Health research in City to get a fillip

Research Councils UK and the DST India have inked deals under Newton-Bhabha Fund

Health research and treatment in namma Bengaluru is set to get big-ticket fillip, with Science and Innovation teams in India and the United Kingdom planning joint research cells in mental health and substance abuse.

The co-operation also envisages research centres in cancer biology, neuroscience and anti-microbial resistance and a global research programme on women and child health.
Research Councils United Kingdom and the Department of Science and Technology (DST) India have okayed the agreements under the Newton-Bhabha Fund, launched following several rounds of discussion.

Apart from health issues, there would be financial support for leaders in innovation and for training in taking ideas to the market.

Doctoral students will get to spend short time in the United Kingdom and India.
A joint research centre has also been planned in renewable energy technologies and extension of the programme of industrial Research &Development co-operation is being considered.

“The Newton-Bhabha Fund is a motivating factor in taking up research because of good fund support and high reputation the fund enjoys, given that it is set up in the names of two great science intellectuals in the United Kingdom and India,” a research scholar from the Indian Institute of Science pointed out.

The recent Commonwealth Science Conference, held in Bengaluru, was keen on institutionalising short-term visas for doctoral students to enable them to do groundwork in Canada or Australia, and India, for those studying in developed countries.

Scientists are keen that students do an experiment in 15 days of stay. First-hand experience of research in another country will help students cope with complex domains. An exclusive visa for research scientists has also been mooted by the Commonwealth Forum.