Indian partnerships centre stage

More than 40 Edinburgh academics recently took part in events across India to encourage new research and teaching links.

Staff from all three colleges were involved in a wide range of activities, including conferences, public talks, and school visits.

Topics as diverse as clean energy, genetics, animal science, and the position of women in higher education were examined at events in Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai and in other locations.

Videos

These two films provide an insight into some of the activities that took place during the recent trip. In this first film, animal health experts from Edinburgh explain how they are working with partners in India to improve husbandry and welfare in the sub-continent, as well as protecting wildlife.

This second film features some of the students and doctors involved in an innovative Family Medicine course. Led by academics from Edinburgh's Global Health Academy, it uses online teaching methods as well as face-to-face learning to provide better healthcare in rural areas of India.

Forging new relationships

Senior staff, including the Principal, Professor Sir Timothy O’Shea, signed new agreements with a number of institutions. These agreements will complement existing partnerships that include an agreement with the Institute of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine (inStem) in Bangalore.

India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, visited the inStem centre while the Edinburgh delegation was in-country, meeting researchers who have already made significant advances in the treatment of autism and dementia.

A key conference entitled Nation Building in India, examined the role of government in relations between India and the UK, while Professor Charlie Jeffery delivered a talk to several audiences on the upcoming General Election and the aftermath of the Scottish Referendum.

The role of women and migrant workers in the Indian economy was assessed, while a major conference in Delhi saw experts from the Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, and Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) discussed the challenges facing farmers in India and how Edinburgh’s expertise could raise welfare standards and rates of production.

Colleagues from Moray House School of Education, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, Biological Sciences, and Social and Political Science were also involved in a series of lively events, organised in conjunction with various Indian partners.

A blog, detailing the various activities and events, can be found below.