French Attaché sparks a revolutionary Indo-French scientific partnership with Vet Varsity

Ludhiana, August 06, 2024: Dr. Raboisson the Attaché for Scientific Cooperation at the French Embassy in India led transformative discussions with Dr. Inderjeet Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, and university officials. The meeting, a key component of the French-led PREZODE (Preventing Zoonotic Disease Emergence) initiative, represents a major leap forward in strengthening research and academic partnerships between India and France. 

Dr. Raboisson provided an insightful overview of the Indo-French Centre for the Promotion of Advanced Research (CEFIPRA), underscoring its critical role in promoting impactful research collaborations. He highlighted the Collaborative Scientific Research Programme (CSRP), which fosters deeper academic connections between Indian and French researchers, and detailed the mobility support programs in partner countries. Key initiatives discussed included the Raman-Charpak Fellowship (RCF) for doctoral students and the DST-INRIA targeted program, both crucial for advancing collaborations in information and communication technology. Dr. Raboisson emphasized the potential for joint ventures in areas such as metabolic diseases, 'One Health' initiatives, infectious diseases, and artificial intelligence. 

Dr. Inderjeet Singh, Vice Chancellor, presented an overview of the university's cutting-edge infrastructure and diverse programs, setting the stage for future collaborations with French institutions. He advocated for strengthening academic and scientific partnerships through robust student and faculty exchange programs and increased research funding. 

Dr. JPS Gill, Director of Research, highlighted the success of a recent pilot study on "Preliminary Evaluation of Atypical Human Trypanosomiasis (a-HT) due to Trypanosoma evansi in Punjab, India," conducted in partnership with the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD). The significant results of this study, involving collaboration with Dayanand Medical College & Hospital, Adesh Institute of Medical Science and Research, and Punjab Agricultural University, received praise. Dr. L.D. Singla, the project's Director of Human Resource Management and Principal Investigator, discussed the impactful results.

Dr. Raboisson's admiration for the clinic's advanced facilities and the impressive volume of cases handled marked his visit to the Multi-Specialty Small Animal Clinic. His comprehensive tour of Livestock Farms, Centre for One Health, and College of Animal Biotechnology left a lasting impression.