovations, ethical scientific practices, and transparent governance of research systems is vital to reduce dependence, prevent misuse of resources, and build public trust. By channelizing the energy of young minds through mentorship, interdisciplinary learning, and purpose-driven scientific engagement, science education can become a powerful force for sustainable development, national progress, and global well-being.

Ten Strategic Recommendations

1. Promote Curiosity-Driven Learning: integrate question-based and experiential learning approaches to cultivate scientific thinking from early education onward.
2. Strengthen Hands-On and Research Exposure: provide access to laboratories, virtual experiments, and early research opportunities to build practical skills.
3. Encourage Socially Relevant Scientific Work: prioritize research that addresses real societal challenges such as clean energy, healthcare, water, and sustainability.
4. Develop Indigenous Technologies: invest in homegrown innovation to reduce reliance on external technologies and minimize royalty payments.
5. Foster Frugal and Disruptive Innovations: encourage cost-effective and scalable solutions tailored to local and global needs.
6. Enhance Industry-Academia Collaboration: build strong partnerships to translate research into manufacturing, entrepreneurship, and export-oriented outcomes.
7. Increase Quality Research and Patent Output: support high-impact publications, innovation ecosystems, and intellectual property development.
8. Prevent Brain Drain through Supportive Ecosystems: create conducive environments with adequate funding, infrastructure, and career opportunities for researchers.
9. Ensure Transparency and Ethical Governance: implement strict accountability measures to prevent misuse of research funds and promote integrity in science.
10. Introduce Ethics and Anti-Corruption Education: make ethics, scientific responsibility, and anti-corruption awareness compulsory in higher education.

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