Traditional vaccine trials rely on large sample populations and natural infection processes. A quicker, cheaper, but riskier method, called Controlled Human Infection Model studies (CHIMs), has also been in practice for some time. In CHIMs, volunteers are deliberately infected with a pathogen to study its effects or to test the efficacy of a vaccine. In this article, Aditi examines the science behind CHIMs and the ethical implications of legalising this method in India, where such trials are presently banned.

As India moves through the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic and puts containment procedures in place, the need for rapid and widespread testing is becoming more and more critical every day. In such a scenario, it is crucial for the public and private healthcare sectors to combine their forces and coordinate their actions.

Marine researchers often use diving techniques to observe underwater habitats and to carry out undersea experiments. India, in spite of being home to a number of exciting marine research projects, lacks concrete regulations and guidelines to ensure the safety of diving scientists. In this article, Thinesh Thangadurai and Anthony Bellantuono provide some suggestions on remedying this situation.

What is Science Policy? How are Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) policies made in India? Is there an institutional mechanism for STI policymaking? Who are the players involved in the STI policy process? How does evidence flow into this process? This article, as the first in the Science Policy 101 series, attempts to answer, think-through, and discuss these questions.

The Indian National Science Academy recently published a book with detailed analysis and recommendations on ethical practices for doing science in India. With contributions from eighteen different authors, the book delves into multiple areas of concern and enumerates ethical guidelines for researchers and policymakers at several different levels. The book is freely available to download on INSA's website.