The University of Copenhagen visits India to strengthen research relations for a sustainable future
Research collaboration addressing global challenges as outlined in the Green Strategic Partnership between Denmark and India, was the backdrop when University of Copenhagen (UCPH) visited India from September 18 until 22, 2023.
Rector Henrik Wegener, Pro-Rector for Research and Innovation, David Dreyer Lassen, and a delegation of nine researchers from UCPH's Green Solutions Centre visited hubs for research, education and innovation across India. Organised by the Innovation Centre Denmark in Bangalore, the visit aimed to find collaboration partners, strengthen research relationships and discuss research priorities with key players in India.
UCPH's Pioneering Initiatives in Sustainable Research and Collaboration in India
In a time of growing concern about climate and environmental problems, the need for sustainable solutions is more urgent than ever. UCPH's Green Solutions Centre works across the university's disciplines to create research-based answers in collaboration with both public and private institutions, NGOs and students. During a series of visits to Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Mysore, the delegation was able to establish ties with the Indian side within a wide range of scientific fields, humanities and law.
Indian universities face challenges that affect their position in international rankings – partly due to specialisations and partly due to limited public investment in research. However, with India's large population and potential, research collaboration should not be underestimated.
In this context, it is worth noting that the Indian government has developed an IT platform, Manthan (https://manthan.gov.in/), which connects researchers, authorities and companies in a network for research and innovation.
In 2022, UCPH signed an MoU with the not-for-profit International Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) with a view to developing sustainable agri-food systems. On this trip, researchers were able to visit ICRISAT’s sprawling campus headquartered in Hyderabad and observe first-hand the crop research carried out there.
UCPH also showed particular interest in collaboration with the University of Delhi and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bangalore, as both institutions fit UCPH's comprehensive profile. In addition, UCPH's Department of Food Science (UCPH FOOD) is in the process of entering into an MoU with Central Food Technological Research Institute (CSIR) in Mysore, which provides opportunities for joint research and exchange of students.
The University of Copenhagen's visit to India marks an important effort for increased cooperation and sustainable research. The collaboration has the potential to contribute to global solutions to some of the most pressing challenges of our time and create a more sustainable future.
If you would like to know more about ICDK Bangalore’s work or cooperation opportunities, you can contact Innovation Attaché, Søren Tranberg Hansen: [email protected]
Read more about Innovation Center Denmark Bangalore's activities on the ICDK's website .
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