Dr. Arfi stated that IRD can offer
field training for AIT students, besides sharing of IRD laboratory
facilities. IRD would be interested in working with AIT on regional
pilot projects, he added. The delegation also expressed its willingness
to share the expertise of IRD specialists for possible engagement with
AIT in both research and academic programs.
Welcoming the delegation Prof. Sudip Kumar Rakshit, Vice-President for
Research, AIT, stated that AIT has a long history of cooperation with
the Government of France, as well as French academic and research
organizations. He stated that AIT is currently host to four seconded
faculty from CIRAD. AIT is also a
part of Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF), the global network of
French-speaking higher education and learning institutions.
Dr. Regine Lefait-Robin, IRD Representatives in Thailand and IRD Asia
Regional Coordinator, introduced IRD’s work in the region. Dr. Eric
Benefice, IRD Representative in Laos, Dr. Jean-Paul Toutain, IRD
Representative in Indonesia, and Dr. Jean-Pascal Torreton, IRD
Representative in Vietnam, also informed AIT about their respective
country related activities.
Dr. Mokbul Morshed Ahmad, Associate Dean, School of Environment,
Resources and Development (SERD), Dr. Mukand Singh Babel, Coordinator,
Water Engineering and Management Field of Study, SET and Director,
Asian Water Research and Education (AWARE) Center; Dr. Wenresti Glino
Gallardo, Coordinator, Aquaculture and Aquatic Resources Management
(AARM) field of study, SERD; Dr. Sarawut Ninsawat of School of
Engineering and Technology (SET); Mr. Olivier Drean, Coordinator,
French Cooperation, and Advisor to Administration; and Dr. Pritam
Krishna Shrestha, Head, External Relations and Communications Office
(ERCO) participated in the meeting. Dr. Lionel Dabbadie, Dr. Raphael
Duboz, and Dr. Damien Jourdain, all visiting faculty members seconded
by Centre de cooperation International en Recherché Agronomique pour le
Développement (CIRAD) also participated in the meeting.
