Joint Initiatives in Training of Scientists

Introduction

A training programme for young scientists and researchers from African nations in the area of biomedical sciences is planned to be held in Tunisia during 2014-15 at Pasteur Institute, Tunis under India-Africa Science and Technology (S&T) initiative. 

The inter-governmental India-Tunisia Joint Committee meeting on Science and Technology Cooperation was held in Tunis on May 24, 2013. The present state and future prospects for science and technology cooperation between the two countries was reviewed. Both the countries agreed to cooperate in the areas of Health Sciences, Material Sciences, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Renewable Energy and Geospatial Technologies and implement the same through workshops, joint projects and exchange visits. The cooperation was reinforced during the recent meeting held between the Tunisian Ambassador to India and the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for S & T. 

Republic of Tunisia is participating in 3 major programmes under India-Africa S & T initiative viz. (i) CV Raman Fellowship: under which 17 Tunisian scientists have been awarded the Fellowship to undertake research in Indian Research and Development (R&D) laboratories and institutions. (ii) Training Programmes: 6 Tunisian scientists/researchers have participated in 4 training programmes held in India in the areas of ICT, Energy, Indigenous Knowledge Systems and S&T policy. (iii) Institutional strengthening: Pasteur Institute in Tunisia has been identified for institutional strengthening through twinning with Indian institutions in the areas of vaccine, diagnostics and drug development. 

The primary focus of this cooperation is to enhance R & D capacity building and development of human resources in Africa. The goals are to foster partnership and value based relationship in S & T that is mutually advantageous to both the nations. 

This was stated by Union Minister of State for Science and Technology and Ministry of Earth Sciences (Independent Charge) Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in Lok Sabha today. 

Source

Press Information Bureau, July 16, 2014