Rice varsity to take up nano research

US-based Rice University is in talks with IIT Bombay to facilitate research collaborations in the field of nanotechnology.

The university officials, currently on a visit to India, have discussed similar research opportunities with IIT Delhi, Delhi College of Engineering, Jawaharlal Nehru University and Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.

Rice University's interest in these premier Indian institutes stems from the areas of research interest these institutes have.

"Rice is the birthplace of nanotechnology and Indian Institutes have research potential in this field. At Rice, we have a number of parallel efforts going on to develop technologies which will benefit people in India and elsewhere.

Scientists at Rice University's Centre for Biological and Environmental Nanotechnology have developed a revolutionary low-cost technology for cleaning arsenic from drinking water which holds promise for millions of people in India.

Additionally bio-engineers and physicists at the university have developed a multi-site vaccination strategy to prevent the four known strains of dengue virus.

"We want to partner with Indian institutes to develop such technology for the benefit of developing countries. We have seen the development of labs and other facilities at the IITs and we are impressed," said David Leebron, president, Rice University.

The university is also in talks with the IITs for a possible joint fund-raising programme for research and faculty exchange. The programme at a later stage would also fund student-exchange programmes. The seed funding for such initiatives will initially be provided by Rice University and the institute it ties up with.

Later, officials plan to approach industries to generate funds. The university is also looking at generating funds to the tune of $30 million (around Rs 135 crore) for its Asia Research Centre which will carry out research work on issues related to South Asia.

Rice officials also plan to use this India visit to improve the university's visibility in the country. At present 150 Indian students study at the university's campus in the US. The university is looking at expanding that strength by reaching out to the Indian professors.

Says Leebron, "We want to establish good connections with professors here as they will advise students where the opportunities lie. It is our endeavour to make Rice an international institution. Compared to other US varsities, we are a small university, therefore we have to make careful choices. Considering this, it is the important and the right time for us to be in India."

For its management programmes, the university will approach IIM Bangalore for joint programmes.