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The Indo-French Joint Committee of Science and Technology (JCST) convened for its second meeting to enhance collaborative scientific partnership between the two countries. During the event, Abhay Karandikar, Secretary for the Department of Science and Technology (DST), spoke about the efficiency of the Indo-French Centre for the Promotion of Advanced Research (CEFIPRA) model in fostering collaboration.
He said that it will help step up research partnerships in new-age technologies like Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (ICPS), health, clean energy, artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technologies, and advanced materials. He also stressed the importance of building connections among innovators and entrepreneurs from both countries.
Dr Claire Giry, Director General for Research and Innovation at the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research reiterated that it is necessary to strengthen links between researchers from the two sides, particularly focusing on sustainable technologies, applied mathematics, health, and ocean research.
The meeting took place at the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), coinciding with the India International and Science Festival (IISF), a prominent scientific outreach event in the country.
The scientific collaboration aligns with the broader framework of the strategic partnership between India and France, which was commemorated during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France on Bastille Day in July 2023.
The Indo-French roadmap, known as “Horizon 2047,” was signed on Bastille Day in Paris, underscoring the commitment to bilateral scientific cooperation. The JCST, guided by the objectives of bilateral scientific cooperation, aims to identify thematic priorities, allocate resources, and enhance tools to achieve mutual goals.
The JCST was co-organised with the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, represented by the Deputy Director for Cultural Diplomacy. The delegates included representatives from the French National Research Agency, DST, the Department of Biology and Technology, the Ministry of Earth Sciences, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, and the Indian Council of Medical Research. Additionally, the Director of CEFIPRA and the Director of the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute were also present.
Speakers underscored the vitality of scientific cooperation between India and France, recognising the diverse stakeholders and actions contributing to this dynamic relationship. The committee highlighted the richness and quality of Indo-French academic and scientific collaboration, relying on the mobility of scientists and joint research endeavours spanning fundamental to applied science, with involvement from industrial partners and startups.
Last year, Karandikar and the Ambassador of France to India engaged in talks regarding bilateral cooperation in science, technology, and innovation. They also explored the implementation roadmap for various new areas proposed by the leaders of both nations.
It was agreed the countries would explore cooperation in energy conservation and storage, quantum technologies, cyber-physical systems, affordable healthcare, climate change, and geospatial technologies. Additionally, both parties agreed to incorporate deep tech startups from both countries into the scope of Indo-French science, technology, and innovation collaboration. Top of Form
While reviewing the ongoing cooperation in science, technology, and innovation between the two countries, Karandikar highlighted that the domain has received special attention between the two countries.
Since 1987, the CEFIPRA, funded by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and the Indian Department of Science and Technology, has emerged as a pivotal instrument in shaping and sustaining this scientific partnership.
