Media Release

Bangalore, Nov 16: “The Indo-German relations have grown considerably over the last six decades, especially in scientific cooperation aiming to serve the welfare of the people. Both countries are now emphasizing to promote international research cooperation to benefit human health,” said Hans-GuenterLoeffler, Deputy Consul General of Germany in Bangalore.

Loeffler addressing media persons at the inauguration of International Humboldt Kolleg on “Bench to bedside translational research: Potential benefits of interdisciplinary collaboration” beingorganized by Clinical Embryology department of Manipal University with support from Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Germany and German Consulate General, Bangalore, said it is known to the world how much India has progressed and Germany was keen for more mature partnership in science and research.

Interdisciplinary research benefits all and it is possible for both countries to improve the speed and efficiency of transfer of knowledge between basic research, which is very strong in Germany and India, clinical research and application,” he said.

One ministry alone in Germany, the ministry of education and research, spends 5.5 billion Euros to promote cooperation between universities, institutions and industry focused on centres for health all over Germany for most important diseases, cancer, cardiovascular, diabetes etc.

The Humboldt Foundation is a non-profit organization established by the Federal Republic of Germany to promote international research cooperation. It enables highly qualified foreign scholars to have long-term association with German institutes. Earlier recipients of this award include Noble laureates, philosophers and well-known scientists. Humboldt Foundation sponsors Humboldt Kollegswhich is primarily aimed at conducting interdisciplinary meetings to address key research problems.

“Germany is a potential hub for advanced research. Many research and funding organisations offer excellent funding opportunities and ideal conditions for foreign scientists in all fields,” said professor Micheal Bader from Berlin who was a plenary speaker in the Kolleg.

“The very idea of holding the ‘Humboldt-Kolleg’ is that it provides a platform for young researchers and experienced scientists from different disciplines to interact, discuss and find out commonalities among their research interests. These meetings make the base for a long term scientific interaction and especially students are benefited. More than one hundred eminent scientists from top universities and research institutes in Germany and India are participating in the meeting” said Dr Satish Adiga, convener of the conference and a Humboldtian at KMC Manipal.

“The Kolleg offers a great opportunity to learn and discuss how India, Germany and other countries are involved in translating experimental research to clinical applications,” said Dr Vinod Bhat, Pro Vice Chancellor of Manipal University in his presidential address.

National Research professor and Padma vibhushan awardee Dr M S Valiathan, highlighted the need of translational research to benefit patients in his keynote address. 

Dr Sudhakar Nayak, Associate Dean of KMC Manipal welcomed the gathering and Dr Guruprasad Kalthur, associate professor in Clinical Embryology proposed vote of thanks.