Research is one of the most important fields for innovation and advancement purposes. It is necessary that students are given access to the latest technology for their research projects so as to attain optimum results. If students are given access to the best technology and supervision, it could lead to path-breaking innovations. Keeping this in mind, IIT-Delhi, one of the premier and reputed institutions in the country, has taken steps to provide students with cutting-edge technology and services from France.

What and How

The Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) is also known as the National Centre for Scientific Research. This public organization is managed by the French Ministry of Education and Research. The main mission of this organization is to promote and support research activities that benefit society. This organization has signed a MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) with Thales and IIT-Delhi to create a fellowship programme for eligible candidates.

Thales started its operations in 1953 and has over 300 employees. They have offices in many Indian cities. They have played a pivotal role in the development if India in the various fields like defence, aerospace, and transport markets.

With this fellowship programme, students will have the opportunity to conduct their research in both the countries – India and France. They will be supervised by an Indian faculty at IIT-Delhi and a French supervisor at CNRS. In the first year of the fellowship programme, 4 students will get the opportunity to conduct their research at CNRS in the fields of electromagnetics, complex systems engineering, and advanced electronics.

Expert Opinion

The Ambassador of France to India, H E Alexandre Ziegler said that France is known for its creativity and innovation capabilities and also has access to much advanced technology equipment. He also said that he was glad that Indian students want to work on their research projects in France and that he wants more students to utilize this opportunity. The fellowship programme is a sign of an excellent bilateral relationship shared by India and France.

The Director of IIT Delhi, Prof V Ramgopal Rao said that he was delighted about this opportunity that has been given to his students as it would give them good exposure to the leading technologies used in these industries. They will also get to work in some of the finest laboratories in France and India which will strengthen industry-academia relations.