As a step forward in realising the joint declaration of intent signed between the US and India in January 2015, Duke University will forge a partnership with IIT-Gandhinagar (IITGn) to deepen higher education collaboration.

A contingent from Duke University will visit IIT Gandhinagar (IITGN) campus for a week on partnership and capacity building events.

From January 5-8, a 15-member delegation from Duke and RTI International will work with IITGN faculty and staff to develop new research projects, improve IITGN capacity in critical areas, and discuss potential industry partnerships.

Faculty and students of IIT-Gn and Duke University would meet this week to discuss and initiate collaborative research and private sector partnership.

With funding support from the US Agency for International Development (USAID), Duke University was selected by IITGN to receive initial support as agreed under the high-level agreement between the two countries.

Common ground

The two schools immediately found common ground for collaborative research, student exchanges, and joint engagement of private sector partners, an official statement informed here.

Larry Carin, Duke’s Vice Provost for Research, and delegation lead, said, “India is a special place for Duke, as seen in the number of students and alumni we have from India, the research collaborations our faculty have there, and our institutional partnerships across India. We are privileged to work with USAID and RTI International – our long standing partner in North Carolina – on this initiative with IITGN.”

The events during the week have been made open to other IITs through simulcast on the IIT-wide video network.

Commenting on the engagement with Duke, Sudhir Jain, Director, IIT-Gn added, “IITGN has carefully approached strategic global partnerships, seeking out like-minded institutions who share our focus on trans-disciplinary learning, student focused pedagogy, and cutting edge research that improves our shared community. Duke is exactly that type of partner.”

USAID has provided financial support. Kathryn D. Stevens, Acting Mission Director, USAID, India, said, “USAID and the IITs have a long history of partnership. After support to establish IIT-Kanpur in 1960s, the US and India are collaborating to build IIT-Gandhinagar into a centre of excellence for S&T. The power of youth, technology and innovation is defining the US-India relationship and igniting a partnership that will advance.”

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