Indo-U.S.
Collaboration on Expansion of Vision Research
Bethesda, MD
August 24, 2005
STATEMENT
OF INTENT
between
The Government of the Republic of India
Ministry of Science and Technology
and
The Government of the United States of America
Department of Health and Human Services
on
Indo-U.S. Collaboration on Expansion of Vision Research
Recognizing:
The strong commitment shared by the two countries to reduce the burden of
vision disability and blindness;
The launching of Vision
2020 by the World Health Organization and global partners with the common
goal of eliminating preventable and treatable blindness;
The long history of
successful research collaboration between India and U.S. scientists and
institutions in the prevention of blindness;
The scientific
accomplishments realized under previous lndo-US collaborative agreements,
including the lndo-US Science and Technology Sub-commission and the Gandhi-
Reagan Science and Technology Initiative;
The high degree of research
expertise in basic biology and clinical science in both countries, which
could make collaboration on an equal footing possible;
The agencies of the
Government of India represented by the Department of Biotechnology of the
Ministry of Science and Technology, and the agencies of the Government of
the United States of America, represented by the National Eye Institute (NEI)
within the Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS), herein-after referred to as "Parties", mutually
anticipate an expanded collaborative program of vision research.
Both parties intend to
build upon previous research cooperation by drawing on the expertise of
Indian and U.S. scientists in both public and private institutions to
identify, promote and support collaborative biomedical and clinical research
that will result in new and improved approaches to preventing visual
disability and blindness. Because of the complex socioeconomic and service
delivery issues that under gird the prevention and treatment of eye
conditions and diseases, research into health services is also necessary. In
addition to possible joint research projects, opportunities for
collaboration include: 1) organization of workshops; 2) identification of
training opportunities for researchers; 3) exchange of scientists; 4)
exchange of scientific information; and 5) exchange of biological materials.
Consistent with preliminary
discussions among scientists and administrators from both countries, it is
expected the parties could pursue the following broad scientific areas:
Epidemiological studies to
understand the genetic and environmental factors that underlie common eye diseases,. including
the genetic basis for susceptibility to environmental influences;
Genetics of inherited
retinal disorders, congenital glaucoma, cataract and other eye diseases;
Adult stem cell research,
and embryonic stem cell research in conformance with U.S. Government policy
on such research as articulated by the. President of the U.S. in 2001 for
treating eye diseases, and related policies of the Government of India;
Mechanisms of cataract
formation, and pharmacological modes of retarding the progression of
cataract;
Traditional medicine and
ethno-pharmacy research to provide clues to new drugs and related
substances; and,
Analysis and policy
formulation on the cost-effectiveness and public health benefits of new
approaches to prevent and treat vision abnormalities.
In addition to this
illustrative list of research areas, both parties may consider other vision
research topics for inclusion, in conformance with the scientific research
policies and priorities of both governments.
Activities contemplated
under this Statement of Intent should operate on a principle of reciprocity.
Both parties intend to rapidly review research proposals and protocols, as
necessary, and to assist in identifying appropriate sources of funds to
support these possible endeavors.
It is anticipated that
steps for implementing this initiative will be developed through
consultations after the Statement of Intent is signed. On the Indian side,
the Department of Biotechnology should serve as the nodal agency, with the
expectation of the involvement of other interested governmental and
nongovernmental organizations. Similarly, on the United States side, the HHS/NIH
National Eye Institute intends to serve as the nodal agency, with the
cooperation and involvement of other interested governmental and
non-governmental organizations. The parties may identify scientific
co-chairs in both countries to ensure appropriate liaison and implementation
of research collaborations.
With this Statement of
Intent, we recognize that Indo-US scientific cooperation can contribute
significantly to the prevention of visual disability and blindness in India,
the United States, and the globe. In signing this Statement of Intent, we
encourage scientists and health providers in both our countries to work
toward this goal.
Signed on the 24th day of
August 2005, at Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America.
For the Government of
the
For the Government of the
Republic of India
United States of
America..
Dr. Maharaj K. Bhan
Dr. Elias A, Zerhouni
Secretary
Director
Department of Biotechnology
National Institutes of Health
Ministry of Science and Technology. Department of Health and
Human
Services