Date:11/11/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/11/11/stories/2006111115300300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Madras varsity exchanges MoU with Dutch varsity

Staff Reporter

Focus will be on research in economics and business

EXCHANGE PROGRAMME: University of Madras Vice-Chancellor S. Ramachandran, with H.H. Van Ark, Associate Dean, International Affairs, University of Groningen, the Netherlands, in Chennai on Friday. — PHOTO: R. SHIVAJI RAO.

CHENNAI: The University of Madras and the University of Groningen, the Netherlands, exchanged a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Friday for research activities.

The MoU involved exchange of scholars, faculty, students, academic information and joint research activities between the Department of Econometrics of Madras University and the Faculty of Economics and Business of Groningen University.

`Traditionally classic'

H.H. van Ark, associate dean, International Affairs, University of Groningen, said the university, founded in 1614, had 10 faculties and about 860 Ph.D. students. About half of them were foreigners. The university also conducted short certificate courses. "Both universities are traditionally classic. Our university is known for modern methods of teaching and research."

S. Ramachandran, vice-chancellor, Madras University, said from January 2007 10 students from Madras University would spend a part of their semester in Groningen University. Madras University planned to extend the exchange activities to nanoscience, nanotechnology and biotechnology. Infrastructure management and financing, with special reference to development of airports and highways, would be given preference. "Their students will spend one or two semesters and study our social organisation. Our students will take up short-term courses there."

Research areas in Madras University's Department of Econometrics include: economics of health, education, women studies, macroeconomics, economics of family, population economics, labour markets and microfinance.