India and Germany are preparing to propose and launch a joint “Artificial Intelligence” (‘AI’) initiative on healthcare and sustainability through the Indo-German Science and Technology Centre (IGSTC).
This was declared by Science and Technology and Earth Sciences Union Minister, Dr. Jitendra Singh at a luncheon meeting organized by Prof. (Dr) Katja Becker, President of the German Research Foundation as well as a veteran medical professional and researcher.
Dr. Jitendra Singh expressed satisfaction that India-Germany science and technology relations have advanced significantly in recent years, becoming truly multidimensional as a result of a significant convergence of interests, mutual goodwill, and high-level exchanges. The German Research Foundation has played an important role, and we value our long-standing collaboration with it.
The Minister discussed the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to support the International Research Training Groups (IRTG) program in capacity building, with a focus on training Indian and German students for Ph.D. programs. A request for proposals from Indian and German research groups has been issued. They both agreed that this agreement is truly remarkable for achieving greater goals in projects and addressing larger problems.
Dr. Jitendra Singh stated that the Government of India has recently initiated several new mission mode programs such as Cyber-Physical System, Quantum Technologies, Future Manufacturing, Green Hydrogen Fuel, Deep Ocean Mining, and so on, under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Government of India and the German Federal Government may consider collaborating to address such societal challenges.
Both agreed to investigate opportunities for bilateral cooperation between India and the DFG in the form of research project funding, as well as to initiate and strengthen long-term Indo-German cooperative relationships in research. They also agreed to explore the possibility of establishing International Research Training Groups (IRTG) programs with other scientific departments.
They were both overjoyed to learn that a joint call for proposals in toxicology would be held in September 2022.
According to Dr. Jitendra Singh, India has taken several steps to harness the power of quantum computing for societal benefit. The Indian government has launched the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) to position India as a leader in the Cyber-Physical System.
Both of them discussed their respective governments’ new gender equality initiatives and programs to address inequalities.
Both leaders expressed optimism that a common mechanism for harmonizing data protection regulations for scientific research funding between the countries can be devised.
Dr. Jitendra Singh expressed enthusiasm for the idea of establishing Collaborative Research Centres between the research communities of both countries, with a special focus on urgent and cutting-edge science topics.
