To strengthen globalization agenda with regard to its academic, research initiatives, staff development and students’ exchange, AMU has signed 5-yearlong collaborative agreement with India’s reputed Vellore Institute of Technology to mutually reinforce research endeavor and engage in staff and student exchange, informed University-Industry Linkage and Technology Transfer Directorate Director, Dr Tolera Seda.
The stated Memorandum of Understanding was inked by AMU President, Dr Damtew Darza and his counterpart Chancellor of VIT, India, Mr Vishwanathan. To further give appropriate shape and direction to this agreement, heads and point persons from both institutes are likely to meet in person in near future at the location to be decided later.
This collaborative venture is the outcome of efforts made by College of Natural Science’s Chemistry Department and one of its expatriate Indian staff members. This tie-up will be great opportunity for AMU staff and students as it was looking for international institute to collaborate in launching sandwich PhD program, Dr Tolera Seda added.
Dr Damtew Darza, hailing this cooperative venture, said, it’s crucial from staff development point of view as it will enable staff to get their capacity built. And it will open new window of opportunities to share and exchange highly advanced scientific knowledge in the field of chemistry as its quite dynamic field that encompasses diverse aspects of life. And mutually both can take common research agenda in different arenas to greater height; and basically, I hope it’s going to be a win-win situation for both parties.
The MoU emphasizes on creation of centres of excellence in the specialized fields of mutual interest in science, engineering, technology, management and humanities. It also states that there might be joint programs in research and development including exchange of publication and reports. It will look for the possibilities of joint programs in inter-disciplinary areas of specialization of high relevance to both institutions.
Similarly, under staff exchange, planning and handling of academic programs and courses is mooted; there will also be organization of seminars, workshops, and conferences including exchange of mutual experiences in teaching, research and industrial practice, it states.
Exchange of students is important areas where organization of study visit, training, participation in UG, PG and PhD courses including recognition of academic credits, guidance, supervision of thesis and project works will be on the cards. And to meet this purpose, few scholarships to meet living expenses partly or whole may be made available from both sides. The financial provision concerning any activities associated with this agreement will have to be decided mutually.
(Corporate Communications Directorate)