The Indo-German Partnership for Veterinary Education and Research (InDeVet) is an initiative to establish a network of veterinary faculties in India and Germany. It was initiated by Dr Ahmed Abd El Wahed from the Institute of Animal Hygiene and Public Veterinary Services, with significant support and political sponsorship from Dr Ramanuj Banerjee, Science Attaché of the Indian Embassy in Berlin.

The starting point for the collaboration was a memorandum of understanding between the veterinary training centres in Leipzig, Berlin and Hanover as well as in Kolkata, Ludhiana and Chennai. The aim of the workshop was to define specific research projects based on this and to organise bilateral and multilateral collaborations.

A total of 38 experts from research, education and industry from both countries came together to define new ways of working together. The event was organised under the auspices of the Indo-German Science & Technology Centre (IGSTC), which is supported by the Department of Science & Technology (DST) of the Indian government and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung, BMBF).

A special highlight was the official opening of the programme by the Indian Ambassador Ajit Vinayak Gupte in the Old Senate Hall of Leipzig University. This was accompanied by a reception by the Rector and an entry in the university’s guest book – a festive act that emphasised the strategic importance of this partnership for the future of veterinary medicine.

From vision to realisation: structures, projects and perspectives

The workshop focused on concrete structures for future cooperation. A steering committee was set up with representatives from all participating institutions. In addition, each establishment appointed fixed contact persons in order to bundle communication and coordinate projects effectively.

A monthly online seminar series has been launched to ensure long-term scientific dialogue – always on the second Wednesday of the month. In addition, a joint publication database is to be created under the leadership of a German university. A further project: the establishment of an AI database for animal health, operated by an Indian-German university cooperation.

Joint research projects are also planned – with possible funding via the IGSTC, European programmes on One Health and pandemic prevention as well as through the establishment of Indo-German Research Training Groups (IRTGs).

Another goal: the targeted promotion of young scientists. Initial exchange programmes for students and staff are to be made possible by local funding, but secured in the long term via the German Academic Exchange Service (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst, DAAD).

The planned establishment of an incubation centre that supports young researchers in the development of innovative ideas and start-ups – supported by institutions from both countries – is particularly forward-looking.