Carleton University has officially launched the Canada-India Centre of Excellence in Science, Technology, Trade and Policy. Unique to Canada, the centre will raise awareness of bilateral studies and public diplomacy, and develop initiatives to build a better understanding of both countries.
The launch of the centre was marked by a recent visit from Shri Sanjiv Nair, Mission Director for Geospatial Applications in India’s Department of Science and Technology. The event was hosted by Carleton President Dr. Roseann O’Reilly Runte and involved representatives from the Indian High Commission, the Government of Canada and the private sector.
“It is essential that sustainable projects follow recent official government visits to India which have opened the doors to greater collaboration and exchange,” said Dr. Runte. “As India continues to be a significant player on the world stage, it will become more important to develop greater expertise in the Canada-India relationship.”
The centre will bring together key members of the academic, business and public policy communities in both countries to provide current and comprehensive discussion, research, analysis and information on Indo-Canadian relations, with special emphasis on trade, investment, commercial relations, foreign policy, science, environment, technology and international security.
It will be associated with several faculties, and co-located within the internationally-recognized Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, the School of Public Policy and Administration and the Sprott School of Business.
The centre will provide opportunities for many co-operative ventures. Carleton has just signed a major agreement with the Birla Institute of Technology & Science (BITS) Pilani.
The agreement will allow for faculty and student exchanges, internships and joint research projects, especially in international health environment and engineering. A Carleton professor is already on site at BITS, while two of professors from BITS have been at Carleton since May.
“BITS Pilani is one of the top universities in India which is well-known for its expertise in engineering and internships,” says Randy Zadra, director of Carleton International. “There are a number of other agreements in the works with other Indian universities and businesses that will leverage the strong research expertise here at Carleton and enhance longstanding relations with Delhi and Calcutta in science and philosophy.”
The recent visit from Mr. Sanjiv was organized by Dr. Fraser Taylor, director of the Geomatics and Cartographic Research Centre (GCRC) at Carleton.
Earlier this year, Dr. Runte visited India to build support for the new centre. She will travel to India again in August to explore further opportunities for collaboration.
“Our world-renowned faculty, diverse campus community and emphasis on globalization makes Carleton the perfect location for this centre.”
For more information:
Steve Blais
Media Relations Officer
Carleton University
(613) 520-2600 ext. 1391
steve_blais@carleton.ca