Innovation, research and university-industry cooperation: A Franco-Australian dialogue at Sorbonne University

Prof. Nathalie Drach-Temam’s opening remarks welcomed the delegation and emphasized, “Our international deployment is based on strong values in the protection of the planet: oceans, global health, humanities & innovation. We attach particular importance to the Franco-Australian relationship and the trust between us. We have a strong interest in reinforcing this relationship of shared values.”

The morning was spent sharing experience and discussing public-private partnerships in the presence of the research-intensive university networks Udice (French) and the Group of Eight (Australian). Representatives from Thales, Safran, Suez and EssilorLuxottica on the French side spoke of their collaboration and the Australian companies included contributions from Airservices Australia, Origin Energy, and The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO). Topics included strategic research and technology collaborations in the fields of energy, environment and climate resilience.

his meeting is a first step intended to restore confidence between French and Australian economic actors and partnership links that unite French and Australian research universities, in a reciprocal desire to strengthen their cooperation in both countries and in the Indo-pacific region.
After this unique meeting dedicated to research and innovation, the EABC delegation will continue its meetings in Paris and in Europe with the networks of economic stakeholders.