Annual Report 2007-2008

International Science & Technology Cooperation

1. Department of Science and Technology (DST) continued with the execution of its mandated responsibility of (i) negotiating, concluding and implementing Science and Technology (S&T) Agreements at bilateral and regional levels; (ii) providing interventions on S&T aspects of multilateral bodies. This responsibility was carried out by DST in close consultation, on the Indian side with Ministry of External Affairs; Indian Missions Abroad; Science Counsellors posted in Indian Missions located in USA, Germany, Japan, Russia; S&T related Ministries and Sectoral Ministries of Government of India; Indian Scientific Agencies and Indian Science and Engineering Academies. There was a spurt in engagement of Indian Industrial & Trade Associations for building opportunities for shared strategic partnerships and foreign collaborations in the realm of technology and innovation.

2. India’s S&T relations with other countries and international bodies were guided by the principles including

• Leveraging international expertise, financial resources, access to large scale advanced research facilities and international mega-science projects, cross border training opportunities for (i) strengthening nationally important on-going research programs, (ii) accelerating institutional and human capacity building vital to India becoming a global player in knowledge based economy (iii) reflecting on global practices relevant to technology and innovation based demands and infrastructural requirements;
  
• Promoting international initiatives which may reflect India’s leadership in empowering developing countries in S&T.
  

3. During the year , DST along with its counterpart agencies in other countries, regional bodies and international organizations, co-sponsored/undertook a spectrum of cooperative actions such as : (i) Exploratory scientific and ministerial missions; (ii) Joint workshops; (iii) New bilateral mechanism for joint research and technology development with co-investment of resources including financial; (iv) Joint research projects; (v) Joint Research and Development (R&D) Centres, (vi) Networking of centres of excellence; (vii) Utilization of large scale research facilities abroad; (viii) Advanced training fellowships;
(ix) Participation in international mega-science projects.

S&T Agreements

4 new S&T Cooperation Agreement were signed with Austria and EU at New Delhi in November 2007; The Hellenic Republic (Greece) on 26th April, 2007; MOU with Spain on 12th June, 2007.

New Framework For S&T Cooperation

• New working arrangements with Russian Foundation for Basic Research: The new arrangement would help in providing access to all Russian institutes and universities whereas existing programme (ILTP) was limited to the institutes belonging to Russian Academy of Sciences. 82 proposals for joint R&D projects and 8 proposals for workshop have been received against the First joint Call for proposal issued under this arrangement. Out of this, around 25 joint projects are to be implemented by the scientists of both countries during next two years.
• The Program of Cooperation (POC) between DST and CONACYT, Mexico was signed in November, 2007 for 2007-2010. The POC allows undertaking Joint R&D Projects, Exploratory Visits, Joint R&D Workshops, Training etc.
• The Indo -Brazil Joint Call for proposals between DST and CNPq of Brazil was issued first time. Over 45 Joint Project Proposals have been received which are under evaluation by the two sides.
• An MOU for Cooperation in the field of Science, Engineering and Technology was signed between the Department and Iowa State of USA. The MOU was signed by Dr. T. Ramasami, Secretary, DST and Ms. Patty Judge Lt. Governor of the State of Iowa on December 13, 2007 at Des Moines, Iowa.
• The Department and the Commonwealth of Virginia State of USA have agreed to sign an MOU for Cooperation in the field of Science, Engineering and Technology. It is proposed to be signed in first quarter 2008.
• The Program of Cooperation (POC) in the field of Science and Technology for 2008-2010 has been agreed between DST and CONCYTEC of Peru. It is proposed to be signed in January/Feb, 2008. The POC allows undertaking Joint R&D Projects, Exploratory Visits, Joint R&D Workshops, Training etc between the two sides.
• Handling of Canada programme through GITA
• New MOUs on establishment of Indo-Russian Lasers & Accelerator Centre, Non-ferrous Metallurgy Centre and Biomedical Technology Centre.
• Letter of Intent with Hungarian National Authority for Research (NKTH) for a dedicated funding of • 1 million towards bilateral scientific programmes.
• Memorandum of Understanding with Canadian Light Sources, Saskatoon for bilateral scientific cooperation.
• With the constitution of India-UK Science and Innovation Council at the Ministerial level, bilateral cooperation has picked up momentum. A new orientation has been given with major focus on specific areas of Nano science & technology; Biotechnology including Stem Cell Research; Telecommunications; Climate Change and Weather Forecasting; and New Energy including Hydrogen energy.
• DST-UK India Education and Research Initiative (DST-UKIERI) has been developed to provide support to joint research projects under “Standard Awards” and “Major Awards”. Under Standard Award Category, 13 Indo-UK joint projects have been agreed for implementation w.e.f. April 2008. It has also been agreed to support 3 joint projects in the Major Award category.
  

Figure 6.1: Signing of MoU for establishment of Indo-German S&T Centre in India by Shri Kapil Sibal, Hon’ble Minister for S&T and ES and Dr Annette Schavan, Federal Minister for Education & Research in presence of Indian Prime Minister and German Chancellor

• An MoU was also signed on 30th October 2007 between DST and Lindau Foundation for participation of young India researchers in the annual meeting of Nobel Laureates & Students in Germany. The MoU was signed by Secretary DST and Chairman, Lindau Foundation. Under this MoU, India will depute 25 young Indian researchers each year for the meeting of Nobel Laureates & Students and the expenses shall be shared by DST, Lindau Foundation and German Research Foundation (DFG).
• Indo-Swiss Executive POC for the period 2008-2011 was concluded in Nov 2007. Each side has agreed to allocate funds to the tune of 2 million Swiss Franks each year for next 4 years. The support will be available for joint research projects in basic and applied research (industrial R&D projects), creation of joint Centres of Excellence, Joint utilization of Facilities etc.
• Under DST-KEK Collaboration, a letter of Intent was signed with Photon Factory, KEK to fabricate an India e-beam line at KEK with joint efforts of Indian and Japanese experts. A DPR is expected to be finalized soon and an MoU would be signed subsequently.
• India-European Union Coordinated (Joint) Call for Proposal in Computational Material Science: Within the framework of the EU-India S&T Cooperation Agreement. The European Commission and DST worked towards finalization of India-EU Coordinated (Joint) Call in Computational Materials Science. Identified India-EU Research Projects will be funded out of Euro 5 Million from EC and similar level of funding from DST.
  

• Shri Kapil Sibal Minister for Science, Technology and Earth Sciences chaired one of the sessions namely, “S&T for Development-Emerging & Inherited Challenges” of the UNESCO Ministerial Round on S&T for Development held at Paris, November 26-27, 2007 as a special event during the 34th UNESCO General Conference. The event aimed at identifying the priority needs to guide and inspire UNESCO action and budgetary allocation in S&T, in view of launching of UNESCO Medium Term Strategy 20082013.
• Hon’ble Minister for S&T and ES led the Indian delegation for the meeting on Climate Change held at Bali during January 7-8, 2008.
• Visit of Secretary DST to Ukraine for the meeting of India Ukraine Joint Science & Technology Committee (October 2007)
• Visit of Dr. T. Ramasami, Secretary DST to Australia for the meeting of India Australia Joint Science & Technology Committee (March 2008)
• Visit of Indian delegation led by Professor CNR Rao, Chairman, SAC-PM to Russia in October 2007 for ILTP Joint Council. Delegation included Secretaries of DST and DIT and eminent Indian scientists.
• Visit of Indian delegation led by Dr P Chidambaram, PSA to Canada for discussion on cooperation with Canadian Light Sources
• Visit of Hon’ble Minister to Australia in February 2008
• Visit of Secretary, DST to Belgium in September 2007 for first meeting of the Joint S&T Committee.

• A high level delegation from Germany led by Dr Angela Markel, German Chancellor paid an official visit to India on 30th Oct 2007. Federal Minister for Education & Research was also part of this high level delegation. The German Federal Minister had bilateral discussions with Hon’ble Minister for S&T and ES and discussed ways and means to further enhance the scope of Indo-German S&T Programmes particularly developing major projects in environmental technologies and security research
• Call on visits of Canadian Premiers of the provinces of Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec with Hon’ble Minister for S&T and ES for strengthening bilateral cooperation.
• Call on visit of New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister and Minister in charge of Tertiary Education with Hon’ble Minister for S&T and ES for strengthening bilateral cooperation.
• Call on visit of Hon’ble Minister of Strategic Planning of Federal Republic of Brazil with Hon’ble Minister for S&T and ES for exploring the areas of co-operation of social relevance to the two sides.
• Call on visits by ministers of France, Nepal, Norway, Srilanka, Cerbia and US Health Secretary for discussing bilaleral cooperation.
• Prof. M.M. Ritzen, President of the University of Maastricht, Netherlands accompanied by a delegation visited India from 21st – 26th August, 2007 to explore the possibilities of cooperation in research.
• Ms. Maria Luisa Revilla, Adviser, Department of Education and Culture, Office of Spanish Prime Minister visited DST on 9th October, 2007 for discussions on strengthening S&T cooperation.
• Call on visit of a delegation of Presidents of American Universities with Hon’ble Minister for S&T and ES for identifying avenues of mutual cooperation.

• 20 years of successful implementation of Integrated Long Term Programme of Cooperation in Science & Technology between India and Russia (ILTP) was celebrated in Moscow during the 14th Session of ILTP Joint Council meeting on October 11-12, 2007. Most of the Indian and Russian ILTP area coordinators and Centre Coordinators participated in the function. A publication on 20 years of Accomplishments was jointly released.
• Visit of Indian delegation on Photonics to Canada for discussions on bilateral scientific cooperation during September 2007.
• Under DST–JSPS Exploratory visit Programme, 18 Indian scientists visited Japan and 7 Japanese scientists in the areas of Material Science, Manufacturing Science, Modern Biology & Biotechnology, Astronomical and Space Science, Molecular Sciences and Surface & Interface Sciences visited India. The exchange visits of scientists helped in developing networking and formulating new joint projects on mutually agreed topics.
• As a follow-up of the recommendation made at the First Meeting of the Indo-Chinese Steering Group, set up at the Ministerial Level, a series of one-to-one Meetings between the Nodal Officers in each of the five topics were held in Beijing during November/December 2007. The areas covered include:- i) Nanoscience and technology; ii) Climate change and weather Forecasting; iii) Biotechnology including Nan-Bio; iv) Seismology and Earthquake Engineering. The recommendation of these Nodal Officers will be taken up at the next Meeting of the Joint S&T Committee.
• Delegations from India and Iceland visited each other to discuss Cooperation on Earthquake Precursor Research. A Joint workshop was organised at Hyderabad to discuss detailed project Report.

S&T Events In Partnership With Indian Industrial Associations

• Global Conference India R&D 2007: Innovation – Advantage India

Third International Conference India R&D 2007: Innovation – Advantage India was organized in association with FICCI on 5-6 December 2007 (Figure 6.2). Hon’ble Minister, Shri Kapil Sibal, inaugurated the Conference & Exhibition. In his Inaugural Address, he mentioned the huge responsibility before Indian innovators in finding low-cost solutions to the problems faced by India. He pointed out that one of the ways is to help devise innovative technologies to boost farm production and bring the huge rural population into the mainstream. He emphasized the need to build institutes of excellence in partnership with Industry to enable India to move up the value chain and meet global competition. This challenge has to be met by the policy makers by freeing academia from government control; he said and urged the private sector to invest a lot more in R&D as a business, not as a cost-centre as at the heart of 8%-9% growth was investment in R&D.

Figure 6.2: Inauguration Global Conference India R&D 2007: Innovation – Advantage India

• Technology Summit, New Delhi with Belarus as partner country, organized with CII and GITA, November 2007: Belarusian companies were invited to participate in Technology Summit, which was held at New Delhi during 15-18 November 2007.
  

Joint S&T Committee Meetings

I. The fourteenth Session of the Indo-Russian Joint Council for the implementation and coordination of the Integrated Long-Term Programme (ILTP) of Cooperation in Science and Technology was held in Moscow during October 11-12, 2007. The Indian and Russian delegations were led by Professor C.N.R. Rao, Chairman, Scientific Advisory Council to the Prime Minister and Academician GI Marchuk, Institute of Numerical Mathematics, Moscow. The Council reviewed on-going activities and also discussed future form of ILTP. The Joint Council reviewed over 110 ongoing ILTP projects and recommended 74 of these projects for continuation. 50 new project proposals were considered for collaboration and inclusion of 33 new projects in the programme was approved. Indian side conferred Diamond Jubilee Professorships on to four eminent Russian scientists, Academician GI Marchuk, Academician Yu S Osipov, Academician OM Belotserkovsky and Academician FA Kuznetsov.

II. Third meeting of Indo-Russian Working Group on Technology was held at Moscow on October 5-8, 2007. It was agreed to have two separate Working groups on “Science & Technology” and “Information & Communication Technologies”.

III. First meeting of the Indo-Tajik Joint S&T Committee was held in Dushanbe during August 1011, 2007. Road map for strengthening bilateral cooperation was worked-out.

IV. Fifth Meeting of the Indo-Bulgarian Joint Committee for Science and Technology was held in New Delhi on November 12, 2007. The meeting was co-chaired by Dr. T. Ramasami, Secretary, DST and Dr. Mrs. Vania Dobreva, Deputy Minister of Education & Science, respectively. Continuation of 24 ongoing projects was approved. 9 new projects were approved for joint implementation.

V. The fourth meeting of the Inter-Governmental Indian - Belarusian Committee on Co-operation in Science and Technology was convened on April 15-16, 2007 in New Delhi. Dr. T Ramasami, Secretary, DST and Mr. Vladimir E. Matioushkov, Chairman of the State Committee on Science and Technology of the Republic of Belarus co-chaired the meeting. 23 joint R&D projects were recommended for continuation.

VI. The 2nd session of the Indo-Croatian Joint Science & Technology Committee was held in New Delhi on 17-18 May 2007. Shri Y P Kumar, Adviser & Head (IC), DST and Dr. Radovan Fuchs, Assistant Minister for International Cooperation, Government of Croatia co-chaired the meeting. The Joint Committee worked upon the guidelines for development of industrial R&D programme, which was launched subsequently. 12 joint project proposals have been received, which are being evaluated jointly.

VII. Fifth Meeting of the Indo - Ukrainian Joint Committee for Science and Technology was held in Kyiv during October 23-24, 2007. The meeting was co-chaired by Professor Andriy Gurzhiy, First Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine, and Dr. T. Ramasami, Secretary, DST. Committee approved 11 new projects for implementation.

VIII. 3rd Meeting of Indo - Brazil Science Council was held at Rio de Janeiro Brazil during May 3031st, 2007. The Meeting was co-chaired by Prof. C.N.R. Rao, Chairman SAC-PM and Prof. Jacob Palis, President, Brazilian Academy of Sciences from Brazilian side. The Council finalized and approved the scientific program for 2007-08. It was also agreed to issue the Joint Call for Proposals shortly.

IX. The 11th Meeting of the India-Japan Science Council (IJSC) was held in New Delhi on 29-31 January, 2008. The council reviewed the ongoing programme and finalized activities for 20082009. 26 proposals in the areas of Material Science, Manufacturing Science, Modern Biology & Biotechnology, Astronomical and Space Science, Molecular Sciences and Surface & Interface Sciences have been agreed for implementation during 2008-09.

X. Meeting of the Indo-French Joint Committee on S&T was held in Delhi and a new Inter governmental Programme of Cooperation in Science & Technology (POC) between India and France was signed. Support was continued to joint Indo-French Laboratories on Organic Synthesis, Indo-French Institute of Mathematics and Solid State Chemistry; Joint workshops on Organic Synthesis, Nano-biotechnology, Innovation, Computer Science. Research Network programme in the areas of water, laser and optical fiber & communication have been initiated. Meetings were held to establish an Indo-French Institute on Water Technology.

XI. Meeting of the Joint working group with South Africa was held in Delhi in April, 2007.

XII. The first meeting of the India-Sweden Joint Working Group on S&T was held and a POC was signed with VINNOVA.

XIII. Meeting of India-Thailand Joint Commission took place in Bangkok during September, 2007. The Meeting took note of status of S&T cooperation. Following the conclusion of a Programme of Cooperation between DST and the Thailand Ministry of Science and Technology, 24 joint research proposals have been received and are at various stages of processing. It is expected that around 12 proposals will be ready for implementation.

XIV. A Memorandum of Understanding was concluded between the India-Taipei Association (ITA) and Taiwan Economic and Cultural Centre (TECC) at Taipei on 18 April, 2007. The identified topics cover i) Nano-science and technology; ii) Functional Genomics; iii) Earthquake engineering-Retrofit of Buildings; iv) Organic Chemistry; and v) Utilization of Synchrotron Radiation Facility in each others country. First Meeting of the India-Taipei Joint S&T Committee took place in Taipei on 19 December, 2007. A 3-member Indian Scientific Team participated in the deliberations.

XV. The seventh meeting of the Indo-Chinese Joint S&T Committee was held in Beijing. A Programme of Cooperation was drawn for implementation during the next 2 years.

XVI. The first meeting of the India- Norway Joint Working Group on S&T was held and a POC was discussed with the Norwegian Research Council in Delhi during June, 2007 to initiate collaborative activities.

XVII. Two Meetings of India - ASEAN Working Group were held separately in India and Indonesia. Aspects relating to Science and Technology were covered in the deliberations. Apart from implementation of Training Programmes in Information and joint project on Thermally Sprayed Coatings, significant outcome have been in the form of :

i) Creation of ASEAN-India Science and Technology Development Fund with contribution of around Rs. 20 million each from DST and MEA;

ii) Organisation of Children’s Science Congress with participation of ASEAN/ ASEAN Member States;

iii) A Newsletter on Advanced Materials is to be brought on a regular basis.
The project proposals to be supported under the Technology Development Fund relate to i)
Setting up of a Technology Innovation and Commercialisation Centre; ii) Setting up of Institute of Intellectual Property Rights; iii) Programme to Create networks on Food Security in the ASEAN Region

XVIII. 4th Meeting of India-EC Science & Technology Steering Committee was held at New Delhi on November 8, 2007. It was co-chaired by Dr. T. Ramasami Secretary DST and Dr. Jose Manuel Silva Rodriguez, Director General Research European Commission. This meeting accorded its approval on:

• Renewal of India-EC S&T Cooperation Agreement Draft Text for another five years 20072012 to allow continuity in the scientific and technological relations/cooperative actions between India and the European Union in line with impetus and strategic direction given especially by India-EU Ministerial Science Conference in India (Feb. 7-82007);
• Dialogue with EC Research & Enterprises Directorate to prepare for 2008 India -EU Strategic Workshop in India on European best practices and experiences on innovation networks and centres especially in fields such as advanced manufacturing practices-automobiles; biomedical sciences, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals; nanotechnology. Such an insight will augment Indian initiatives on innovation clusters, innovation-incubation centres etc.
• May 2008 India-EU Strategic Workshop on New & Renewable Energy Research Cooperation with focus on: (i) Affordable priced solar photovoltaic products/ systems; (ii) Conversion of urban municipal and industrial waste into energy; (iii) Solar photovoltaic systems using new alternate materials; (iv) Solar thermal system based electricity generation; (v) Advanced biomass gasification; (vi) Hydrogen energy production, storage and transport related applications.
• Finalization of 2008-2009 India-EU Joint (Coordinated) Call in New & Renewable Energy.
• Establishment of India-EU Portal for uploading active researchers, their domain of specialization, their recent past collaborative research projects undertaken at behest of EC/ EU Member States / GOI