As part of its strategic global initiative, Rice University leadership recently traveled to the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) where the two institutions agreed to collaborate to develop shared research and industry engagement around the themes of data science, energy and materials.
“I am extremely excited about this transformative collaboration between Rice University and the Indian Institute of Science,” Rice President Reginald DesRoches said. “Our shared commitment to advancing knowledge in the realms of data science, energy and materials opens new avenues for groundbreaking research and industry engagement. It also strengthens our global presence and our dedication to fostering innovation, education and service to our communities.
“As we deepen our ties with esteemed institutions like IISc, we look forward to a future of collaborative excellence, where the exchange of ideas knows no borders. Together, we aim to contribute significantly to the ever-evolving landscape of higher education and research, making a lasting impact on both our institutions and the world at large.”
IISc hosted a delegation from Rice including DesRoches; Caroline Levander, vice president for global and Carlson Professor in the School of Humanities; Ramamoorthy Ramesh, executive vice president for research; Luay Nakhleh, William and Stephanie Sick Dean of the George R. Brown School of Engineering; and Thomas Killian, dean of the Wiess School of Natural Sciences.
As part of the India initiative, the delegation visited Kolkata, Bangalore and Delhi during the trip, also meeting with leaders at TCG CREST, the International Centre for Theoretical Sciences, which is part of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), and Amity University.
The strategic collaboration agreement builds on Rice’s existing partnership with the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur , deepening and broadening the university’s presence in India, Levander said.
“The goal of this agreement is to promote cooperation in research, education, innovation and service to the community by working together on research where there is alignment of strategy and objectives,” Levander said.
“India is a region of top priority for Rice. We have many faculty who already have great connections to various institutions there. As a country, it is in a position of real ambition and growth in higher education."
IISc is a public research institution located in Bangalore in southern India. Established in 1909, IISc has become a premier institute for advanced scientific and technological research and education.
IISc’s reputation ensures that it attracts the best young faculty members trained in the best laboratories around the world. In 2018, IISc was selected as an Institution of Eminence by the government of India, and it consistently figures among the top Indian institutions in world university rankings.
“This collaboration is indicative of Rice’s commitment to creating strategic partnerships with highly regarded institutions around the globe,” Ramesh said. “By sharing resources with the IISc, our university is once again expanding its horizons to provide unmatched learning and research opportunities for students and faculty no matter where they are located.”