BITS-Pilani landmark foreign MOUs

Pilani, november 13. The top-ranked Birla Institute of Technology & Science (BITS)-Pilani announced signing of five landmark Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with leading European institutions — CentraleSupelec (France); Dresden University of Technology (Germany); University of Groningen (Netherlands); KU Leuven (Belgium); and Technische Universitat Ilmenau (Germany). These strategic partnerships are set to significantly deepen BITS-Pilani’s international curricula, enhance student and faculty mobility, and boost joint research initiatives.

“By aligning with leading institutions in Europe, we are not only enhancing the quality of our study programs but also preparing students to thrive in a multicultural and interdisciplinary world. This is about building bridges of knowledge and developing a new generation of global citizens and innovators,” said Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao, Vice Chancellor of BITS Pilani, addressing the media.

Chitkara-York (Canada) partnership

Chandigarh, november 15. Chitkara University, Chandigarh and York University (Toronto, Canada) signed a MoU to launch a 2+2 academic pathway in computer science. Under this new pathway, students will complete the first two years of the Bachelor of Engineering (BE) in computer science program at Chitkara University, paying domestic tuition fees in India. Subsequently they transfer 100 percent of their academic credits to York University’s Lassonde School of Engineering in Toronto, where they will complete two years of York’s Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) computer science program. Upon successful completion, they will earn a York University Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) degree in computer science. The first cohort is expected to begin their studies at York in September 2028.

“This partnership emphasises quality and preparedness. Students will learn through a Canadian-style applied curriculum close to home for two years, and then transfer with confidence to Toronto. We are pleased that York will support our students through scholarships, housing resources, and guidance from certified student immigration specialists to ensure a smooth transition to Canada,” said Dr. Madhu Chitkara, pro-chancellor, Chitkara University, speaking on the occasion.

“The York-Chitkara alliance embodies these values. Building on our tradition of welcoming Chitkara students to York, we are proud to formalise a hybrid pathway that enables talented Indian students to build strong academic foundations at home, then transition seamlessly to Canada to complete a York degree with paid industry experience,” added Dr. Rhonda Lenton, President and Vice Chancellor, York University.

Mahindra-Southampton MoU

Hyderabad/new delhi, november 19. Mahindra University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Southampton, UK, to stimulate extensive academic exchange and joint research. Under the MoU, the signatory institutions will strengthen cooperation and create new pathways for innovation, knowledge exchange and global learning.

“We are elevating our global presence through strategic international collaborations. We are multiplying such partnerships to build a more diverse academic ecosystem for multidisciplinary learning, exchange of knowledge and preparing students for an interconnected world,” said Dr. Yajulu Medury, Vice Chancellor, Mahindra University, speaking on the occasion.

Prof. Amritpal Mudher, Associate Dean (International), Southampton School of Life Sciences, added that the MoU will leverage the strengths of both institutions in life sciences and engineering, in particular.

Merck Young Scientist Awards 2025

Bangalore, november 28. Merck Ltd (India), a subsidiary of Merck Group, Germany (estb.1668), announced the winners of the Merck Young Scientists Awards 2025, honouring and recognising India’s brightest researchers driving groundbreaking innovations in life sciences.

Announcing the winners, Dhananjay Singh, Managing Director, Merck Life Science, India, said: “Merck continues to celebrate India’s brightest minds who are expanding the horizons of science and research. The winners of the 2025 edition reflect the spirit of innovation, resilience, and mission-driven research, driving the country towards becoming a global R&D powerhouse.”

Sixteen scientists in biological sciences and chemical sciences under two main categories — Emerging Talent (early-career scientists) and Scientific Excellence (mid-career researchers) were selected from over 2,000 applicants countrywide.

In chemical sciences, the Scientific Excellence winner was Dr. Bishnu Prasad Biswal, NISER, Bhubaneswar and Dr. Janakiram Vaitla, IIT-Delhi. Emerging Talent: Dr. Sanjib Panda, IIT-Madras & Dr. Vignesh Palani, IISC, Bangalore. 

In biological sciences, the Scientific Excellence winners are Dr. Gaurav Ahuja, IIT-Delhi and Dr. Topomoy Bhattacharjee, NCBS. Emerging Talent: Dr. Swati Sudhakar, IIT-Madras & Dr. Amit Nain, IIT-Delhi.

Winners in the Emerging Talent category received Rs.250,000. Each winner in the Scientific Excellence category received Rs.350,000 (including a travel grant of Rs.100,000).