VARANASI,: Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and the Indian Institute of Technology-BHU (IIT-BHU) have taken a significant step forward in enhancing research quality and fostering collaborative research efforts. On Thursday, the two institutions signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate the sharing of laboratory and library facilities, as well as to further joint research projects.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sudhir Kumar Jain described the signing of MoUs between the two esteemed institutions as a significant opportunity for mutual growth. He emphasized that global recognition underscores the need for academic institutions to collaborate for excellence. He stated that working in isolation hinders progress, and thus, educational institutions should join forces to explore shared developmental opportunities. In his talk on Research and Innovation, Prof. Jain highlighted the universities’ responsibilities and the purpose of education. He noted that while research for credentials is important for professional advancement, it is crucial to consider the impact and societal change driven by the research. The Vice-Chancellor also emphasized that universities must cultivate a positive work culture and governance while meeting aspirations. Prof. Jain stressed that education should instill a sense of purpose and motivation, with institutions providing the tools and capabilities to achieve these goals. He shared key tips for engineering students to succeed long-term: maintaining a positive mindset, practicing sincerity, engaging in teamwork, managing time effectively, and developing life skills.
Reiterating the importance of collaborating with other institutions, Prof. Amit Patra, Director of IIT-BHU, asserted that joint efforts can yield significantly better results than working alone. He noted that the MoUs signed today lay the foundation for impactful cooperation between the two institutions, which share a common heritage. Prof. Patra urged the BHU and IIT-BHU communities to seize this opportunity and collaborate for both their benefit and the welfare of the country.
The MoUs were signed by BHU Registrar Prof. Arun Kumar Singh, and IIT-BHU Registrar Shri Rajan Srivastava, at Swatantrata Bhawan, as Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sudhir Kumar Jain and Director, IIT-BHU, Prof. Amit Patra exchanged the agreements. The ceremony was attended by students in large numbers along with faculty members and other dignitaries.
MoUs
The MoU for Laboratory Facilities and Major Research Equipment will enable faculty members, research scholars, and students to access cutting-edge facilities that may not be available at their home institutions. BHU offers advanced laboratories for research in sciences, medical sciences, environmental sciences, and agricultural sciences. Conversely, IIT-BHU boasts state-of-the-art facilities in technology, engineering, and sciences.
Additionally, the institutions have agreed to share their library resources. This agreement will allow BHU faculty and research scholars access to both print and digital resources at IIT-BHU’s Shreenivas Deshpande Library. Similarly, IIT-BHU members will benefit from the extensive resources available at BHU’s Sayaji Rao Gaekwad Library. This collaboration is expected to advance teaching, learning, and research, and includes provisions for training staff in new library technologies.
Under the third MoU, the two institutions have committed to advancing collaborative research in areas of mutual interest. The MoU aims to foster joint project proposals for funding from various agencies. It also facilitates faculty members serving as co-guides for Ph.D. students enrolled at the partner institution. Additionally, the MoU opens new research opportunities for Ph.D. students, allowing them to undertake short-term research (up to 6 months) at the partner institution. Areas of cooperation include all branches of science, engineering, arts, medicine, agriculture, humanities, and interdisciplinary fields.
In the course of the MoUs, signed for five years, BHU and IIT-BHU will continue to indulge in interactions to explore new areas of academic and research collaboration to benefit students and teachers. The MoUs reflect the strong commitment of both the institutions to enhance teaching, learning and research opportunities for students and faculty members, open new avenues for their academic and professional growth and forging new partnerships for the purpose.
