IIT Kharagpur and University of Leeds sign MoU for joint supervision of PhD programs

New Delhi: The Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IITKGP) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Leeds (UoL) to jointly supervise PhD programs in Civil Engineering, Transport Studies, and Biological Sciences.

This partnership, which aims to enhance academic and research cooperation, was formalized during the University of Leeds’ 25-Year Celebrations in Delhi on June 28, 2024.

The collaboration will focus on addressing the growing importance of India in the global research landscape. A 13-member team from IIT Kharagpur recently visited the University of Leeds on June 4-6, 2024 to solidify this partnership. 

Prof. Rabibrata Mukherjee, Dean of International Relations at IIT Kharagpur, expressed, “IITKGP 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.”

Prof. Manuel Barcia, Dean of Global Engagement at the University of Leeds, remarked, “We are thrilled to embark on this collaborative journey with IIT Kharagpur. This MoU not only strengthens our international ties but also underscores our commitment to fostering global academic excellence. By integrating our research capabilities and academic expertise, we are paving the way for innovative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. This partnership will undoubtedly enhance the educational experience for our students and contribute to groundbreaking advancements starting with the fields of Civil Engineering, Transport Studies, and Biological Sciences. We are optimistic that as this partnership strengthens further, we will broaden our collaboration to other subject areas to benefit more students, researchers and the world at large.”

Further initiatives under discussion include a Jointly Funded Bilateral Mobility Agreement and participation in the Joint Virtual Centre of Excellence on Sustainable Development envisioned by the University of Leeds. Additionally, IIT Kharagpur plans to attend the Leeds International Partners Conference in December 2024, aiming to further strengthen this collaboration.

This partnership is expected to significantly impact higher education and research in both countries, fostering an environment of innovation, creativity, and intellectual exchange. By tackling global issues collaboratively, the MoU serves as a model for international cooperation, encouraging other universities to pursue similar ventures to enhance academic and research networks globally.