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UK and India forge two new research collaborations to tackle global challenges

18 February 2010

Two major research deals have been signed between the UK and India, Minister for Business, Innovation & Skills, Pat McFadden, announced this week.

UK and Indian researchers will collaborate on health research and the changing global water cycles - which both present huge challenges for our societies as we adapt to a changing climate.

Mr McFadden, who is visiting India to strengthen our science and innovation ties, said, "These two agreements are vital, especially as they seek to address challenges that have major global implications for the future. They bring together leading researchers in the UK and India and strengthen the science and innovation relationship between our two countries. But at the heart of these ambitious collaborations is a mutual drive to bring positive benefits to the daily lives of millions of people in India, the UK and the rest of the world."

The UK Medical Research Council (MRC) and the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to encourage research on major global health issues.

As part of this new collaboration, both agencies will launch a joint call later this year for research on chronic non-communicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and chronic respiratory diseases, which are highly prevalent in both countries.

The collaboration will also focus on research areas such as persisting, new and emerging infections and the impact of environmental change on health.

Mr McFadden and Indian Earth Sciences Minister Prithviraj Chavan also signed an MOU between the UK Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and the Indian Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) to collaborate on changing water cycles.

This work will improve predictions on future patterns of flood and drought, and help in the development of effective protection schemes. For many regions, including the south of Britain and parts of India, there is no clear picture on whether climate change will mean more or less rain.

Over the long term, improved predictions will help both countries to choose the crops best suited to local conditions, potentially saving lives and safeguarding property.

Mr McFadden is in India to strengthen scientific and innovation collaboration between the two countries, particularly on key challenges for the UK and India. These include improving the provision of education, equipping people with the tools and skills to rebuild the global economy, and mitigating the effects of climate change.

Further information

NERC Press Office
Natural Environment Research Council
Polaris House, North Star Avenue
Swindon, SN2 1EU
Tel: 01793 411561
Mob: 07917 557215

Rachel Clarke
BIS press office
Tel: 020 7215 5945

Deepti Soni
India contact
Tel: +91 98 1031 2913

Notes

1. UK and Indian scientists are already working to improve the prediction of floods and drought in India. NERC has committed £10m in the Changing Water Cycle programme - a major research programme being developed as part of the Living With Environmental Change partnership.

Press release: 06/10

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