Mega Science, Mega Dreams

Mega Science, Mega Dreams
 

News: Recently, the Union Cabinet approved the full budget for the LIGO-India mega-science project, which includes the construction, commissioning and joint scientific operation of a state-of-the-art, advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) in India.
 

Background:
 In this editorial we will analyze the impact of the project which is a step to secure country’s future as a science powerhouse.
 

Impact of LIGO-India project:
 It will enable dramatically enhanced global capability in the emergent field of gravitational-wave astronomy and astrophysics (A&A).
 LIGO-India will also prompt Indian S&T in academia, national laboratories and industries to leap-frog in a sweeping range of cutting-edge technologies of great national relevance. For example, it can help synergize with quantum sensing and metrology vertical of National mission for Quantum technology and Application which will help India take a lead in future advance of Gravitational wave detectors.

 The project has created excitement among scientists. A large number of young Indian students and researchers have chosen to join the global and national gravitational wave community.
 Mega science projects involve multiple departments to work together. Thus, such projects will encourage co-operation and co-ordination among different departments – Department of Sci & Tech, Department of Atomic energy.
 India is walking this path with its partnership in “big-science” frontier international ventures, such as Large Hadron Collider (LHC) Facility for Antiproton & Ion Research (FAIR); ITER for taming thermonuclear fusion for energy generation; Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT); and Square Kilometre Array (SKA).
 Mega-science projects also inculcate invaluable elements of work ethic in the scientific community.
 

Conclusion
 As we set up LIGO-India, there is confidence that our demographic advantage, coupled with our excellent education system, should see India attain global eminence in the field and its allied S&T.
Source – Indian Express