(a) Whether Indian and UK Scientists have teamed up for research in the
field of Science and Technology;
(b) If so, the details thereof including field of research;
(c) The name of the collaborating universities/research institutions from
both the countries.
(d) Whether the field would cover civilian nuclear cooperation; and
(e) If so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF EARTH SCIENCES( KAPIL SIBAL )
(a) Yes, Sir. The Indian and UK Scientists have teamed up to work together
to promote research in the fields of Science and Technology. Towards
this, an Indo-UK Science & Innovation Council has been constituted with
the Hon`ble Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences and UK
Minister for Science & Technology as the Co-Chairman from India and UK
respectively.
(b) & (c): The First Meeting of the Science & Innovation Council took
place in London on June 26, 2006. An 8-member Indian team led by Hon`ble
Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences participated in the
deliberations at this meeting. Some of significant outcomes relate to:
1. Promote scientific research in specific topics, to begin with, in
Advance Materials and Nano Technologies, Stem Cell Research and Animal
Biotechnology, Next Generation Communication Technologies, Initiatives on
Weather Science and Climate Change and New Energy including Hydrogen
Energy.
2. India`s participation in UK-India Education & Research Initiatives
(UKIERI) to promote cooperation in education and research. While UK side
has committed Pound Sterling 6.5 - 8 Million over the next five years
period for S&T cooperation. Indian side will support matching
activities. Details will be worked out by the Indian side.
3. A 6-member committee, comprising of 3-members from each side, has been
constituted to prepare a work plan comprising of specific topics in the
identified areas, mechanisms/modalities of implementation, institutions
and the financial details. The Committee is expected to submit its Report
by October, 2006.
(d ) & (e): Though no specific discussions took place, the UK side has
proposed cooperation in the field of civil nuclear cooperation with
India. The kind and nature of cooperation will be decided through mutual
consultations.