Kerala University hosted a high-level networking event in collaboration with the European Union (EU)-India Trade and Technology Council (TTC), aimed at strengthening research partnerships under a proposed €41 million (₹394 crore) joint initiative, on Friday. The focus areas include combating marine pollution and advancing waste-to-renewable hydrogen solutions.
The visiting delegation from the TTC engaged in discussions with faculty members and experts to explore collaborative opportunities, particularly in connection with the €21 million (₹200 crore) marine pollution call co-funded by Horizon Europe and the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India.
Key topics
Key topics included identifying contact points with European Union research organisations, exploring technological interventions for marine pollutant detection, and promoting integrated research on ocean health.
Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) Vice-Chancellor in-charge Biju Kumar A. chaired the meeting. Presentations were delivered by Pierrick Fillon-Ashida, First Counsellor and Head of Research and Innovation, EU Delegation to India; Anil Kumar Vijaya, Scientist E, MoES; and Vivek Dham, Advisor, Research and Innovation, EU Delegation to India. Samrat S. Kumar, Country Coordinator, EURAXESS India (a platform linking researchers in India with Europe), moderated the discussions.
Experts from institutions including Kerala University, KUFOS, Mahatma Gandhi University, National Centre for Earth Science Studies, Centre for Water Resources Development and Management, and Nansen Environmental Research Centre (India) participated in the event. The Department of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, Kerala University, served as the host department.
