The National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS) since 1994 has been engaged in research, intervention and capacity building in the area of gender. The Science and Technology Policy of 2003 seeks to integrate scientific knowledge with insights from other disciplines so as to generate high quality human resources. However, even among the technical and scientific human power available in many Indian institutions there exists a wide disparity in the presence and performance of women as against men. In order to facilitate women in their effective participation in these institutions, the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, has initiated programmes exclusively for women. In this direction, NIAS has taken the lead to organize training programmes for women with support from DST. The first such training programme for women scientists was on “Dimensions of Nanoscience, Nanotechnology and Society” (December 14-18, 2009).  The next in the series is on Gender Issues in Indian Science entitled “Transcending Barriers to Performance: the Indian Woman in Science” scheduled during March 22-26, 2010.
Since issues surrounding gender are of importance to both men and women, this course is being organized for both men and women scientists and technologists so that they are sensitized to the issues that impact their performance as scientists. This course is to enable men and women scientists to interact with experts as well as among themselves in order to explore the potential of women, identify barriers and facilitate their effective participation. NIAS courses emphasize the development of leadership qualities through the integration of multidisciplinary knowledge. The defining feature of our courses consists of interactive sessions with distinguished faculty drawn from different organizations and occupations.

Nominations are invited from senior professionals, (with at least 15 years of experience) who manage large scientific programmes to attend this workshop (last date February 15, 2010).  Nomination form. 

No participation fee is involved for attending this residential programme. However, travel expenses to Bangalore and back are to be met by the respective sponsoring organization while local expenses of the participants including boarding and lodging will be borne by DST.  Participation in this programme is limited to 30 senior scientists.