Thayannur Mullachery Balakrishnan Nair, a founding scientist of the Hyderabad-based Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Systems (INCOIS), under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), has recently taken over as Director. In this exclusive interview, he shares insights into the next phase of ocean observation and forecasting services.
INCOIS has completed 25 years. How do you look at the evolution of the institute?
For a scientific institution, 25 years is relatively young. Yet, we have emerged as global leaders in ocean information systems. Only four other countries — the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Japan — have this level of operational oceanography. We began with potential fishing advisories (PFA), followed by tsunami warnings, ocean forecasts, and more. Our focus has been on improving the accuracy of observation systems for better forecasts to serve stakeholders like fishermen, maritime industry, Indian Navy, Coast Guard and tourism sector.
Has INCOIS been able to achieve its stated mission objectives during this time?
200%! Our growth has been phenomenal. The institute was built brick-by-brick, thanks to the visionary directors right from the beginning. Our research and publications have had a tangible social impact, especially in helping the common man. The ISRO culture of nation-building and teamwork has inspired us. Secretary MoES M. Ravichandran have been very supportive.
