2017 - 2018
The Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP) continues its mission of using the
tools for policy studies in technology areas. This would enable a better understanding of the
problems resident in harnessing technologies opportunities that are available. CSTEP has
choosen Energy as its main theme for the past few years and has built an impressive array of tools and
experience. This has helped in utilising the available energy options more efficiently and has
taken us into more esoteric areas using (LiDAR) mounted on a helicopter to estimate the
available
rooftops for photovoltaics.
Our researchers are also moving to work in other areas such as Air Pollution, Climate
Change, Transportation and Artificial Intelligence (AI). In AI especially we are exploring
opportunities inheritent in human development and well-being. Even a modest return from AI in
human
development is promising efficient and powerful tools to explore options that are unavailable
through other techniques. Big data has its advantages. We hope to extend such studies to
climate
change and pollution migration. I congratulate my colleagues who have tirelessly worked in such
areas
and have built an enviable reputation for their contributions. I am hoping to harness similar
poineering
in other areas of human developement. The coming year is promising for pursuing such
challenges.
The year 2017 - 2018 was a very eventful and productive year at CSTEP. We initiated serious
research
programmes in new sector such as air pollution, electrification of transport and use of
Artificial Intelligence to address infant health and nutrition. We also commenced research projects in new
states
such as Bihar, Odisha, Manipur and Laskhadweep. These developements reaffirmed our belief that
there
is enormous potential for technology to improve the quality of life.
This year we also put dedicated
processes in place to strengthen our research quality institutionalised project management and
quality
control measures. These processes are the pillers for building a strong foundation for the
organization
This will also enable our research staff to fully utilise their potential and develop as
thought leaders.
Over the years, CSTEP has built expertise in the Energy domain, a...
CSTEP is engaged in research studies for the public transport utiliti...
CSTEP uses its technological expertise to provide policy...
CSTEP’s core competence lies in developing and applyi...
Our deepening engagement with policy makers, both at the...
Over the years, CSTEP has built expertise in the Energy domain, and its work now covers issues related to electric power transmission and distribution, clean energy, climate and energy, and energy-critical materials.
Power Sector
Domain LeadSandhya Sundararagavan
In the Power sector, our studies focus on grid planning. We study technological opportunities
and recommend policy measures that can make the transmission and distribution sector energy
efficient and improve energy access. We do this through continued engagement with stakeholders
in the transmission and distribution sector, at the state level, in areas of renewable grid
integration and distribution reforms.
The vision of the team is to provide policy support to utilities and policymakers towards:
Renewables & Energy Efficiency
Domain LeadSaptak Ghosh
The team’s vision is to provide innovative solutions in terms of design and implementation of
Renewable Energy (RE) systems to help India achieve the 175 GW target for 2021-22. The team
focuses on decentralised distributed generation from RE sources and linking other sectors with
RE to increase profitability in a sustainable manner. Recognising increasing opportunities in
alternative sources of energy, CSTEP is working on various projects to build solar energy
generation capacities.
Climate & Energy Policy
Domain LeadShewta Srinivasan
The team’s vision is to examine pathways for a low-carbon future for India. CSTEP believes that
India’s
Climate and Energy Policy decisions should emerge from sustainable development policies
and measures (SDPAM), rather than a focus on greenhouse gas emission reductions. We envision
that policy decisions made on the basis of detailed analysis will enable India’s progression on
sustainable
development pathways and curb GHG emissions. The issues being considered are:
Materials & Storage
Domain LeadDr Mridula Dixit Bharadwaj
CSTEP analyses the techno-economic feasibility of select storage systems for commercial
applications.
We also evaluate viability of indigenous manufacture of the front runner storage systems for
applications in electric transport and storage integrated renewable energy systems. The team is
also involved in preparing indigenisation roadmaps for energy critical materials like rare earth.
At the R&D side, we aim to predict high-performance novel electrode and electrolyte materials based
on theoretical calculations like ab initio (first principles) calculations.
CSTEP is working on the exploration of new materials using Density Functional Theory (DFT) and
experimental validation by CSIR-CECRI to discover feasible high-energy and power dense Lithium-Ion
batteries. These batteries are expected to be used in Electric Vehicles keeping in mind the high
specific capacity and cyclability.
Transport
Domain LeadVivek Vaidyanathan
CSTEP is engaged in research studies for the public transport utilities in Bengaluru: BMTC and
BMRCL. Our work is aimed towards helping these transport utilities better understand their
operations and facilitate route planning, optimisation of services and expansion of operations
to potential new growth areas.
Urban Development
Domain LeadShrimoyee Bhattacharya
Increasing urbanisation has brought complex challenges in meeting higher quality of life
standards while ensuring the sustainability of natural and economic resources. CSTEP's
vision in this space is to help cities chart out pathways for environmentally sustainable
and socially inclusive future. Our current work in this area focusses on evidence-based
policymaking and sustainable and inclusive strategies for ecosystem services.
CSTEP uses its technological expertise to provide policy guidance in various fields relating to
human health. One of the fields we focus on is air pollution, which has immense effects on health.
We are also using an IT system alongwith an AI-based app to help track and manage the nutritional
content in meals provided in Anganwadi centres.
Artificial Intelligence for Development
Domain LeadAshish Srivastava
Artificial Intelligence is one of the most newsworthy technologies of the day. While entrepreneurs
and technologists have been involved in it for some time now, 2017 was a watershed year from the
perspective of governments and social organisations. China, US, Japan, UK and many other countries
have rolled out their policies and discussion papers in this field. We, at CSTEP, believe that the
focus of AI-related work should be on real-world issues facing India, and technology should be able
to address issues on the ground. Our project in AI is currently aimed at managing health of the
mother and child and recommending policies to check malnutrition.
Air Pollution
Domain LeadDr Pratima Singh
CSTEP aims to develop a holistic model for addressing poor air quality through an
interdisciplinary
approach, using scientific evidence, policy assessment and advocacy and outreach.
Tackling air pollution requires disaggregated data. Scientific studies that can identify the source
and quantity of pollution at source are important to prepare roadmaps cleaning the air. We are
building capacity to conduct research in this domain.
CSTEP’s core competence lies in developing and applying modelling and simulation tools (technology design, GIS, etc.) for policy analysis and research. The team develops computational, visualisation and methodological tools for examining potential solutions to complex policy problems. These tools are integrated using a platform called DARPAN (Decision Analysis for Research and Planning) to showcase simulations to policymakers.
Tools for Policy Analysis
Domain LeadRanganathan P
Collaborated with The Nature Conservancy (TNC), to develop an extension of DARPAN.
This will be used by stakeholders in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh for siting renewable
energy plants, areas for reforestation and afforestation, and planning transmission
network from these plants.
link: DARPAN
Developed an intuitive interface to visualise and query data and form the implementation
roadmap
for BMTC. The platform would address replacement of existing diesel buses with electric
buses across
the city of Bengaluru.
link: Ev Tool
Enhancing functionalities based on extensive consultations
with experts and practitioners.
Modified sanitech tool and enhanced functionalties so that the analysis better reflects the
complexities in sanitation planning.
Developed various dissemination material for SANITECH, including an animated video
explaining the ill effects of inadequate sanitation.
link: Sanitech
Finance
Domain LeadDr Bellarmine KC
Our deepening engagement with policymakers, both at the central and state levels,
has helped attract new funding from a range of sources. Forays into new research
areas such as Air Pollution and use of Artificial Intelligence for maternal and child healthcare has further broadened our diversified donor base.
Given that we do not have a corpus or an endowment, efforts are on to raise long-term
core grants and other unrestricted revenue streams which are imperative to retain
our research vibrancy.
Human Resources
Domain LeadKavitha Nair
CSTEP’s Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) successfully organised the annual awareness
and sensitisation camp to prevent sexual harassment at the workplace. New ICC formed
for Noida office. ICC members personally met new hires immediately after the HR induction,
to give them an orientation on related policies at CSTEP.
CSTEP facilitated free medical/vision check-up camp for the staff in the month of
February 2018 and April 2018 respectively. The medical camp was organised by Global
Insurance in association with Lenskart, Bengaluru.
Filled all open positions within a week of requisition from projects. Our offer
acceptance ratio for the year was 86% with most difficulty in hiring from the IT sector.
CSTEP established its presence in the National Capital Region (NCR) by setting up an
office in Noida. Currently, 14 employees work out of the Noida office.
Research efforts in Noida are done in close collaboration with the Bangalore office in areas
such as Materials & Storage, Climate & Energy, and Electric Vehicles. This move has also helped
us initiate and improve engagement with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate
Change, Ministry of Power, Technology Information Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC),
Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, NITI Aayog, and the Bureau of Indian Standards.
To Enrich policymaking with innovative approaches using science and technology for a sustainable, secure and inclusive society.
To become the foremost institution for policy innovation and analysis.
No. 18 & 19, 10th Cross, Mayura Street, Papanna Layout, Nagashettyhalli, RMV II Stage, Bengaluru - 560094
Sector 127, Noida - 201313, Uttar Pradesh
