The CSIR–National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (NIScPR) has entered a Memorandum of Understanding with the Science City of Andhra Pradesh to strengthen science communication and promote collaborative research in science, technology and innovation (STI) policy. The collaboration is intended to advance evidence based policymaking and to enhance public understanding of science through coordinated communication initiatives and outreach across the state. The partnership is presented as a mechanism to foster a robust scientific ecosystem through joint research, capacity building and public engagement.

The agreement was signed by Dr Geetha Vani Rayasam, Director of the CSIR–National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research, and Sri Venkateswarlu Kesineni, Chief Executive Officer of the Science City of Andhra Pradesh, in the presence of senior state officials including the Special Chief Secretary. Nodal officers from NIScPR were identified to take forward the initiatives envisaged in the MoU and institutional arrangements were outlined to ensure ongoing coordination, monitoring and review. The signing ceremony was described as a reaffirmation of shared priorities between the institutions.

Under the MoU, activities will focus on strengthening science communication and scientific awareness across Andhra Pradesh, promoting collaborative research in STI policy and supporting evidence based decision making. Capacity building through training programmes, workshops and mentoring initiatives will be prioritised and efforts will be made to facilitate knowledge sharing, joint publications and academic support. The outreach initiatives are intended to benefit students, faculty, researchers and scholars from school to university levels.

Major planned activities include joint research projects and publications in science communication and STI policy, the organisation of seminars, workshops, conferences and training programmes, and the development of educational and training materials. Mentorship and academic guidance for students and research scholars and promotion of scientific journals and knowledge resources will form part of the collaboration, and outreach initiatives will be aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. The partnership is expected to strengthen the interface between science, policy and society and to contribute to a knowledge driven, innovation oriented ecosystem in Andhra Pradesh.