ICAR-CIFT had the privilege of hosting a distinguished delegation from the European Union (EU) today. The visit was part of the EU Research & Innovation Counsellor's Regional Visit to Kerala from 2nd to 5th December 2024.

The delegation was led by Mr. Pierrick Fillion-Ashida, First Counsellor and Head of Research & Innovation, EU Delegation to India, accompanied by Dr. Vivek Dham, Advisor - Research & Innovation, EU Delegation to India, and other officials. They were welcomed by Dr. George Ninan, Director, ICAR-CIFT, and Head of Divisions of the institute.

The primary objective of the visit was to explore the cutting-edge research and innovations being undertaken at ICAR-CIFT and to foster cooperation in research and innovation (R&I) between the EU, its Member States, and leading Indian research institutions. During their visit, the delegation expressed keen interest in ICAR-CIFT’s pioneering work in Marine Fisheries and Litter Management, Blue Economy initiatives, One Health and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), Sustainable Fisheries Management, Standards and Policy Support for Ocean Governance. 
The visit also included discussions on potential avenues for collaboration under ‘Horizon Europe’, the EU’s largest Research &Innovation funding program. Delegates highlighted various cooperation and funding opportunities that could benefit Indian research institutions and drive collaborative advancements in these critical areas.

Dr. George Ninan, Director, ICAR-CIFT, emphasized the institute’s commitment in promoting sustainable fisheries and contributing to the global blue economy. He expressed optimism about the synergies between ICAR-CIFT and the EU’s R&I ecosystem, particularly in addressing global challenges like marine litter, sustainable fisheries, and ocean governance.

Mr. Fillion-Ashida commended ICAR-CIFT for its contributions to fisheries technology and innovation, noting that such collaborations are vital for achieving goals on addressing global challenges and advancing objectives in sustainable development.

The visit concluded with a guided tour of the institute’s state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities, where the delegation gained first-hand insights into ICAR-CIFT’s ongoing projects and technological advancements. The EU team comprising of representatives from WAH, Netherlands, DAAD, Germany & EU Horizon have welcomed future collaboration with CIFT in promoting post-graduate research and education also.