The Irish and Indian governments yesterday agreed a deal to allow scientists in both countries to co-operate on scientific and technological projects.
Last night, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Micheál Martin, said the Scientific and Technological Co-operation Agreement would build on the developing links between India and the Republic. He said research is a global and expensive activity, with no state in a position to be expert in all scientific and technological fields.
"It makes sense to avail of the opportunity for networking and pooling of knowledge through international collaboration as is provided for in this agreement," said Mr Martin.
"I believe that building research links with leading scientists in another cultural environment, such as that of India, will be of benefit to Irish-based researchers who must increasingly look beyond their own national boundaries if they want to find high-quality expertise in complementary disciplines."
The government-to-government agreement will promote links between the Republic and India through organising reciprocal visits between academics, technicians and trainees and by governing joint research on programmes of mutual interest.
It will also allow for bilateral scientific technical meetings and participation in events such as conferences. Further co-operation may be agreed over time.
Separately, Science Foundation Ireland has concluded a co-operation agreement with the prestigious Indian National Science Academy. This "agency-to- agency" deal gives practical effect to the government-to-government understanding and will allow the organisations to co-operate in world-class research in bio-sciences, bio-engineering. And information and communications technologies.