EU-India Research Day Showcases Collaboration Opportunities

The European Research Day took place on November 3, 2023, in Bhubaneswar, India, at the Mayfair Convention. This event, organized in collaboration with the delegation of the European Union to India and EURAXESS India, highlighted the strategic partnership in research and innovation between the EU and India. The initiative aims to present opportunities for Indian students and researchers to engage in prestigious fellowships and collaborative projects with the EU and its member states.

Targeted at the academic community in Bhubaneswar, the event featured discussions on funding opportunities available under Horizon Europe. Specific topics included EU-India co-funding calls, grants from the European Research Council, and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions. The gathering allowed attendees to connect directly with officials from Czechia, France, Germany, Hungary, and the Netherlands, who emphasized bilateral cooperation and career development in research.

The event commenced with a welcome address by Pierrick Fillon-Ashida, First Counsellor at the EU delegation to India. Following this, Prof. Mrutyunjay Suar, Director General of R&D and Innovation at KIIT University, delivered a keynote speech. Participants were treated to testimonials regarding EU fellowships and ongoing collaborations between the EU and India, which showcased the extensive support available for researchers.

During the event, representatives from various EU countries exhibited research, innovation, and study opportunities available in Europe. The discussions highlighted the importance of these collaborations in fostering a robust research environment.

The event concluded with remarks from Namrata Misra, CEO of the Bhubaneswar City Knowledge Innovation Cluster, and Samrat S Kumar of EURAXESS India. A networking session followed, allowing for further engagement among participants and facilitating dialogue on future collaborations.

The European Union, comprising 27 countries, represents the world’s second-largest economy and a population of over 447 million, following China and India. Despite the diversity of its member states, the EU upholds core values of peace, democracy, rule of law, and respect for human rights.

As the EU remains a vital destination for higher education and research, nearly 100,000 Indian students are currently pursuing their studies across various EU nations. The EU-India collaboration is poised to continue growing, providing valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange and career advancement for researchers and students alike.