Irish and Indian scientists are to collaborate on a range of research areas such as sustainable energy, medical sciences, information and communications technology and food science in a new co-operation programme signed between the two countries today.
The agreement was revealed when Dr Thirumalachari Ramasami, Secretary of the Indian Department of Science and Technology, met with the Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, Conor Lenihan TD.
Minister Lenihan and Secretary Ramasami, signed a Programme of Co-operation on Science and Technology at the meeting in Dublin.
The Programme of Co-operation implements a Government-to-Government Agreement with India on science and technology agreed during a visit by the then Taoiseach Bertie Ahern to India in January 2006.
“Irish and Indian scientists are carrying out research to find solutions to problems or to discover new techniques to improve our lives and help create jobs”, said Minister Lenihan.
Under the Programme of Co-operation, scientists will be encouraged to co-operate on research programmes and to draw up joint research projects that would be considered for joint funding following evaluations carried out by both sides.
By John Kennedy
