UK-India Developing Talents Workshop

16-17 September 2010
National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, India

The workshop was co-organised by the RSC, the NCL and the Indian Institute for Science, Education and Research (IISER) with support from the British Deputy High Commission. 

It brought together Indian policy advisors, academic researchers and innovators, and students of the chemical sciences from the UK and India, scientists from Indian industry as well as people from various funding organisations; the British Council, Science and Innovation Network and the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India.

The developing talent workshop considered the fundamental issues in developing talent to progress the chemical sciences.  

This meeting was a high-level workshop by invitation only considering education, research and the skills required in the chemical sciences as a driver for growth.  The discussions led to the highlighting of various issues, structural, cultural and financial, which impact education, research and industry in the chemical sciences: the underlying topic was to discuss how the UK and India could collaborate more effectively to mutual benefit.  

Numerous recommendations for the future, arising from the coming together of the various stakeholders in a frank and open atmosphere have been collated in a report.  

The outcome of the workshop was to map out the context of the problem and to identify some specific actions that can be addressed through new projects which will run over the next few years.

Shortly after the workshop, Agnimitra Banerjee, an NCL student who participated at the workshop, sadly died in a tragic accident in Pune October 4, 2010. Agnimitra made a great contribution to the workshop and delegates were impressed by his enthusiasm and commitment. He spoke strongly and passionately about the role of the younger generation of Indian chemists.