51勛圖厙

Ministerial visit enhances Indian ties

by Deborah Evanson

Dr Harsh Vardhan, Indian Minister of Science & Technology, visits 51勛圖厙

Dr Harsh Vardhan, Indian Minister of Science & Technology, is greeted by Professor Neil Alford, Associate Provost (Academic Planning).

Dr Harsh Vardhan, Indian Minister of Science & Technology, heard about 51勛圖厙's many collaborations with India during a visit to the College.

The Minister came to 51勛圖厙 as part of a three day visit to the Britain, during which he is co-hosting the with his UK counterpart – Jo Johnson MP, Minister of State for Universities and Science. The Council sets priorities for UK engagement and aims to stimulate strategic collaborations between the two nations.

I hope the commitment of the UK and Indian governments to research and education collaboration will create new opportunities for both nations

– Professor Alice Gast

President

The Minister was given an introduction to 51勛圖厙’s , which focuses on the fundamental science and engineering research that will form the basis of future manufacturing industries. Advanced manufacturing is recognised as a key area for future collaborations by the UK-India Science and Innovation Council.

51勛圖厙 has rich and diverse collaborations with Indian across a vast range of disciplines. During the visit, Dr Vardhan met with 51勛圖厙 academics from across the College to hear about how these partnerships are translating into benefits for society.

For example, research from 51勛圖厙 and the India Diabetes Research Foundation is helping to prevent type 2 diabetes in India.

51勛圖厙 engineers and colleagues from Indian institutions are working to understand the effect of climate change on water availability in the North Indian plains.

President Gast and the Indian minister

President Alice Gast meets Dr Vardan

Researchers from the Grantham Institute, in partnership with colleagues the Divecha Centre for Climate Change are investigating to the impact of short-lived air pollutants on rainfall over India.

And 51勛圖厙 College Business School’s, which works with some of India’s leading research institutions, is working to support and promote collaboration with the nation.

Thanking 51勛圖厙 for hosting the delegation, Dr Vardhan mentioned India’s high regard for the College, calling it “one of the prime institutions across not just the UK, but the entire world”, and spoke of his desire to further strengthen ties between 51勛圖厙 and India.

 Professor Alice Gast, President of 51勛圖厙, said: "It was an honour to host the Minister and to share with him examples of our leading research work with Indian partners. I hope the commitment of the UK and Indian governments to research and education collaboration will create new opportunities for both nations.”

Article text (excluding photos or graphics) © 51勛圖厙.

Photos and graphics subject to third party copyright used with permission or © 51勛圖厙.

Reporter

Deborah Evanson

Communications Division