BITS Pilani, UK India Business Council collaborate for research, knowledge exchange, student mobility

NEW DELHI: The Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani has signed an agreement with the UK India Business Council (UKIBC) to enhance cooperation in research, academic-industry initiatives, cross-border partnerships, and international student exchange programmes.

As per the official statement, the collaboration aims to foster academic connections and create new opportunities for global knowledge sharing. The agreement was signed at the BITS Pilani, Mumbai campus city office, with attendees including Richard McCallum, CEO of UKIBC, Ramgopal Rao, group vice-chancellor of BITS Pilani, and Ashish Bharadwaj, founding dean of BITS Law School.

V Ramgopal Rao, group vice-chancellor of BITS Pilani, said, “We are thrilled to formalize our partnership with the UK India Business Council. This MoU will create pathways for our students to engage with global educational and industry standards, fostering a truly transnational academic experience.”

New initiatives to enhance student mobility

According to the official press release, this collaboration will launch new initiatives, including an annual outreach event aimed at promoting student mobility between India and the UK for BITS Pilani’s undergraduate and postgraduate students. Arun Khetan, CEO (non-academic functions) of BITS Mumbai, and Ravi Mishra, chief HR officer of BITS Pilani was also present in the meeting.

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Academic collaboration in multiple disciplines

According to the BITS Pilani official press release, the collaboration aims to promote educational opportunities, academic collaboration in engineering, computer science, deep-tech, management, law, and design. Through this partnership, BITS Pilani and UKIBC will exchange insights to foster innovation in academic and industry engagement.

Knowledge exchange and strengthening educational ecosystem

Richard (Dickie) McCallum, CEO of UKIBC, added, “We look forward to a productive relationship with BITS Pilani. This partnership will not only facilitate knowledge exchange but also strengthen the connection between the UK and Indian educational ecosystems, benefiting students and industry leaders alike."