IISER to collaborate with foreign varsities

Tirupati: Indian Institute of Science Education Research (IISER) Tirupati, now in its 5th academic year, hosted two delegations from the University of Osaka and the European Union including the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS).

Several rounds of discussion and presentation by the representatives showcased different mechanisms available for engaging in joint research cooperation in all areas of science between the scientists at both Institutions aimed at building a long-term collaboration.

Academic fellowships for undergraduate and postgraduate students (Erasmus+, Raman Charpak and Eiffel programme) to pursue PhD degree in Europe were discussed. This is in addition to the recently concluded agreement between IISER Tirupati and École Normal Supérieure (ENS) group of institutions in France to foster joint research and academic programmes, exchange of students and initiate co-directed doctoral thesis.

IISER scientists will also be able to avail mobility funds to pursue research collaboration in Osaka through the "Sakura Exchange Programme". Five, 3-year doctoral fellowships in Applied Chemistry at the University of Osaka, which will now be available for students passing out from IISERs through an agreement between the Institutes were also discussed.

This development is particularly very significant for final year students, who will graduate with a BS-MS dual degree in May 2020 and would like to pursue higher education in Japan. IISER Tirupati Director Prof KN Ganesh, Prof Hidehiro Sakurai from University of Osaka and Tania Freiderichs, Srini Kaveri and Vivek Dham from European Union took part in the deliberations.I