India joins the Human Frontier Science Program Organization

HFSPO President, Professor Masao Ito comments “We are delighted that India is now a member of HFSPO. Indian scientists have already participated successfully in the grant and fellowship programs and it is excellent that India can now take an active role in the development of the Program.

This is an important recognition of the strength of Indian science and the strong commitment of the Indian government to support frontier basic research”. Professor Torsten Wiesel, Secretary General of HFSPO and Nobel Laureate adds “The membership of India brings a new dimension to the global nature of the HFSP.

The Program has expanded considerably in the last two years with the accession of Australia, New Zealand and the Republic of Korea and Indian membership substantially increases the strength of the HFSP in Asia. The strong tradition of Indian science in fields of research both within and outside biology ensures that Indian scientists will make a major contribution to the interdisciplinary science supported by the Program.”

Scientists from India will be able to take part fully in the coming research grant award cycle (application deadline April 3rd 2007) as Principal Investigators and are encouraged to take advantage of their new status to initiate international, interdisciplinary collaborations.