French connection

In the city as a part of the Bonjour India,Festival of France,Dr Bouree,a CNRS researcher at Ecole Polytechnique in France,has had a long association with India “I first came to the country in 1987 and have since made various trips. I am also frequently in touch with various Indian scientists,especially those in Pune and Calcutta. I believe that multiplying this contact can only bring new progress in research,” he adds. A possible research collaboration between Pune University,CMET (Center Of Materials for Electronics Technology) and Ecole Polytechnique has been proposed.

Talking about his research he explains,“We are trying to invent a better version of catalytic CVD. The technology would improve resolution and brightness in Television using less power. The only problem is that,at the moment,it is more expensive than normal field emission and LCD displays. Hence it hasn’t caught on yet. But it has limitless possibility,especially in a country like India”.

Asked about the differences between Indian and French attitudes towards science,he observes,“Indian students are more disciplined and quiet. They listen more carefully to what their professors are teaching them which is not so with the French students. I have also noticed that in India,scientists are held at a very high regard; I have seen busts of Sri Venkataraman,the Nobel Laureate in Kolkata,New Delhi,Mumbai and now Pune! Science is more beautiful in India than in Europe” he adds.

Moving to lighter topics,he expresses his interest in Architecture adding,“I am a member of the Architectural Committee of Paris where I help them design buildings which are equipped with photo voltaic cells.” He is excited about the rest of his tour,which includes Bangalore,Kolkata and New Delhi. “I came with the condition that I would be allowed to choose my own cities. I am coming to Pune for the first time and I am glad for it.”