IIT Madras, University of Leeds to launch Joint Centre of Excellence in Sustainability

NEW DELHI: Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) in collaboration with University of Leeds has announced plans to launch Joint Virtual Centre of Excellence on Sustainable Development (VCoE-SD) with an aim to advance knowledge and innovation in various fields. Under this project, multidisciplinary teams capable of leading research and innovation in global challenges will be developed, the institute said.

“The network will develop a step-change in the depth and breadth of current collaboration between the University of Leeds and IIT Madras as well as consolidate existing links between Leeds academics and other India Universities working in the area of sustainable development,” the official statement read.

It also aims to facilitate the development of collaborative research projects and to jointly organise academic activities such as courses, conferences, seminars, symposia, and lectures. Moreover, it will also provide an opportunity for students and faculty exchange programmes and sharing of publications and other materials of mutual interest.

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At the agreement signing event, British deputy high commissioner to Chennai, Oliver Ballhatchet MBE said: “It was an honour to witness the signing of the MoU between IIT Madras and the University of Leeds. This partnership showcases how academic and research partnerships between the UK and India can address global challenges and create sustainable solutions. As the University of Leeds celebrates 25 years of engagement in India, this MoU highlights the enduring commitment to fostering academic excellence and driving progress that benefits both our nations and the world at large.”

Satyanarayanan Seshadri, advisor of Global Partnership at the Office of Global Engagement, and a faculty member, Department of Applied Mechanics and Biomedical Engineering, IIT Madras, said: “Leeds and IITM share a strong commitment to excellence in research and internationalisation. As a first initiative, a virtual collaborative group on various topics on sustainability is established. These faculty led activities are expected to result in significant researcher mobility, joint Doctoral/Masters programs and active participation in bi-lateral and multilateral funding opportunities for research and development”