The memorandum of understanding was signed by representatives of Leipzig University, the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover and Freie Universität Berlin, and on the Indian side by representatives of the West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University in Ludhiana and Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University in Chennai. The main areas of cooperation under this partnership include student and lecturer exchange programmes, joint research projects and curriculum development, training programmes, technical assistance, joint conferences, publications and online platforms.
Mobile lab enables rapid diagnosis even in the most remote areas of India
Veterinarian Dr Ahmed El Wahed from Leipzig University is making the technology of his mobile suitcase laboratory available to colleagues in India. It is used for the early detection of dangerous infectious diseases in humans and animals. This innovative diagnostic tool enables rapid and accurate diagnosis of infectious diseases in environments with limited resources. Leipzig University has signed a further memorandum of understanding with the CSIR Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology in New Delhi, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi, ViNS Bioproducts Ltd in Hyderabad and Genext Genomics in Nagpur. In the future, mobile suitcase laboratories will also be manufactured in India and deployed at strategic locations, particularly in remote areas. The partnership also aims to train medical professionals in India to operate and maintain the laboratories, and to expand the laboratory’s diagnostic capabilities for common diseases in India. “The mobile suitcase lab has the potential to revolutionise the diagnosis of infectious diseases in resource-poor environments. We are delighted to be working with Indian institutions to implement and produce this technology locally to make it available to those who need it most,” says El Wahed.
“This partnership is a testament to India and Germany’s shared commitment to advancing veterinary medicine for the benefit of human and animal health. We look forward to working with our Indian partners to address the pressing challenges in veterinary education, research and practice,” says Professor Thomas Vahlenkamp, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Leipzig University. Professor Shyam Sundar Dana from the West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences adds: “The InDeVet network offers a valuable platform for Indian veterinary institutions to enter into meaningful collaborations with their German partners. We look forward to sharing knowledge, expertise and best practices to strengthen veterinary education and research in India.”
Long history of cooperation between India and Germany
India and Germany have a long history of cooperation in science and technology, research and innovation. This cooperation is further strengthened by the Indo-German Science and Technology Centre (IGSTC), which supports joint research and development projects. The InDeVet network and the mobile suitcase lab initiative build on this foundation and extend the collaboration to the fields of veterinary medicine and public health.
