New Delhi: The trilateral developmental initiative between India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) aims to take scientific research cooperation to next level. Further, for the purpose of attaining the desired result, the programme coordinators are mulling ways to expand the programme's reach. IBSA's intends to encourage trilateral and bilateral collaborative programs in the areas of advanced materials, energy systems, sensors, catalysis, health (tuberculosis, malaria and HIV), water treatment, agriculture and environment.
Baldev Raj, National Coordinator of India for IBSA Nanotechnology Initiative and Director, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), in his statement, has mentioned that they would like to bring in scientists in the age bracket 40-45 years, under the IBSA programme. He added that the challenge is to design a programme that would really add value to their scientific quest.
The trilateral initiative is for the promotion of Southco-operation and exchange in the scientific and technological field between India, Brazil and South Africa. India is the lead country for research projects in development of sensors and nano devices, under the broad head advanced materials. While Brazil leads in nano-structured organic and inorganic hybrid solar cells projects, South Africa is best in the areas of health and water. According to Mr Raj, South Africa will work on the new drug delivery systems that would not only reduce the amount of drug dosage but also focus on administering the drugs at specific points through nano particles.
Mr Raj also mentioned that the IBSA coordinators would also discuss the necessity of holding schools (short term programmes) for the researchers and the ways to attract good research projects under the three subjects. He said around 30 researchers in the three member countries are pursuing research activities.
