DRDO Young Scientists Laboratories formed to focus on researches in advanced technologies

To focus on research in advanced technologies, Young Scientists laboratories have been formed by DRDO. These laboratories are dedicated to the nation on 2nd Jan 2020 at Bengaluru by Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi.

DRDO has taken this important step of empowering youth for the purpose of achieving self-reliance in the area of niche advanced technologies. This step lays down the foundation for research and development of futuristic technologies. Selected young scientists of DRDO, under the age of 35 years have been given this opportunity to work in identified research areas.

Inspiration for this step came from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion of DRDO award function held on 24th August 2014. Speaking on the occasion he had asked DRDO to empower youth by giving them decision making powers and challenging research opportunities.

Going by the advice, DRDO has identified five technology areas for these laboratories. The identified areas of work for these laboratories are Artificial intelligence, Quantum technologies, Cognitive technologies, Asymmetric technologies and Smart materials.

DRDO Young Scientist Laboratories, in short DYSLs, are located at Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Hyderabad. Each lab is working on a key advanced technology of importance to the development of futuristic defence systems. Research in the area of rapidly evolving Artificial Intelligence will be carried out at Bengaluru. The all-important area of Quantum Technology will be based out of IIT Mumbai. The future is dependent on Cognitive Technologies and IIT Chennai will house the lab embarking in this area of research. New and futuristic area of Asymmetric Technologies, which will change the way wars are fought, will be based out of campus of Jadhavpur University, Kolkata. The research in hot and critical area of Smart Materials and their applications will be based out of Hyderabad.

The Directors of these laboratories were selected independently by a committee chaired by Principal Scientific Advisor to Govt. of India. To realise the goals of these laboratories, Directors are empowered with Financial and Administrative authorities at par with any director of a DRDO laboratory.

Establishment of DYSLs for work on Advanced and Future technologies will be a big leap forward for DRDO from goal of making India Self Reliant to Future Ready in defence technologies.