IIT Kharagpur signs MoU with University of Auckland

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Auckland to foster academic exchange and research collaboration, faculty exchange and visiting/adjunct appointments, student mobility.

According to the MoU, the institutes will explore opportunities for research in healthcare technologies, new materials, cyber security and artificial intelligence. This is the first strategic partnership of the University of Auckland with a higher educational institution in the country.

Jenny Dixon, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Strategic Engagement at the University of Auckland, said, "The SPARC program of India is of specific interest to us. There are several research areas which are of mutual interest for both institutions and we would be deciding on the detailed areas of work leading to exchange of faculty and students." 

PP Chakrabarti, Director of IIT Kharagpur, stated, "We are the nodal institution for New Zealand for the Ministry of Human Resources Development. We can coordinate with other institutions in the country through a joint research center specifically, a New Zealand Centre at IIT Kharagpur and an India Centre at Auckland."

Baidurya Bhattacharya, Dean, International Relations, IIT Kharagpur, added, "At IIT Kharagpur, we have been striving to ensure global exposures to gain in-depth knowledge in core disciplines as well as expertise across disciplines are offered in collaboration with leaders in various areas of academia. The thrust areas in consideration for this collaboration are also in concurrence with our country to make giant leaps in healthcare, economy and quality of life."