CHENNAI, JUNE 25 :  The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) and the University of Leeds, UK, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to set up a Joint Virtual Centre of Excellence on Sustainable Development (VCoE-SD).

The MoU was signed in the presence of British Deputy High Commissioner to Chennai, Oliver Ballhatchet MBE, a release from IIT-Madras said on Tuesday.

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.

This agreement marks a significant milestone in the partnership between these two prestigious institutions, aiming to advance knowledge and innovation in various critical fields. Within the project, multidisciplinary teams capable of leading research and innovation in global challenges will be developed, it said.

The MoU facilitates development of collaborative research projects and the organization of joint academic activities, including courses, conferences, seminars, symposia and lectures.

Additionally, it promotes the exchange of research and teaching personnel, student placements and exchanges, and the sharing of publications and other materials of mutual interest.

Mr 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, he said.

Prof. Vasilis Sarhosis, Chair in Resilient Structures and Infrastructure at the School of Civil Engineering, University of Leeds, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are delighted to join forces with IIT Madras, a leader in technological and scientific research. This partnership underscores our commitment to fostering international collaboration and addressing some of the world’s most pressing issues through joint research and academic exchange.”

“Our intention is to develop a self-sustained network able to identify funding opportunities and encourage the collaboration of staff to perform high-quality and impactful research and innovation

to tackle sustainable development goals. We strongly believe that the integrated and interlinked nature of the SDGs needs to inform and guide national planning strategy and policy”, he said.

“Our transformational vision will initially focus on the UK and India, with the view to extend it globally in the future”, he added.

Speaking about this partnership, Dr. Satyanarayanan Seshadri, Advisor, Global Partnership at the Office of Global Engagement, Head, The Energy Consortium, IIT Madras 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, he said.

The collaboration between the University of Leeds and IIT Madras is expected to yield ground-breaking research outcomes, enrich academic experiences, and strengthen the global network of experts dedicated to solving critical challenges.(UNI)