India, France to set up virtual institute on mathematics

India and France have decided to set up a virtual institute for applied mathematics to take up joint research projects in the area.

India and France have decided to set up a virtual institute for applied mathematics to take up joint research projects in the area.

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An agreement to set up the virtual institute was signed last evening between the Department of Science and Technology and the National Centre of Scientific Research (CNRS) of France.

The new initiative will have participation from six institutes from India led by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore. The University of Toulouse will be the lead institute from France.

Besides the initiative in mathematics, the two sides also signed agreements to renew cooperation in the field of immunology and informatics.

"We have signed agreements with the Indian counterparts to set up a joint unit in mathematics in Bangalore and two international associated labs in informatics and immunology to strengthen scientific collaboration between the two countries," CNRS Director-General Joel Bertrand said in New Delhi.

The three projects will be funded equally by Paris-based CNRS and the Departments of Science and Technology, and Biotechnology.

"Each side will contribute Rs five crore towards the initiative," Thirumalachari Ramasami, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology said.

The funds would be spent over the next four years on joint research projects in mathematical sciences, exchange visits, he said.