Science and technology are key enablers to address the various challenges faced by the country. Newly emerging science and technologies provide leapfrogging options for India. However, the success of science and technology and relevance to society depend on the social, economic and political environment. In that sense, CSTEP aims at science and technology enabled policy options for an inclusive and equitable economic growth.
Thus an interdisciplinary approach is required to adequately address the pressing problems facing the country. CSTEP endeavours to develop such an expertise and provide an objective assessment to enable policymakers to take appropriate decisions. Our approach to policy research is built on three pillars: theory, computation and experimentation. Recent advances in computing technologies have enabled modeling of socio-technical systems to explore a large number of policy options and enrich public debate. We develop scientific tools and models needed for policy research and analysis. Our present research is in the areas of energy, infrastructure, materials and national security. A brief description of our activities is given below.
Energy Nearly 40% of India’s population lacks access to electricity. Ensuring energy access to all in a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable manner is a major challenge. Our work focuses on developing science and technology based options for India’s low carbon energy growth. We focus on options in demand-side management such as energy efficiency in industry and appliances and improving efficiency of electricity distribution with smart grids. On the supply-side, we examine the techno-economic viability of solar, wind and nuclear power and effective energy storage for integrating intermittent renewables. Read More ...
Infrastructure Development of infrastructure is vital for India’s economic and social growth. We have developed models for the design of infrastructure taking into account scalability, sustainability and integration of social systems. Our work models development of smaller towns as centres of growth to avoid congestion in larger cities. Read More ...
Security Studies Management of disasters, natural and man-made, is vital to minimize the loss of life, livelihood and property. We develop modelling and simulation tools to assess mitigation and emergency management methodologies. These tools also assist in preparation for emergencies, especially in urban areas. In combination with GIS, our tools enable analyses that suggest suitable location of response related assets−fire stations, hospitals, shelters etc. Such a platform helps in training and creating awareness amongst various stakeholders. The methodology of integrating multiple models can be combined with a powerful visualisation and computational platform like a Decision Theatre to enable analysis of various scenarios. Read More ...
New Materials Traditional methods of material development are based on theoretical concepts and time consuming and costly experimentations. Recent advances of materials and computing technologies have led to a paradigm shift. Combinatorial sciences and materials informatics (Material Genomics) are emerging as enabling tools for development of next generation materials. Our approach involves integrating quantum mechanical simulations with data mining and experimental validation new materials. Our focus is on batteries for transportation, integration of renewable energy with grid and strategic applications. Alternatives to rare earth and energy-critical elements are being addressed using the same methodology. Read More ...
Decision Theatre Decision-making is a complex, multi-disciplinary subject. The visual space provides a powerful medium to examine and communicate various options to policy makers and public at large. CSTEP is developing a Decision Theatre, which is a powerful tool to examine problems in civilian and defence sectors with a variety of models to explore various trajectories. Read More ...
