National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), the Institut Curie in Paris and the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) have signed a joint agreement on collaborative research.

The agreement will facilitate development of close cooperative and mutually beneficial relationships between the three organizations via enhanced mobility for researchers and programmes of joint multi-institutional research. It is anticipated that these collaborative efforts will be in most areas of cutting-edge biological research currently under way at these locations and also in the field of the history of science. It is an opportunity since the CNRS is also committed to supporting CNRS researchers in setting up research laboratories in collaborating institutes, the world over.

As part of the Institut Curie and NCBS scientific meetings this week, NCBS is hosting a series of events to celebrate Marie Curie's life and ongoing legacy.  A travelling exhibition Marie Curie 1867-1934, is on display from August 7-25, 2012. This exhibition marks the International Year of Chemistry (2011) and also commemorates the 100th Anniversary of Marie Curie's Nobel Prize in Chemistry (1911). The 12 panels of this exhibition trace the remarkable scientific trajectory of Marie Curie.

NCBS is a premier centre for research and teaching in frontier areas of biology covering  diverse set of subjects in several areas of modern biology ranging in scope from atomic to population level studies.

Institut Curie is a leading private non-profit foundation in Paris with activities centered on medical, biological and biophysical research and with an emphasis on specialized treatment of cancer.

According to professor K Vijay Raghavan, director - NCBS, “The CNRS is a leader in scientific excellence globally and the Curie Institute is a jewel in the world’s scientific crown. It is a great privilege for us to formally sign and announce our collaboration which are already afoot. The vibrant and friendly interactions we have had over the past few days predict a wonderful future for our collaborations.”