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EU beckons Indian scientists for research projects
By agencies
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Friday, 09 June 2006, 19:30 IST
BANGALORE: The European Union (EU) has invited Indian scientists and researchers to participate in its seventh EU research framework program (FP7), beginning next year.
European Commission minister counselor Andrew Sora said at the on-going Bangalore Bio summit that with a budget of euro $70 billion for the seven-year program, Indian scientists would have a great opportunity to undertake research in diverse areas such as health, biotechnology, food safety and agriculture.
"As the largest research and development program the world over, FP7 will have a wide range of activities, including collaborative research, investigator driven research and fellowship," Sora said.
Sora, who is heading a EU delegation to India, Bhutan and Nepal, said India and the EU share a proud tradition of scientific excellence and strong commitment to the growth of science and technology for economic growth as well as for society needs.
"The EU will look forward for participation by Indian researchers and research institutions in FP7, in collaboration with scientists and institutions in Europe. We fund their applications based on independent peer review of proposals for joint research projects or for fellowships," Sora said.
The FP7 will build upon the current FP6 program that began in 2002. About 75 Indian scientists are participating in 50 collaborative research projects.
Among the institutes participating in FP6 are the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore, Indian Institutes of Technology in Mumbai, New Delhi and Roorkee, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Energy & Resource Institute, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Tata Consultancy Services, Center for the Development of Advanced Computing and Indian Institute of Management in Ahmedabad.