The University of Leeds has strengthened its academic connections with India through a series of collaborations across the country.
Research and student education alliances ranging from medicine, biotechnology, social sciences and engineering have been agreed on a visit to New Delhi led by the vice chancellor and president, professor Shearer West.
The university’s activities in India have seen increasing growth over the past 25 years, now including academic exchanges and research initiatives designed to address global issues, the University of Leeds reports.
Memoranda of understandings (MoU) signed included partnerships with Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research, the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Regional Centre for Biotechnology and the University of Delhi.
The collaboration reflects the growing importance placed on India within the university’s international strategies.
Professor West said: “I am pleased to have led a delegation to India so early in my time as vice-chancellor and president at Leeds.
“India has developed an ambitious international higher education strategy, and we have unique opportunities to deepen existing partnerships and develop new ones.
“Our university’s strengths in research and innovation – especially in relation to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, health tech and social sciences – strongly align with those of our Indian partners. We also plan to develop new joint research and teaching programmes and opportunities for students to study overseas.
“The collaborations formed and renewed here are built on mutual respect, academic excellence and a commitment to tackling shared challenges.”
The June visit saw the renewal of a long-standing partnership between the Birla Institute of Technology & Science Pilani and Leeds’ faculty of engineering and physical sciences, with plans to expand collaboration in both research and student education.
An MoU signed with the Regional Centre for Biotechnology will promote joint research in fundamental science, alongside a potential companion agreement linking the Regional Centre for Biotechnology’s Bio-incubator with the University of Leeds’ Nexus innovation hub.
Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation with Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research, especially in antimicrobial resistance, public health and community engagement initiatives.
The visit also provided an excellent platform to engage Indian alumni, gathering valuable insights to increase Leeds’ influence and support philanthropic activities.
Featured image via Canva
