IITs & IISc tie up with top French universities

Last Monday, the IITs and the IISc (Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore) signed pacts with top French universities and research centres, following a meeting between Pecresse and Sibal who talked about fostering cooperation between the two nations in education and research, particularly in nanotechnology, biotechnology, weather prediction, aerospace engineering and advanced math. India and France stand to benefit from this symbiotic relationship as both are undergoing similar higher education reforms principally aimed at improving access and quality. Some decisions taken include:

•    An MoU (memorandum of understanding) signed between IISc Bangalore & Institut de Recherche Pour le Developpement (IRPD). This involves jointly setting up an international laboratory on water sciences in France. This lab can then strike partnerships with other research
institutions in India, France or any other country.

•    An MoU between the 7 older IITs and Paris Institute of Science and Technology (ParisTech). This has been done with an aim to promote student and institutional exchanges and joint research. The MoU will also give the IITs an opening into European Union education programmes and initiatives.

•    Discussion on the progress made on the proposal made during Sarkozy’s last visit in 2008- setting up an IIT in Jodhpur, Rajasthan that will be academically and scientifically aided by a consortium of French higher educational institutions.