On July 16, 2026, a delegation from the French Consulate, Bengaluru, visited the University of Hyderabad (UoH) to explore potential avenues for collaboration in higher education, research, and innovation, with a strategic focus on food security and natural resources management.
The French delegation was represented by Dr. Antoine Guillemet (Attaché for Scientific and Academic Cooperation), Dr. Vaibhav Sahu (Scientific Affairs Officer), Mr. Maxence Liniere (Academic Cooperation Officer) and Mrs. Agin Das, Alliance Francaise, Hyderabad. Representing the University of Hyderabad were the Vice-Chancellor In-charge, Prof. J. Anuradha, Prof. Anand Kondapi, Dean – School of Life Sciences, Prof. Samrat L Sabat, Director – Research and Development, Dr. Devaleena Mani Tiwari, UGC-Assistant Professor (FRP) at the Centre for Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences (CEOAS) Prof. Aparna Rayaprol, Director – Office for International Affairs and Dr. B R Shamanna, Associate Director – Office of International Affairs.
The session commenced with a comprehensive presentation by Prof. J. Anuradha, Vice-Chancellor In-charge. Prof. Anuradha highlighted the University’s robust facilities, cutting-edge research infrastructure, and current academic strengths. Her presentation emphasized the University’s commitment to excellence and its notable achievements in various interdisciplinary fields, providing the delegation with a clear perspective on UoH’s capacity as a collaborative partner. She talked about UoH’s long history of international academic and research partnerships.
Following this, Dr. Antoine Guillemet provided a concise briefing on the prevailing higher education landscape in France. He articulated the priorities of the French scientific and academic community and discussed the frameworks available for international cooperation. Dr. Guillemet’s insights paved the way for a productive dialogue on how French expertise in technology and sustainability can align with the research goals of the University of Hyderabad.
The core of the discussion centered on addressing global challenges, specifically:
Food Security: Developing climate-resilient agricultural methodologies and advancing food science.
Natural Resources Management: Implementing innovative strategies for water conservation, soil health, and sustainable biodiversity management.
The participants explored potential mobility frameworks, including student and faculty exchange programs. The Director, OIA elaborated upon the nature of international collaborations from the UoH end.
The meeting concluded with a consensus on the path forward. It was formally decided that both institutions will share detailed information regarding their respective priority areas of study and ongoing research. This exchange will serve as the foundation for identifying specific, high-impact projects suitable for bilateral partnership. The University of Hyderabad representatives and the French Consulate delegation committed to maintaining regular communication to translate these discussions into actionable collaborative ventures.