India-UK step up scientific cooperation

India and the UK today resolved to further intensify their cooperation in the areas of science and technology and global research programme on health, the two countries said.

In a biennial meet on Science and Innovation Council between Science and Technology Minister Harsh Vardhan and UK's Minister of State for Science and Innovation, Sam Gyimah, the two sides expressed satisfaction at the human impact that existing cooperation through 600 projects supported by the Newton-Bhabha Partnership had brought in areas such as using technology to monitor maternal health and make water safe.

"They signalled their commitment to a deeper relationship by jointly announcing four new awards worth Pounds 4.8 million under the civil nuclear energy programme and seven new awards worth Pounds 10.8 million under Phase 2 of the global research programme on health.

 

"They also renewed a Memorandum of Understanding focusing on environmental challenges and another on arts and humanities," a statement by the British High Commission said.

The two leaders reinforced their desire to use science and innovation to address some of the biggest challenges facing society - for example the threat of climate change, food security and energy consumption and to harness the opportunities brought by technological advancements.

The Science and Innovation Council was created to strengthen the two countries' science, technology and innovation relationship.

This year's meeting focussed on the rapid growth of the UK and India's joint research portfolio and recognised the strength of the bilateral relationship.

Bilateral research collaboration has seen exponential growth from 1 million pounds in 2008 to Pounds 400 million by 2021, the statement added.

Gyimah said, "The UK believes in the power of research and development to tackle global challenges and improve people's lives for the better. India is the fastest rising research and innovation power in the world, and so I am excited by the huge potential for enhanced collaboration as we support high-quality, high-impact research that changes lives.

On his part, Vardhan said technology cooperation is the key to the future and India and the UK should work on sustainable, affordable, and low energy consumption technology.