Timed around the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the visit highlights the role of women in UKRI-supported programs in India.
Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser, Chief Executive of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), is on an official visit to India, aiming to define the future trajectory of UKRI-India collaboration.
Timed around the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the visit highlights the role of women in UKRI-supported programs in India.
On Monday, Professor Leyser co-hosted a roundtable with Professor Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of India’s Department of Science and Technology (DST). The meeting brought together senior representatives from key Indian research and innovation bodies, including the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), the Department of Telecommunication (DoT), the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
Strengthening UK-India CollaborationDuring the roundtable, UKRI and Indian partners reaffirmed their commitment to working together on critical issues such as renewable energy, climate change and its impact on food security and infrastructure, and the role of social sciences in fostering resilient futures. The discussions underscored the importance of sustainable growth, both domestically and globally.
Participants also explored new models for collaboration, including initiatives to accelerate the commercialization of innovative products and strengthen UK-India people-to-people links. The roundtable emphasized the need to embed inclusivity in research and innovation, with UKRI and Indian institutions pledging to create a more accessible and supportive funding environment.
A significant outcome of the meeting was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UKRI and ICSSR to advance joint social sciences research priorities. Additionally, Professor Leyser and Professor Karandikar announced two new UK-India research projects under the UKRI-DST Future Telecoms program, aimed at advancing next-generation connectivity solutions.
Speaking at the meeting, Professor Leyser emphasized the crucial role UKRI India plays in fostering partnerships with Indian institutions.
“I am delighted that UKRI and our Government of India partners are deepening our long-standing and fruitful partnership over the next five years. This will allow us to explore new ways of working on research and innovation questions of mutual interest while strengthening our collaborations across India,” said Professor Leyser.
Professor Karandikar echoed this sentiment, stating, “We have built a strong partnership with UKRI. We are committed to enhancing this collaboration and driving an inclusive innovation ecosystem to address global challenges and build a brighter future for all.”
Celebrating Women in ScienceIn addition to high-level meetings, UKRI will celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science on February 11 in partnership with the British High Commission. Professor Leyser will host a panel discussion featuring UKRI-funded women researchers contributing to UK-India projects. On this occasion, UKRI India will launch a video titled ‘Why Science Needs Women Like Me,’ emphasizing the importance of women’s participation in research and innovation.
To further support diversity and inclusion in research collaborations, a joint UK-India working group will be established to identify strategies for promoting equality in the research and innovation ecosystem.
With these commitments, UKRI and India continue to strengthen their research and innovation ties, paving the way for impactful scientific advancements and inclusive collaborations.
