IIT Kharagpur, University of Leeds collaborate for joint supervision of PhD programmes

NEW DELHI: The Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IITKGP) has signed an agreement with the University of Leeds (UoL) to establish a long-term partnership. This IIT Kharagpur-University of Leeds collaboration seeks to strengthen academic and research cooperation through the joint supervision of PhD programmes in civil engineering, transport studies, and biological sciences.

A team from IIT Kharagpur was invited to participate in the University of Leeds' 25 year celebrations in Delhi on June 28, 2024. This event also included the signing of the joint external supervision agreement, celebrating the long-standing relationship between the University of Leeds and IIT Kharagpur. The signing occurred at an opportune time for IITKGP, following a visit by a 13-member delegation of faculty members from IIT Kharagpur to the University of Leeds from June 4 to 6, 2024.

Joint virtual centre of excellence on sustainable development

In an effort to maintain ongoing collaboration with the University of Leeds, IIT Kharagpur has initiated discussions on the 'Jointly Funded Bilateral Mobility Agreement.' Additionally, IIT Kharagpur is likely to participate in the 'Joint Virtual Centre of Excellence on Sustainable Development,' which is currently being envisioned by the University of Leeds.

Leeds International Partners Conference

According to the official press release, IIT Kharagpur is exploring the possibility of participating in the 'Leeds International Partners Conference,' scheduled for December 2024, marking the first event of its kind for Leeds. This conference is expected to enhance IIT Kharagpur's collaboration with the University of Leeds, providing a valuable platform to engage with partners and share knowledge on mutually interesting topics.

Partnership to foster innovation, creativity, and intellectual exchange

According to the official press release, the collaboration between the University of Leeds and IIT Kharagpur is set to transform the future of higher education and research in both countries. By combining the strengths of these two leading institutions, the partnership will create an environment of innovation, creativity, and intellectual exchange. Students and researchers will gain from diverse perspectives and cutting-edge resources, paving the way for groundbreaking discoveries and advancements.

The university states that the combined expertise and knowledge from both institutions in fields such as biological sciences, transport studies, and civil engineering will not only enhance the quality of research and education but also contribute to solving significant issues.

Rabibrata Mukherjee, dean, international relations, IIT Kharagpur, said, “IIT KGP is excited to team up with University of Leeds to explore the diversity of academic partnership. Under the aegis of the MoU, several activities have been carried out including joint research projects, exchange of students and faculty members, joint guidance of student thesis, etc. To further strengthen the collaboration, the two Institutes now have the External Joint Supervision Agreement, which will immensely benefit doctoral students, wherein they will receive mentorship and guidance from faculty members of both the Institutes. The initial themes of collaboration that have been identified are Clean Energy for All, Sustainable Transport, Resilient Infrastructure, Healthcare and Well-Being, Chemicals and Waster, and Water and Sanitation which also address some of the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.”