IIT Goa recently organised the Indo-French Workshop on Marine Science and Technology – Collaborative Research Directions and Outcomes for India and France from 17 to 19 April 2024. The workshop was organised with the aim to energise activities that would contribute to the country’s blue economy plans. It was funded by the Indo-French Center for Promotion of Advanced Scientific Research (CEFIPRA) which is a joint Indo-French body funded by the governments of India and France. The workshop resulted in a meeting of GOAT (Goa Atlantic) partnership which is headed by IIT Goa and has several academic and research institutions from the Brest region of France. Multiple French institutions like Ecole Navale, Universite Occidentale de Bretagne (UBO), École Nationale d’Ingénieurs de Brest (ENIB), ENSTA Bretagne, Brest Technopole and companies like Exail participated in the workshop.
Highlighting the significance of the workshop, Prof. B K Mishra, Director of IIT Goa, expressed enthusiasm about fortifying collaboration with institutions in the Brest region, a hub for maritime research in France. He underscored the potential benefits for Goa’s education, research, and startup ecosystem, aligning with Government of India’s vision of the blue economy. Prof. Mishra further revealed plans for a joint master’s degree in marine science and technology under the Indo-French Bilateral Dialog, proposed during discussions in France last year.
Prof. Sharad Sinha, Head of International Relations at IIT Goa, emphasised the institute’s active engagement in international platforms such as Sea Tech Week 2022 in France. He highlighted ongoing projects with French institutions, supported by both CEFIPRA and the French Embassy in India. Prof. Philippe Maurin, Attache for Scientific and Academic Cooperation, discussed scholarship and higher study opportunities in France during the workshop.
Appreciating the workshop’s outcomes, Prof. Nitin Seth, Director of CEFIPRA, hailed the center’s role in fostering Indo-French collaboration in science and technology. He lauded discussions on joint academic programs related to the blue economy, emphasizing the potential to strengthen scientific and industry-ready manpower in both countries.
Catherine Bellis, Director of International Relations at the Ecole Navale, lauded the productive meeting between IIT Goa and academic stakeholders, including the French Naval Academy. She emphasized the exploration of mutual academic activities and perspectives in naval technologies, contributing to enhancing the India-France relationship.
The workshop culminated in the formation of the GOAT (Goa Atlantic) partnership, spearheaded by IIT Goa, comprising several academic and research institutions from the Brest region of France. Participants included notable French institutions such as Ecole Navale, Universite Occidentale de Bretagne (UBO), and Brest Technopole, alongside companies like Exail.
The Indo-French Workshop on Marine Science and Technology at IIT Goa serves as a testament to the strengthening Indo-French ties and underscores the commitment of both nations to advancing scientific cooperation for the benefit of the global maritime community.
