Edinburgh University goes to India for world health conference

Global health issues are currently being addressed at a symposium in Bangalore, India, organised by the University of Edinburgh, the Indian Institute for Science and the National Centre for Biological Sciences.

The symposium, which began on 16 January, brings together scientists from Edinburgh and India who conduct research into areas such as autism, stem cells, infectious diseases and memory loss.

Prof Stephen Hillier, Vice Principal International at the University of Edinburgh told The Journal: “This conference is a great opportunity to bring together internationally renowned life scientists from Edinburgh and Bangalore who are conducting vital work to address the world’s problems. By pooling our intellectual and human resources, we can significantly impact standards of living worldwide.”

The groundwork for this scientific exchange was laid last year after what Prof Hillier described as a “highly successful meeting”, one that also saw the opening of Edinburgh University’s liaison office in Mumbai.

Whilst encouraging scientific corporations that aim to tackle global concerns such as environmental problems, economic development and health issues, the partnership also opened up opportunities for academic exchange.

“Edinburgh University has had a long tradition of academic bonds with India”, Prof Hillier told The Journal.

“If there is a single student who wants to spend time in India, we can arrange that. There are scholarships available for students coming from India to Edinburgh and Edinburgh students who would like to go to India.”

Edinburgh University has been the home to many scholars with links to India, including William Robertson, author of one of the earliest European texts on Indian commerce and culture, and Victor Kiernan, who is known for his translations of the poetry of Faiz Ahmed Faiz and Mohammed Iqbal.

The University also hosts the principal academic unit in Scotland dedicated to the study of India - the Centre of South Asian Studies.

The Centre links together educational and cultural groups in South Asia and Scotland, and has bonds with the Scottish Parliament and a number of NGOs.