Thursday, December 13, 2007
Lt. Governor Judge And Republic Of India Science Secretary Sign Research Cooperation Pact
DES MOINES – Today, Lt. Governor Patty Judge and Republic of India Science and Technology Secretary Thirumalachari Ramasami signed the "Memorandum of Understanding," (MOU) a three-year pact between Iowa and the Republic of India to strengthen to strengthen cooperation through research and development partnerships in the fields of science, engineering and technology.
"Today, two of the world's leaders in research located on opposite ends of the earth will join forces in a 21st century expedition to make new discoveries in science, engineering and technology," said Lt. Governor Judge. "This new partnership will strengthen our common efforts to innovate and discover the technology of tomorrow. It is an honor to join with our friends from the Republic of India in this international initiative."
As part of the MOU pact, Iowan and Indian researchers will:
- Exchange information onscientific meetings and help implement joint educational and scientific programs;
- Conduct joint research projects;
- Make available the use of libraries, documentation centers, archives, museums and other facilities of scientific and educational institutions;
- Create conditions for the participation of scientists from both the sides in seminars, conferences and symposia conducted on topics of mutual interest;
- Expand cooperation in specialized technology training and exchange scientific, academic and technical personnel;
- Work through academic, private sector and associations/organizations to create linkages and opportunities in both countries that could benefit either group;
- Pursue any other activity of mutual interest as the need arises and is agreed upon;
- Implement a Working Group on Scientific and Technical Relations that will meet once a year to enact shared strategies.
The MOU will be automatically extended for an additional three years unless Iowa or the Republic of India gives a written notice to end the partnership.
Professors from the University of Iowa, Iowa State University and the University of Northern Iowa also attended the agreement signing event in support the effort. In February 2006, Vilsack, Dandekar and former First Lady Christie Vilsack led a 25-member Iowa delegation to New Delhi, Mumbai and Hyderabad, India. In April 2006, a high-level science and technology delegation from India came to Iowa and met with state leaders. Both trips were organized by the Iowa Department of Economic Development.