Discussion

The discussion following Neureiter's presentation focused on the obstacles that prevent young scientists from being able to participate in international collaborative opportunities and ways to correct them.

Indira Nath noted that although discussion of larger issues is excellent and essential, there are smaller issues that can act as obstacles to cooperation, such as difficulties in obtaining visas. Young scientists face this obstacle in particular. This is a sensitive issue: Senior scientists in India have been fighting for government-sponsored travel fellowships for these young scientists so that they can attend international conferences. However, the recipients of these funds are frequently unable to attend because the visa process is incomplete even days before scheduled departure. Since the funds have been allocated for a certain person, they are effectively blocked because they cannot be given to another applicant on the waiting list with only one or two days left before the conference. It is unclear why applicants do not receive a timely decision on their visas. A U.S. participant expressed a common sentiment: it is unacceptable to have young people not be able to attend meetings, because it is one of the more important ways to foster collaboration.

Ganguly then made six general recommendations to advance Indo-U.S. cooperation: (1) improving partnerships by creating a unified action plan that can nurture and advance them; (2) strengthening regulations so that they are properly executed and not abused; (3) strengthening collaborations and partnerships with adequate financial and ethical architectures; (4) facilitating interaction to identify challenges and benefits, such as the MTA and visas; (5) strengthening existing agreements by examining how they worked and did not work; and, (6) creating a system in which all players, the governments, departments, institutes, and the individual scientists, can interact more fully.

Nath also added that the Global Academy of Young Scientists has been promoting young scientist academies in many countries. INSA has undertaken this initiative to establish an Indian Young Scientist Academy, to be formalized in December 2014. Members are elected from among Ph.D. students and scientists in their mid-forties. Grant also noted that in the United States there are elected societies for younger scientists.

Nath added that many of the suggestions raised at the workshop were to train younger people on biosafety or research conduct. If these younger researchers from both countries have a mechanism by which they can meet, the culture will continue to grow. This is much better than just holding training courses in one country or another.

The U.S. Global Health Security Agenda³ was mentioned and some participants pointed out that there are aspects of the agenda that have long been in existence. Nonetheless, the idea of the initiative is to consolidate U.S. activities around global health security and then promote new initiatives. One of the initiatives is to create special partnerships with many countries around activities in global health security. India has taken a global lead in this agenda, and this workshop and the type of collaboration discussed are very consistent with the goals of the program.

CLOSING REMARKS

James LeDuc noted that the vigor of the workshop discussions clearly reflects the interests of experts from both India and the United States and their commitment to strengthening and deepening cooperation. These are important issues, and the only way to make progress is to work together going forward. It is very clear that the tone of the meeting encouraged collaboration, training, and leadership development. The stage is set for real progress in the future.

Raghavendra Gadagkar stated that no one would deny that the bilateral relationships between the United States and India in all spheres, but most certainly in science, hold benefits for all involved. Such positive interaction is never one way.

Diane Griffin's remarks were focused on further concrete steps for cooperation. An INSA-NAS regional meeting, similar to this workshop, is planned for 2016, during which Indian leadership in south Asia will be a focal point for presentations and discussions.