The launch of the RCUK Office in India took place on 20 October 2008, hosted
by the British High Commissioner Sir Richard Stagg at his residence in New Delhi.
In his speech, the High Commissioner emphasised the growing importance of research
to diplomatic relations overseas and welcomed the RCUK office to the British High
Commission, where it is located.
Speeches were also made by Dr T Ramasami- Secretary to the Government of India,
Department of Science and Technology and Professor John Beddington- UK's Chief Scientific
Adviser. Professor Beddington formally launched the office by 'switching on' the
office website.
Professor Alan Thorpe, Chief Executive of the Natural Environment Research Council
(NERC), speaking on behalf of RCUK, stressed the importance of international collaboration
and warmly welcomed the opening of the office.
The evening was attended by 220 guests, including 92 UK delegates. These included
representation from all seven research councils, UK stakeholders with interest or
representation in India like British Council, Royal Society, UKTI, DIUS, SIN, DfID
and FCO. The event also saw broad Indian policy maker and academic attendance including
representation from the Department of Science and Technology, Indian Council of
Medical Research, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
and Indian Council of Social Science Research.
An informal welcome get-together at the Deputy High Commissioner Mr Creon Butler's
residence and a themed conference outlining RCUK strategic priorities in India were
held on separate days as complimentary activities surrounding the formal launch
evening.
A detailed report of the launch event, along with speeches and presentations
made on all days can be found here