Funding, infrastructure, general environment woes unattractive for senior international scientists to work in India: Nobel laureate Venki Ramakrishnan

With the U.S. terminating several research programmes, firing thousands of federal scientists, and cancelling important, high-value federal research grants— $8 billion already and further cuts of almost $18 billion next year for National Institute of Health (NIH), proposed cuts of about $5 billion next year to National Science Foundation (NSF), proposed cut of nearly 25% to NASA's budget for 2026, and billions of dollars cut in grants to several universities — many U.S. scientists are planning to move to other countries.
According to an analysis carried out by Nature Careers, U.S. applications for European vacancies shot up by 32% in March this year compared with March 2024. A Nature poll found that 75% of respondents were 'keen to leave the country'.
The European Union and at least a handful of European countries have committed special funding to attract researchers from the U.S. But the committed funding is dwarfed by the scale of funding cuts by the U.S., and the funding is already highly competitive in Europe, senior scientists from the U.S. moving to Europe in large numbers may not happen.
'There will be a few scientists who will move, but I do not see a mass exodus. Firstly, salaries in Europe are well below those in the U.S. Secondly, moving is always difficult both professionally and personally. Finally, the U.S. is still the pre-eminent scientific country, and that will be hard to walk away from. I say this as someone who actually did move from the U.S. to England over 25 years ago, with a salary that was just over half what I was making there,' Nobel Laureate Venkatraman Ramakrishnan, professor at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, U.K., says in an email to The Hindu.
In comparison, India has only a handful of institutions such as IISc, NCBS, TIFR, IISERs and IITs that can possibly attract U.S. scientists. According to him, even the renowned institutions in India are 'world class only in some very specific areas'. 'I do not see India as a general magnet for international science,' Prof. Ramakrishnan says.
Though funding for science in India has increased in absolute terms, the percentage of GDP allocated to R&D has actually reduced. India's gross expenditure on R&D is estimated to be around 0.6-0.7% of GDP in 2025. Specifically, with long-term assured funding for basic research, which is an absolute necessity to attract researchers based in America, not guaranteed by existing programmes, can India take advantage of the situation in the U.S.? 'India's R&D investment as a fraction of GDP is much less than China's and is about a third or less of what many developed countries have, and far below countries like South Korea. It will not be competitive without a substantial increase,' he says.
Lack of funding and infrastructure in India
About funding in general and funding for basic research in particular, Prof. Ramakrishnan says: 'Neither the funding, the infrastructure nor the general environment in India is attractive for top-level international scientists to leave the U.S. to work in India. There may be specific areas (e.g. tropical diseases, ecology, etc) where India is particularly well suited, but even in these areas, it will be easier for scientists to do field work there while being employed in the West.' Given a choice between some European country or India, he strongly vouches Europe as 'far more attractive as a scientific destination'.
Some of the key pain points Indian science faces are delayed release of funding every year, researcher scholars not being paid scholarship for as long as one year, and whimsical ways in which science policies are changed with little discussion with scientists. Even the Ramalingaswami re-entry fellowship, which aims to support the return of early-career life scientists with at least three years of international postdoctoral training, has faced abrupt policy changes. Currently, there are no national policies to attract senior scientists from other countries. 'If India is serious about attracting Indian scientists abroad to return, it needs to provide far better incentives. China has shown that with sufficient investment and a stable commitment, it can be done,' he says.
Funding in India is available mainly from the government agencies such as DBT, ICMR, DST, SERB with negligible private funding. In 2021, the government announced ₹50,000 crore for Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), which will replace SERB. In December 2024, Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply to the Lok Sabha said that only ₹14,000 crore budgetary provision has been made by the government for 2023-2028. The balance ₹36,000 crore will be sourced through 'donations from any other sources' including public and private sector, philanthropist organisations, foundations and international bodies. 'In many developed countries, the ratio of private to public investment is almost two or more. In India, it is almost the opposite. This is really a failing on the part of Indian industry,' he says.
Years ago, Singapore succeeded in attracting senior scientists to move permanently or as visiting fellows. He attributes Singapore's success in attracting talent from other countries to high salaries with low taxes, and excellent scientific infrastructure. On the societal front, Singapore, which is clean and well-run, with first-rate schools, health care, mass transit, and safety, has become the desired destination for scientists from developed countries, he adds. Scientists moved from Germany to the U.S. and other countries in the 1930s because they were in significant personal danger. 'They and others moved to the U.S. because the U.S. could actually offer more facilities, higher salary, all in a free society. India does not offer any of these advantages,' he says.
Lack of better roads, cleaner air
To attract senior scientists from other countries and to encourage talented people already working in India, he stresses on two critical aspects — scientific and social. 'India needs a strong, stable commitment to science, which means not only much more funding but also more stable funding, much better infrastructure and, just as importantly, insulating science from politics and excessive bureaucratic rules and regulations.' About the social factors, he says: 'The other detriment to attracting scientists (especially non-Indians) from abroad is India itself. Today, well-off Indians have essentially seceded from public spaces in India. Today, the streets are filthy and full of trash, the sidewalks are not navigable, and the air is unbreathable in most cities... Which non-Indian would want that sort of life for themselves and their children?'
He is full of praise and appreciation for researchers in India contributing to science despite several challenges. 'I have many scientific friends in India and I am always amazed by how they manage to do such good work in such difficult conditions, and yet be so cheerful. Young Indians are so bright and enthusiastic, but they are being let down by the country as a whole. India has a demographic dividend — it is one of the few large countries with a youthful population. However, this is a temporary advantage, and if India squanders it, it may find itself unable to be competitive in the future with other Asian countries and the West,' he cautions.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Time of India

2 hours ago

• Time of India

Which IITs made it to the QS World University Rankings 2026? A comparative analysis of their performance this year

India makes biggest leap in QS World Rankings 2026, IIT Delhi leads at 123rd. (Getty Images) The QS World University Rankings 2026, released on June 18, 2025, by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), have once again showcased the competitive landscape of higher education worldwide. This year's edition assessed over 1,500 universities from 106 locations, making it the most comprehensive ranking to date. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has maintained its place at the summit of global academia, securing the number one position with a perfect overall score of 100. Following MIT, Imperial College London and Stanford University secured the second and third spots respectively, marking a strong presence of North American and European universities in the global top ten. India has also made significant strides, with 54 universities featured in the QS rankings. Leading this contingent are the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi), Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay), and Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), ranking 123rd, 129th, and 180th globally respectively. This marked progress reflects India's expanding footprint on the global academic map and underscores the continuing rise of its premier institutions. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Funding Food Innovation—Apply Now Zayed Sustainability Prize Apply Now Undo The legacy and strengths of IITs in India The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) form the cornerstone of India's technological education and research since their inception. The first IIT was established in 1951 at Kharagpur, and over the decades, the network has grown to encompass 23 institutes across the country. Each IIT boasts distinct strengths, but all share a commitment to excellence in engineering, technology, and science education. IIT Delhi, established in 1961, is often regarded as the flagship institute of the IIT system. Its reputation is bolstered by a robust employer reputation score of 95 and an academic reputation score of 67.9 in the QS rankings 2026. It is renowned for its strong industry linkages and research output, producing graduates who are highly sought after worldwide. IIT Bombay, founded in 1958, combines academic rigour with a vibrant campus culture and close industry collaborations. It ranks just behind IIT Delhi with a high employer reputation score of 97 and academic reputation of 73.3. This institution has consistently been a pioneer in research innovation and entrepreneurship. IIT Madras, set up in 1959, is noted for its rigorous academic programmes and strong research focus, especially in engineering and technology. It recorded an overall score of 58.4 in QS 2026 and has made significant improvements, rising from 227th to 180th in the rankings, indicating its growing global stature. IIT Kharagpur, the first IIT established in 1951, remains a pivotal centre for research and education with a wide range of academic disciplines. With an overall score of 54.5, it continues to build on its legacy of producing top-tier engineers and researchers. Other established IITs like Kanpur (est. 1959), Guwahati (est. 1994), and Roorkee (est. 1847 as Thomason College, later IIT from 2001) hold steady rankings in the mid-200s and 300s, reflecting steady performance and regional academic leadership. Newer IITs such as Indore (2009), BHU Varanasi (2012 merger), Hyderabad (2008), Gandhinagar (2008), and Bhubaneswar (2008) have rapidly gained recognition. Their focus on interdisciplinary research and innovation is reflected in their QS rankings and overall scores, albeit lower than the older IITs, yet demonstrating upward momentum. IITs in QS World University Rankings 2026: Detailed data S. No. Institution Rank (2026) Previous Rank (2025) Overall Score Academic Reputation Employer Reputation Employment Outcomes 1 Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IITD) 123 150 65.5 67.9 95 51 2 Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB) 129 118 64.8 73 97 72.6 3 Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM) 180 227 58.4 57 86 46 4 Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IITKGP) 215 222 54.5 43 79 48 5 Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore 219 211 54.2 56.6 46.4 15 6 Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) 222 263 54 49.4 82.7 47.6 7 Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG) 334 344 42.3 25.4 62 8.7 8 Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IITR) 339 335 42.2 26.8 52 20 9 Indian Institute of Technology Indore 556 477 30 8 17 5 10 Indian Institute of Technology BHU Varanasi 566 531 29.3 9.3 19 10 11 Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH) 664 681-690 26.4 10.3 15 6.5 12 Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN) 801-850 -- n/a 7 9 2 13 Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar (IIT BBS) 951-1000 951-1000 n/a 5 12 2 Comparative analysis of IITs in QS 2026 The rankings clearly indicate that IIT Delhi and IIT Bombay maintain their dominance in both academic and employer reputation, highlighting their status as India's premier technological institutions. IIT Delhi edges ahead with a slightly higher overall score, despite IIT Bombay's marginally higher employer reputation. IIT Madras's remarkable rise in rank from 227 to 180 is a testament to its expanding research capabilities and internationalisation efforts. The middle-tier IITs—Kharagpur and Kanpur—display stable performance with overall scores in the mid-50s. These institutes show room for improvement, especially in enhancing their employer reputation and employment outcomes to boost their rankings further. IIT Guwahati and Roorkee, while ranking lower, continue to solidify their roles as key academic centres in their respective regions. Their relatively lower scores in employment outcomes point to potential areas for development, particularly in strengthening industry collaborations and graduate placements. The newer IITs, such as Indore, BHU Varanasi, Hyderabad, Gandhinagar, and Bhubaneswar, are gradually carving their niche. Although their overall scores and reputations are currently modest, these institutions' focus on innovative curricula and research promises future growth. Notably, IIT Gandhinagar and IIT Bhubaneswar, despite lower scores, benefit from strategic academic plans that emphasise interdisciplinary learning and entrepreneurship. This spectrum of rankings across the IIT system reflects India's multifaceted approach to expanding quality higher education and research. As established IITs continue to excel, the newer institutes are progressing steadily, collectively raising India's profile on the global academic stage. Is your child ready for the careers of tomorrow? Enroll now and take advantage of our early bird offer! Spaces are limited.

The Print

2 hours ago

• The Print

Don't just blame Yunus for Tagore house destruction. Bangladesh radicalism goes way back

According to Bangladesh media reports, the chaos began with a misunderstanding on 8 June. A dispute over parking fee led to an altercation between an on-duty employee and a visitor at Kachharibari, now the Rabindra Memorial Museum (okay?). 'Custodian of the archaeology department, Habibur Rahman, was accused of assaulting and detaining a visitor named Shahnewaz. As the investigation was ongoing, a human chain was formed on 10 June by locals supporting Shahnewaz, demanding punishment for Habibur Rahman and other responsible staff,' Prothom Alo English reported. On 10 June, a mob vandalised Kachharibari, Tagore's ancestral home and favourite writing spot in Bangladesh's Sirajganj district. As India registers its strong protest, the question to ask is this: Is the current Muhammad Yunus administration the only one to be blamed for the naked rise of radical hatred? Bangladesh is tearing out pages of history to rewrite its origin story. It is pulling down old structures to make way for a radical new world – not metaphorically, but in reality. After toppling statues of its founding figure Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, removing his portraits from all government offices and foreign embassies, and replacing his face on currency notes, Bangladesh is now turning on Rabindranath Tagore. The Nobel laureate, who wrote the country's national anthem 'Amar Sonar Bangla', is being sacrificed as an inconvenient truth in Bangladesh's age of rage. As the protest turned tense, some people entered the site with the intention of attacking employees. Several staff members were injured in the process, the report stated. Bangladesh's cultural affairs ministry issued a statement in this regard, saying that no artefact or structure associated with Rabindranath Tagore was damaged during the incident. The attack had no political or communal motives, the ministry stressed in its statement, adding that security on the site has since been reinforced. Bangladeshi social media influencers, however, put out images depicting extensive damage to a bedroom and library at Kachharibari. Although it is hard to verify the veracity of these viral images, Bangladeshi political journalist Sahidul Hasan Khokon told me that a mob did break into Kachharibari, destroying everything in its path. 'The Yunus administration has become deft at underplaying attacks and skirting responsibility,' Khokon said. When Hindus were attacked in the country after the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government, Khokon added, the interim government first denied them and then said that they were 'not communal but political'. 'This time, the interim government has concocted a story to blame the attack on Tagore's legacy on a parking ticket argument. It would have been comical if the event wasn't so tragic.' India responded firmly: 'We strongly condemn the vandalisation of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore's ancestral home by a mob in Bangladesh on June 8th 2025. The violent act is a disgrace to his inclusive philosophy,' MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking his intervention for 'a strong international protest', which she said, 'would at least deter in future any attack on monuments of cultural legacies'. Bangladesh's hate tale, though, has its genesis in Sheikh Hasina's Hefazat story. Also read: Yunus is struggling to remain relevant in Bangladesh Hasina's radical deal Muhammad Yunus has been complicit in giving a free rein to the radical elements within Bangladesh since Sheikh Hasina's exit. And this complicity is not limited to the rising influence of Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh. As journalist Snigdhendu Bhattacharya wrote in his article for The Diplomat: 'Among other incidents that a section of Bangladesh's civil society members consider warning signs are the public rallies and poster campaign by the banned terror group, Hizb ut Tahir and the release of Mufti Jashimuddin Rahmani, chief of the Ansarullah Bangla Team, an Al-Qaeda-inspired militant outfit renamed as Ansar al Islam.' But it was Sheikh Hasina's nod to the Hefazat-e-Islam – a Deobandi Islamist advocacy group consisting mostly of religious teachers and students in Bangladesh – that led to the spread of radicalism across Bangladesh. According to Robayet Ahmed, a former Bangladeshi politician and NGO worker, Hefazat was formed with the assistance of Sheikh Hasina's arch-rival and the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Khaleda Zia, who is currently the chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. Hefazat had risen as a counter to Ganajagaran Mancha, a big-tent coalition of students and activists that demanded the death penalty for war criminals of 1971 and a progressive, secular Bangladesh. While Ganajagaran Mancha activists fought for a secular Bangladesh, Hefazat countered them with hard Islam, often accusing Mancha activists of spreading atheism in Bangladeshi society. 'Initially, Sheikh Hasina took a tough stance against Hefazat-e-Islam but later established amicable relations in exchange for financial and other incentives, following the advice of her then-military secretary, who even publicly participated in Hefazat's gatherings. At their recommendation, the curriculum was increasingly Islamised, and numerous madrasas were established, allowing Hefazat to grow under government patronage,' Ahmed wrote. Rezwana Karim Snigdha, associate professor at the Department of Anthropology in Jahangirnagar University in Bangladesh, told me over a phone call that Hasina betrayed her mandate for a secular, progressive Bangladesh by cutting a deal with Hefazat. 'She negotiated with the radical Hefazat, and pushed the country back into the hands of the very fundamentalists she had vowed to fight against.' According to Snigdha, Hefazat – consisting mainly of Sunni clerics heading a network of 19,199 Quami madrasas and their students – tore apart bit by bit not just the secular fabric of Bangladesh but also independent voices like hers. 'Before 2008, there were not so many madrasas in Dhaka. It was a modern, cosmopolitan city. Now, every lane has a madrasa, and all credit goes to Hasina.' Snigdha, a well-known gender rights activist in Bangladesh, is not surprised at what is happening in her country today. 'Independent voices like mine are being stifled, what women should and should not wear in public is being determined, and attacks on secular and historical institutions are becoming commonplace.' The Yunus administration could have, perhaps, stopped the fire of hate from engulfing Tagore's house. But it was lit long before the chief adviser assumed office. Deep Halder is an author and a contributing editor at ThePrint. He tweets @deepscribble. Views are personal. (Edited by Zoya Bhatti)

Hindustan Times

2 hours ago

• Hindustan Times

Israel army says it hit weapons research centre in Tehran during overnight strike

Israel's military said Friday it struck dozens of targets in Tehran overnight, including what it called a centre for the "research and development of Iran's nuclear weapons project," in the eighth day of war between the two foes. In a statement, the army said it had "completed a series of strikes in the heart of Tehran: dozens of targets were struck, including military missile production sites and the SPND (Organisation of Defensive Innovation and Research) headquarters for research and development of Iran's nuclear weapons project." According to the Israeli military the SPND headquarters "is used for research and development of advanced technologies and weapons supporting the Iranian regime's military capabilities." The army said that during the night on Thursday more than 60 fighter jets struck dozens of military targets. "Among the targets were sites producing missile components and facilities manufacturing raw materials used in casting missile engines," it added. Israel, claiming that Iran was on the verge of developing a nuclear weapon, launched air strikes against its arch-enemy a week ago, triggering deadly exchanges. European foreign ministers will hold talks Friday with their Iranian counterpart, hoping to reach a diplomatic solution to the war as US President Donald Trump mulls the prospect of US involvement.