IIT Kharagpur and Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences renew cooperation
A high-ranking delegation from the renowned Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, the first and one of the leading technical universities in India, visited Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences (HSRW) in Kleve. The aim of the visit was to renew the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), a written declaration of intent that forms the basis for cooperation between the two institutions, defines common goals and responsibilities and serves as a starting point for future collaboration. The exchange focussed on joint projects in research and teaching as well as the establishment of new initiatives at Master's and doctoral level. The exchange emphasises the shared interest of both universities in international networking and the exchange of knowledge and research.
A Personal Exchange on Visions and Values
The delegation from IIT Kharagpur was led by Prof. Virendra Kumar Tewari, Director of the Institute, Prof. Rintu Banerjee, Deputy Director and first woman in this position, and Prof. Gautam Saha, Dean of Research and Development. The guests were warmly welcomed by Prof. Dr. Oliver Locker-Grütjen, President of the Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences (HSRW), and other representatives of the university in the presidium.
The focus of the conversation between Prof. Dr. Oliver Locker-Grütjen and Prof. V. K. Tewari was the motto of IIT Kharagpur "Yogaḥ karmasu kauśalam" - in English: "Excellence in action is Yoga". Prof. Locker-Grütjen took up this mantra and emphasized that excellence is not only essential in science, but also in interpersonal exchange and international cooperation. Excellence thrives above all in a positive environment, because success motivates and carries. Prof. Locker-Grütjen emphasized that working in science and educating young people in an international context is one of the most enriching tasks. It is precisely the international perspective that makes universities places of innovation and progress.
Prof. Rintu Banerjee, Deputy Director of IIT Kharagpur, joined this vision and reported in her presentation on the progress of the advancement of women in science in India. When she started her career, there were fewer than ten female faculty members at IIT Kharagpur - today there are over 200. This change shows how important the promotion of women in academia is, both in India and worldwide. Prof. Banerjee also maintains a special relationship with HSRW, having been a visiting professor at the Faculty of Life Sciences more than ten years ago. Her commitment to international cooperation and gender equality is an example of the shared values of both universities.
Research and Teaching with an International Focus
In addition to renewing the MoU, the visit of the IIT Kharagpur delegation opened perspectives for cooperation at the doctoral and master's level. The focus was on possible joint research projects in promising areas. The IIT, founded in 1951 based on the model of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), is today a globally recognized institution, particularly for precision agriculture and sustainable technologies. This expertise makes IIT a major player in international research. The Faculty of Life Sciences can already look back on a successful collaboration with IIT Kharagpur for a good ten years. The then still young HSRW benefited particularly from the exchange of students, doctoral candidates and lecturers.
"The exchange with international partners, especially with such a renowned institution as IIT Kharagpur, is of great importance to us. We see numerous opportunities for more intensive and in-depth cooperation, be it in research or in the area of teaching and student exchange," emphasized Prof. Dr. Peter Scholz, Dean of the Faculty of Life Sciences. Lecturers and students from both universities act as ambassadors for their respective teaching and learning cultures and have thus made a significant contribution to bringing the two institutions closer together. Especially within the framework of joint projects and research, the differences and commonalities between the institutions become clear, which leads to a better understanding of each other. During the tour of the laboratories, especially the food laboratory and the tropical greenhouse, the delegation showed great interest in the ongoing projects.
In addition to Prof. Scholz, the deans of the faculties of Society and Economics and Technology and Bionics, Prof. Dr. Ralf Klapdor and Prof. Dr.-Ing. Dirk Nissing, also took part in the campus tour. They presented their departments and discussed possible synergies with the representatives of IIT Kharagpur. A central concern of both universities is the practical relevance of their education. The visit of the delegation also offered the opportunity for an intensive personal exchange. During a joint lunch, attended by various professors representing a broad spectrum of life sciences, past successes were acknowledged and future projects discussed.
The international orientation of both universities is reflected in the common endeavor to optimally prepare students for the global job market. With over 6,000 students from over 120 countries and a high proportion of English-language degree programs, HSRW promotes intercultural exchange and prepares its graduates for the global job market - an approach that IIT Kharagpur also shares. Through close cooperation with companies and institutions, both universities offer their students practice-oriented training that combines theory and practice and understands international exchange as a key to preparing for global challenges.
A Strong Foundation for the Future
The visit of the IIT Kharagpur delegation to Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences marks a further step in the cooperation between the two universities. With the renewal of the MoU and the plans for future projects in research and teaching, both universities are well positioned for the challenges of the future. With over 80 partner universities worldwide, HSRW is continuously expanding its network and thus promoting intercultural exchange and global cooperation.
The deepened partnership opens up perspectives for students and researchers at both universities to work together on solutions for global challenges - such as climate change and food security - through international, practice-oriented and interdisciplinary cooperation. The intensive exchange with IIT Kharagpur is a consistent step for HSRW towards increased international networking.