Annual Report 2011-2012 - Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany

Foreword
The Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany (BSIP) is a unique institution engaged in pursuing the basic
as well as applied aspects of palaeobotanical (fossil botany) and allied disciplines. With time, the approach,
the tools and the materials have evolved, but the basic pursuit has remained the same as envisaged by the
Founder.
The year 2011-12 was the last year of the XI Five Year Plan during which the researchers carefully
approached towards the set goals. The scientific research also responds to the societal needs. In consonance
with this, the Institute has invigorated its efforts towards designing and refining the hydrocarbon and other
fossil fuel exploration approach. Considering the great influence of monsoon and climate exert on our
agriculture-based economy and culture, the Institute has focused on understanding the past climate changes
through the palaeobotanical and other proxies. Several projects are aimed at studying different aspects of
climate and cultural changes. Special efforts have been made to nurture young scientists in these disciplines
by holding orientation courses and by providing many of them national and international exposure to the
current trends in the fields. The approach has paid dividends in terms of enhancement in the quality and
quantity of research publications. The approach is being diversified during the XII Plan and considerable
addition of new equipments is also on the anvil. Collaborative efforts have also increased to complement
our specializations. The Institute also reaches out to more and more people through its outreach efforts.
The Institute operates as an autonomous institution under the Department of Science and Technology
(DST), Govt. of India. The support from the Secretary Dr. T. Ramasami and the Department has been
invaluable. The constant improvement in the publication profile, in terms of number and impact both, is a
result of guidance and the gain from the collective wisdom of our Governing Body and Research Advisory
Council. The variety of expertise of the advisers also brings a better synergy to the research efforts of the
Institute.
This document, a result of efforts of the RPCC (Research Planning and Coordination Cell) and many
other units, reflects our efforts and achievements in nut shell.
(N.C. Mehrotra)
Director
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