India, France joint research lab on cancer research

New Delhi, Jan 25 (UNI) India and France today agreed to set up a joint research laboratory to focus on green chemistry that would target therapeutic agents for cancer and neuro disorders.

The agreement, signed between CSIR and the French National Science Research Institute (CNRS), will also focus on protein interactions for targeting alternative drugs and biological systems.

The Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) at Hyderabad, one of the CSIR laboratories, will be implementing the programme in partnership with CNRS laboratory for Molecular Chemistry on Molecular Photonics and University of Rennes, France.

The effort will bring together researchers from these institutions to jointly explore and develop new processes and new chemical technologies with a view to creating bioactive products for the benefit of environment and human health.

The agreement was inked by CSIR Director General Samir K Brahmachari and CNRS President Catherine Brechignac in the presence of Science and Technology Minister Kapil Sibal and French Minister for Higher Education and Research Valerie Pecresse, who is part of President Nicolas Sarkozy's delegation.

On the occasion, Mr Sibal said it was a step further in bilateral cooperation in science and technology.

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