ICRISAT signs MoU with Philippine science scribe assn

Hyderabad, Jan 16 (UNI) The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and the Philippine Science Journalists Association Inc (PSciJourn) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to forge partnership, cooperation and coordination on matters relating to innovative agricultural research and capacity building for sustainable development.

ICRISAT Director General William Dar and PSciJourn President Angelo Palmones signed the MoU in Quezon City in Philippines recently, a release here said.

PSciJourn is a non-stock and non-profit association of science journalists, science and technology (S&T) communicators and advocates committed to create a science consciousness and culture in Philippines.

It supports public and private efforts in developing a science-oriented citizenry by promoting public awareness, understanding and appreciation of S&T. PSciJourn creates a pool of science journalists, and works out training and scholarships programmes for S&T journalists.

Under the MoU, ICRISAT and PSciJourn have agreed to undertake joint activities aimed at increasing the level of people's awareness in innovative agricultural research and capacity building for sustainable development to attain scientific excellence and relevance in agriculture in the semi-arid tropics, and in the Philippines.

Both organisations would promote a higher level of S&T consciousness and understanding among media practitioners in the Philippines. Specifically, they will jointly undertake activities that include development of media releases, media seminars, trainings, conferences, workshops and roundtable discussions.

They will map out a work plan containing proposals and details of projects and activities to implement the MoU.

Meanwhile, in the same event, new set of officers and members of the board directors of PSciJourn were inducted into the office.

UNI VA JJ AK KP1646