New Delhi: The Natural Environment Research Council of the UK (NERC) and the Earth System Science Organization, Ministry of Earth Sciences of India (ESSO-MoES) have decided to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for collaborative research. The two esteemed research organizations have agreed to this initiative in order to facilitate co-operation between the UK and Indian earth system science and environmental research communities.
Apparently, the UK and India share mutual interest as well as strengths in research on various disciplines such as meteorology, climate variability and change, oceanography, hydrology, cryosphere, natural hazards and biodiversity. Hence, this new MoU will support the alliance in these areas by promoting sharing of information and knowledge. Besides, it will also help them to identify new prospects for collaborative activities such as networking, exchange of scientific and technical capability, and co-funding new research through joint calls.
Speaking on this occasion, Shri S. Jaipal Reddy, the Union Minister for Earth Sciences and Science & Technology, stated that the MoU will certainly strengthen the strong bond shared between ESSO and NERC. He went on to explain that this kind of joint venture will help both the countries to improve the forecasting capability of various weather and climate related phenomena and natural hazards, through sharing of knowledge, expertise and experience.
On the other hand, Mr. Phil Newton, head of the UK delegation, expressed his joy by commenting that this MoU will serve as mark of their commitment to work strategically in addressing some of the biggest challenges in future. Over the last two years NERC and ESSO-MoES have built a strong partnership to support collaboration between UK and Indian scientists to address issues related with environmental change.
