Use science to improve quality of life: Harsh Vardhan

India's Minister for Science and Technology Dr. Harsh Vardhan has said that efforts should be made through science to find practical solutions to improve the quality of life of the people.

Addressing an international meet of science ministers of various countries held at Sohna, Haryana, he called upon all countries to collaborate towards ensuring the welfare of humanity.

The deliberations focussed on several issues, including food security, the future of oceans and innovation for inclusive development among others.

Science ministers and scientific advisors from Canada, France, Germany, Japan, U.K, USA, South Africa, European Commission were among those who participated.

The three-day meeting concluded on Sunday afternoon.

The Indian side presented a paper on the subject of 'Innovation for Inclusive Development'

Minister of State for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences Y. S. Chowdary said there should be linkages established between researchers, entrepreneurs and investors for bringing benefits of science, to the people.

Issues relating to joint research for preservation of the marine environment, harnessing research and innovation for nutrition and sustainable agriculture were also taken up for discussion at the conference.

This meeting relates to the forum of Science and Technology ministers, initially formed in 1991, consisting members of the G-8 countries (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States and also the European Commission representing the European Union.

The group was subsequently joined by the O5 (Emerging Economies- Brazil, China, India, Mexico and South Africa) in 2007.

It was the first time that India was hosting the meeting of this group which came to be called as the Carnegie Group.