IIT Kharagpur-Auckland University signs pact to boost research

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur and Auckland University have signed a MoU to foster academic exchange and research collaboration, faculty exchange and student mobility.

The institutes will typically explore opportunities for research in healthcare technologies, new materials, cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence, an IIT Kharagpur statement said Tuesday. This is the first strategic partnership of the University of Auckland with a higher educational institution in India.

"The SPARC programme of India is of specific interest to us. There are several research areas which are of mutual interest to both institutions and we would be deciding on the detailed areas of work leading to exchange of faculty and students," the statement quoted Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Strategic Engagement at the University of Auckland, Prof Jenny Dixon as saying.

The MoU also involves the scope of outreach centres at IIT KGP and Auckland representing various prestigious higher educational institutions of both countries. "We are the nodal institution for New Zealand for the Ministry of Human Resources Development.

We can coordinate with other institutions in the country through a joint research centre, specifically, a New Zealand Centre at IIT Kharagpur and an India Centre at Auckland," IIT KGP Director Prof P P Chakrabarti said. The two institutes will further explore possibilities of a Dual Masters and Doctoral programmes and a collaborative B Tech - M Tech Programme.

"At IIT Kharagpur, we have been striving hard to ensure global exposures to gain in-depth knowledge in core disciplines as well as expertise across disciplines are offered in collaboration with leaders in various areas of academia," Dean, International Relations, IIT KGP Prof Baidurya Bhattacharya said.

At present Indian students form the third largest student community in New Zealand's academic field with enrolments mostly in science, engineering and business.

(With inputs from agencies.)