MSV-2035 Astronomy Document - Inside Design - FINAL - FINAL

Astronomy & Astrophysics 103 • Encourage training programmes in emerging areas that may lead to development of new methods or technologies and synergy with other initiatives like the quantummission and the initiatives to encourage use of machine learning. 8.1.2 Training Programmes Training programmes can be considered at two levels: (a) at the research level, and (b) at the graduate (post-graduate / Ph.D.) and undergraduate levels. Some suggestions for these are provided herein. At ResearchLevel • Strengthening of graduate school programmes like the Joint Astronomy Programme hosted at IISc Bangalore. This programme was initiated jointly by IIA, IISc, ISRO, PRL, RRI and TIFR with students choosing to work in one of the institutes after completing course work and a project. Likewise, the joint pre-PhD coursework conducted by IUCAA and NCRA allows participation of PhD students from universities across the country. • Yet another interesting programme has been the Integrated M.Tech-PhD programme in Astronomical Instrumentation conducted by IIA in collaboration with Calcutta University. This programme has led to human resources with skill-sets to develop facilities as well as do research, a combination best suited for mega projects. • IIST-Thiruvananthapuram, has a variety of programmes aimed at training students for the Indian space programmes. This can be extended beyond IIST. • Experience in online teaching gained in recent times can now be used to open up courses from these graduate programmes to PhD students all over the country. A suitable plan for evaluation can be developed. • Make self-learning material available to PhD students and young researchers interested in research in astronomy and related areas using portals like SWAYAM. • Regular organisation of schools andworkshops inAstronomy&Astrophysics, like SERBSchools. At Graduate andUndergraduate Levels • An important point to note is that universities, IITs and IISERs contribute students to the graduate programmes in research institutes. Many universities, IITs and IISERs also have a thriving graduate programme in A&A. Therefore it is very important to strengthen the entire network of centres that contribute to research inA&A. • To attract more students to astronomy, offering electives on astronomy in universities should be encouraged. At present such electives are being offered in a small number of universities and institutes, MEGA SCIENCE VISION-2035