Delhi, 23^rd July 2026: The University of Leeds and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a long-term strategic partnership focused on advancing interdisciplinary research, fostering academic collaboration, and accelerating innovation. Bringing together the strengths of two globally recognised institutions, the partnership aims to address pressing societal, technological, and economic challenges through research, education, and international engagement.

As part of the collaboration, the two institutions will establish a jointly funded seed fund supported by matched contributions of up to USD 50,000 from each institution. The fund will enable researchers to pursue pilot projects, test innovative ideas, and develop proposals for larger-scale national and international funding opportunities. The University of Leeds has already allocated and utilised its contribution to support the initial phase of collaborative activities under the partnership, while IIT Kharagpur has pledged its contribution for the current year.

The MoU establishes a framework for collaboration across research, education, and innovation. Both institutions will explore opportunities to develop joint undergraduate, postgraduate, and research-led teaching initiatives, providing students and researchers with access to diverse academic perspectives and international learning experiences.

The partnership will also support interdisciplinary research across a range of fields, encouraging collaboration on complex global challenges through joint projects and knowledge exchange. In addition, the institutions will promote faculty visits, student exchange opportunities, and research mobility programmes to strengthen academic engagement and foster deeper collaboration between researchers and educators.

Through the exchange of scholarly resources, scientific expertise, and institutional knowledge, the collaboration will create new opportunities for learning, discovery, and innovation. The two institutions will also work together to convene academics, industry leaders, and policymakers through conferences, workshops, and international forums, strengthening global networks and encouraging cross-sector engagement.

Building on their shared commitment to translating research into real-world impact, the University of Leeds and IIT Kharagpur will explore opportunities to strengthen research commercialisation, entrepreneurship, and industry collaboration. The partnership may also support the development of innovation-focused initiatives in India that facilitate the application of research to societal and industrial challenges.

Talking about the partnership, Professor Vasilis Sarhosis, Director of Internationalisation, University of Leeds, said, “This partnership marks an exciting step forward for both institutions and highlights the value of international collaboration in addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges. By combining our strengths, we can drive world-class research, support talented students, and deliver real impact in tackling global challenges. We look forward to building a dynamic and enduring relationship with IIT Kharagpur that advances knowledge, fosters innovation, and creates opportunities for our academic communities in both the UK and India.”

Commenting on the importance of the partnership, Prof. Anandaroop Bhattachrya, Dean, International Relations, IIT Kharagpur[KN1] , said, “IIT Kharagpur has always believed that global partnerships are essential for advancing research excellence and creating transformative educational opportunities. This collaboration with the University of Leeds brings together complementary strengths and shared ambitions, enabling us to pursue impactful research, nurture talent, and strengthen innovation ecosystems. Through this partnership, we hope to generate new knowledge and foster solutions that contribute to societal and economic progress.”

At a time of growing collaboration between India and the United Kingdom across research, innovation, education, and trade, this partnership reflects the shared ambition of both institutions to strengthen academic ties and support the exchange of knowledge and expertise between the two countries.

The partnership establishes a foundation for long-term collaboration between the University of Leeds and IIT Kharagpur, creating new opportunities for students, researchers, and faculty while strengthening academic and research ties between India and the United Kingdom. Through joint initiatives, academic mobility programmes, and collaborative research activities, both institutions aim to drive innovation, expand knowledge, and contribute to addressing global challenges.

Mumbai, 9th February 2026: Vivekanand Education Society’s College of Arts, Science and Commerce (VESASC) organized a Multidisciplinary National Conference on “Transforming India through Research and Innovation: A Roadmap to Viksit Bharat 2047” under the aegis of PM-USHA and in collaboration with the VESASC Alumni Association. Anchored in the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, the conference focused on holistic development, inclusive growth, sustainability, digital empowerment, and active citizen participation as India moves towards becoming a developed nation by the centenary of its independence.

The keynote address by Prof. Varadraj Bapat from the Shailesh J. Mehta School of Management, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, traced India’s economic legacy while underscoring the need for future-ready research, urging scholars to leverage strengths such as entrepreneurship, MSMEs, savings culture, remittances, and emerging sectors including defence exports to solve local challenges with global relevance. A panel featuring Shri Sunil Kishanchandani (Senior Mathematics Educator and Academic Consultant), Prof. Ajay Trivedi of Parul University, Prof. D. C. Kothari from University of Mumbai, and Mr. Sai Prakash Mangipudi (Advisor and Consultant, ESG and Sustainability) examined inclusive growth, NEP 2020 implementation, AI and nanoscience, sustainability-led development, and good governance. Research presentations across Science, Commerce, and Humanities reinforced these themes through discussions on sustainability, digital transformation, financial inclusion, green technologies, and socially relevant research, highlighting the power of interdisciplinary collaboration in nation building. Leaders from VES Trust reaffirmed their commitment to engaging Gen Z through education and innovation, while the valedictory address by Prof. Suhas Dhande of Chameli Devi Institute of Professional Studies emphasized the critical role of youth in advancing the Viksit Bharat vision.

Speaking on the occasion, Anita Kanwar, Principal, Vivekanand Education Society’s College of Arts, Science and Commerce (VESASC), said, “This conference reflects our belief that meaningful national progress emerges when disciplines work together. By encouraging research that is locally relevant yet globally informed, we aim to nurture thinkers and innovators who can translate knowledge into impact. At VESASC, we are committed to creating platforms that empower young minds to contribute thoughtfully to India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat @ 2047.”

With 165 participants and a total of 61 offline and 30 online paper presentations, the conference witnessed strong academic engagement and vibrant interdisciplinary dialogue, reinforcing VESASC’s role as a catalyst for research-led innovation aligned with India’s long-term vision of inclusive, sustainable, and knowledge-driven development.