National, 1st May,2024: BITS Pilani, an institution known for its commitment to innovation hosted a delegation from the University of Magdeburg and three esteemed German Institutes – Heidelberg University, University of Cologne, and Freie Universität Berlin India Office – to BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus. This visit prepared the grounds for further engagement and partnership with BITS Pilani and consisted of dialogues enhancing collaboration, especially in student mobility, joint research initiatives, dual/double degree programs, and faculty exchanges.
Possible areas for cooperation were explored during the visit, comprising semiconductors, biosensors, humanities & social sciences, automotive engineering, and robotics, matching the emerging opportunities at the global level. The discussions have been of particular interest in the context of the establishment of Intel’s “Silicon Junction” in Magdeburg, which revealed good opportunities for cooperation in semiconductor research and development and thus open new avenues for academic collaboration and research.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Soumya Mukherji, Director, BITS Pilani Hyderabad said, “We are proud to welcome such distinguished delegates from the University of Magdeburg and leading German institutes to BITS Pilani Hyderabad. This will be a major step in collaboration and research, creating a strong bedrock for innovative research and transformative educational opportunities. Moving together, we shall work towards co-creating solutions to some of the world’s biggest problems while also empowering the next generation of scientists and technologists.”
Expressing his excitement about the partnership, Prof. Sanket Goel, Dean, Research and Innovation (Institute-wide) and Professor of EEE, BITS Pilani Hyderabad said, “Considering the huge initiatives to start CoE in Semiconductors, IoT Sensors and AI domains, we are very much looking forward to collaborate in these contemporary domains in terms of joint research and exchange visits.”
Speaking on the development, Prof. B.. Mishra, Associate Dean, International Programmes and Collaboration and Professor of Mathematics, said, “The visit by the esteemed universities marks a significant moment in our journey towards international collaboration. By delving into shared areas of research and education, this partnership will fortify our international ties, fostering innovation and advancing knowledge in key domains”.
Prof. Soumya Mukherji, Director, headed the BITS Pilani Hyderabad Campus delegation, which also included eminent faculty members and department heads. The key representatives of Magdeburg University included Prof. Jens Strackeljan, Rector, and Dr. Susanne Schmidt, Vice Rector for Studies and Teaching. In addition, heads of departments, including Heidelberg University, University of Cologne, and Freie Universität Berlin, also attended to provide insightful perspectives to the discussions.