The University of Leeds and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a long-term strategic partnership focused on advancing interdisciplinary research, fostering academic collaboration, and accelerating innovation. Bringing together the strengths of two globally recognised institutions, the partnership aims to address pressing societal, technological, and economic challenges through research, education, and international engagement.
As part of the collaboration, the two institutions will establish a jointly funded seed fund supported by matched contributions of up to USD 50,000 from each institution. The fund will enable researchers to pursue pilot projects, test innovative ideas, and develop proposals for larger-scale national and international funding opportunities. The University of Leeds has already allocated and utilised its contribution to support the initial phase of collaborative activities under the partnership, while IIT Kharagpur has pledged its contribution for the current year.
The MoU establishes a framework for collaboration across research, education, and innovation. Both institutions will explore opportunities to develop joint undergraduate, postgraduate, and research-led teaching initiatives, providing students and researchers with access to diverse academic perspectives and international learning experiences.
The partnership will also support interdisciplinary research across a range of fields, encouraging collaboration on complex global challenges through joint projects and knowledge exchange. In addition, the institutions will promote faculty visits, student exchange opportunities, and research mobility programmes to strengthen academic engagement and foster deeper collaboration between researchers and educators.
Through the exchange of scholarly resources, scientific expertise, and institutional knowledge, the collaboration will create new opportunities for learning, discovery, and innovation. The two institutions will also work together to convene academics, industry leaders, and policymakers through conferences, workshops, and international forums, strengthening global networks and encouraging cross-sector engagement.
Building on their shared commitment to translating research into real-world impact, the University of Leeds and IIT Kharagpur will explore opportunities to strengthen research commercialisation, entrepreneurship, and industry collaboration. The partnership may also support the development of innovation-focused initiatives in India that facilitate the application of research to societal and industrial challenges.
Talking about the partnership, Professor Vasilis Sarhosis, Director of Internationalisation, University of Leeds, said, ” By combining our strengths, we can drive world-class research, support talented students, and deliver real impact in tackling global challenges. We look forward to building a dynamic and enduring relationship with IIT Kharagpur that advances knowledge, fosters innovation, and creates opportunities for our academic communities in both the UK and India.”
