Converting science into services must be priority: MoES Secretary Srinivasa Kumar

Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) Secretary T. Srinivasa Kumar underscored the need for transforming scientific advances into public services. “Converting science into services should be the priority,” he said, while emphasising that economic development must remain environmentally sustainable.

Highlighting India’s achievements in ocean forecasting and technology development, he said the ‘Bharat Forecast System’ has significantly enhanced ocean-related services, particularly benefiting fishing communities by helping improve catches by two to four times through more accurate forecasts.

Participating in the Academy for Science, Technology and Communication (ASTC) Annual Convention 2026 and a special scientific session on “Earth Sciences, Strategic Resources & Advanced Technologies for India’s Future” at CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute (CSIR-NGRI) here on Friday, he also stressed that economic growth must go hand in hand with environmental sustainability.

Former MoES secretary M. Ravichandran called for greater interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure sustainable utilisation of Earth resources. Highlighting the growing importance of data-driven research, he remarked that “data is king,” noting that wider access to reliable data can accelerate scientific innovation and technological progress.

Welcoming participants, CSIR-NGRI directror Prakash Kumar stressed the need for scientific collaboration and advanced Earth science technologies to address emerging national priorities and strengthen the country’s resource security.

The convention featured keynote lectures by Homi Bhabha National Institute Vice-Chancellor Dr. U. Kamachi Mudali, on India’s Heavy Water Programme and technological self-reliance, and Midhani CMD S.V.S. Narayana Murthy on securing critical mineral resources through indigenous technologies to support the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

A brochure on geothermal energy and public-awareness booklets on eye health and chronic kidney disease were released on the occasion. ASTC scientic advisory council chairman Ch. Mohan Rao, also spoke, said a press release.