IIT-Kharagpur, University of Leeds Collaborate for Joint Supervision of PhD Programmes

The Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IITKGP) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Leeds (UoL) to recognise the growing importance of India and a long-term partnership with the university. 

An official statement states that the goal of this partnership is to improve research and academic collaboration by working together to supervise PhD programs in the domains of biological sciences, transport studies, and civil engineering.

IIT Kharagpur was invited to participate in a team that would celebrate the University of Leeds’ 25th anniversary on June 28 in Delhi. The Joint External Supervision Agreement was signed on this momentous occasion, marking the anniversary of the University of Leeds and IIT Kharagpur’s long-standing partnership, according to the institute.  The timing of the contract is ideal for IITKGP, as it follows a 13-person team visit by teachers from IIT Kharagpur to the University of Leeds on June 4 and 6, 2024.

Under the auspices of the Memorandum of Understanding, a number of initiatives have been carried out, according to professor Rabibrata Mukherjee, dean of international relations at IIT Kharagpur. These initiatives include collaborative research projects, faculty and student exchanges, cooperative thesis guidance, etc.

Doctorate students would greatly benefit from the External Joint Supervision Agreement, which was recently established between the two Institutes to further expand their partnership. Under it, academic members from both Institutes will mentor and advise the students. The first collaboration themes that have been determined are Water and Sanitation, Chemicals and Waste, Healthcare and Well-Being, Sustainable Transport, Resilient Infrastructure, and Clean Energy for All, all of which also touch on some of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, she continued.

IITKGP has begun talks on a “Jointly Funded Bilateral Mobility Agreement” in an effort to maintain the ongoing collaboration with the University of Leeds. It is also anticipated that IITKGP will be a part of the “Joint Virtual Centre of Excellence on Sustainable Development,” which the University of Leeds is envisioning.

Apart from the aforementioned, IITKGP is also exploring the potential of taking part in the “Leeds International Partners Conference,” which is scheduled for December 2024 and will be the inaugural event for Leeds. It is anticipated that this will present IITKGP with a chance to strengthen its current partnership with the University of Leeds and make efficient use of the platform to interact with its partners and exchange knowledge on subjects of shared interest.

The University of Leeds and IIT Kharagpur’s partnership has the potential to fundamentally alter the course of research and higher education in both nations. Together, the qualities of these two elite schools will create a collaboration that will stimulate intellectual interaction, creativity, and innovation. Cutting-edge tools and a diversity of perspectives will help researchers and students, opening the door to ground-breaking discoveries and breakthroughs.

Additionally, by uniting to address global concerns, this Memorandum of Understanding will set an example for international cooperation. Biological sciences, transport studies, and civil engineering are a few of the areas where combining the expertise of both organizations would enhance the caliber of research and instruction while also aiding in the resolution of significant issues. Through this partnership, other academic institutions will be encouraged to investigate similar initiatives to fortify global academic and research networks and establish the benchmark for upcoming joint ventures.

The new collaboration aligns with the strategic goals of both organizations, which are to expand their global networks and support diverse research. The University of Leeds and IIT Kharagpur are certain that their collaboration will yield innovative discoveries and have a lasting impact on the community.