A delegation from the European Union visited Amrita University‘s campuses in Kochi and Amritapuri on December 2 and 3, 2024, to discuss opportunities for collaboration in research, education, and innovation.
The delegation also visited the Amritapuri Ashram to meet with Amma. They exchanged ideas with her as Chancellor of Amrita University on shared values in sustainability and humanitarian efforts.
Led by Mr. Pierrick Fillon-Ashida, First Counsellor and Head of Research & Innovation at the European Union Delegation to India, the visit focused on building partnerships in artificial intelligence, renewable energy, healthcare, and sustainability.
The EU representatives introduced funding initiatives, including a €60 million (₹536 crore) fund to support joint research projects between EU and Indian institutions. Programs such as the Think Swiss Scholarships and Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships, designed to promote academic exchanges, were also highlighted.
The discussions covered key areas of collaboration. The Enterprise Europe Network (EEN), connecting institutions across 56 countries, was presented as a platform for partnerships in fields such as sustainability, women’s empowerment, food, textiles, digital innovation, and artificial intelligence.
European advancements in EV battery recycling, water management, and health technologies were shared, along with Wallonia’s initiatives from Belgium. The Netherlands’ approach to energy and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) was discussed in depth.
The Swiss delegation introduced academic opportunities, including scholarships for internships and research, as well as their “One Health” initiatives, integrating human, animal, and environmental health.
Collaboration with Germany through the DAAD network and Erasmus programs was also discussed. The EU’s EURAXESS India platform was highlighted as a valuable tool for identifying funding and collaboration opportunities.
Amrita faculty presented their work in artificial intelligence, renewable energy, sustainability, and healthcare, proposing joint research projects with EU institutions.
Dr. Vivek Dham, Advisor for Research and Innovation at the EU Delegation, emphasised the importance of such partnerships. The university expressed interest in utilising the Swiss National Science Foundation database to facilitate further collaboration.
The delegation’s visit to the Amritapuri Ashram provided an opportunity to explore cultural connections and align on goals for sustainable development and humanitarian initiatives.
To build on these discussions, Amrita plans to host an online session for its faculty to explore collaboration opportunities with EU researchers and institutions. Researchers have been encouraged to explore funding options through the EU portal and engage with upcoming EU-India programs.
