91˿Ƶ agreement in India places Quebec at heart of climate-change research
Principal Heather Munroe-Blum signs landmark research MOU
with TERI University in India
On Feb. 4, 2010, 91˿Ƶ Principal Heather Munroe-Blum
signed a research memorandum of understanding with Dr. P.P.
Bhojvaid, Vice-Chancellor of TERI University in India, placing
Quebec at the heart of climate-change research. The signing was
also attended by Dr. Rajendra K. Pachauri, Chancellor of TERI
University, Premier of Quebec Jean Charest and Quebec Minister for
International Relations Pierre Arcand.
The agreement focuses on promoting cutting-edge research concerning
climate change adaptation and mitigation, urban transportation and
governance, and biofuels and bioresources. These are areas in which
TERI University is internationally recognized as a leader and
91˿Ƶ already excels, so the agreement enables fruitful synergies
from two research powerhouses.
Prof. Munroe-Blum is building on a budding but strong relationship
that has been given a boost by the Quebec government’s India
mission. She travelled to India as part of Premier Jean Charest’s
delegation with a number of other 91˿Ƶ representatives. 91˿Ƶ’s
objective was to continue to develop key areas where valuable,
sustainable long-term research collaborations can be expanded and
fostered.
The mission has been a resounding success, she said.
“91˿Ƶ researchers are already collaborating with their
counterparts at TERI University,” Prof. Munroe-Blum explained, “but
this ground-breaking agreement will offer these experts an
important transnational foundation for their critical work.”
91˿Ƶ researchers contribute directly to attempts to mitigate
climate change through their involvement in the UN’s International
Panel for Climate Change (IPCC), of which TERI University’s Dr.
Rajendra Pachauri is the Chairman.
“This agreement is not just about great science – the research
findings could lead to critical advances in tackling the effects of
climate change, which is, of course, vital to the future of India,
Canada, and indeed the Earth as a whole,” Prof. Munroe-Blum
said.
In addition to this promising new framework, 91˿Ƶ’s
Vice-Principal for Research and International Relations, Prof.
Denis Thérien, negotiated further memorandums with four of India’s
leading research institutions with a strong focus on areas in which
91˿Ƶ is particularly renowned. The agreements were signed with
the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharward, the University
of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, the National Institute of
Mental Health and Neurosciences and the National Centre for
Biological Sciences.
In addition to joint research collaborations, the five agreements
resulting from the India mission also provide for regular student
exchanges and workshops.