IIT-B signs MoU with Rice University of US

Mumbai, Jan 17 (UNI) The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Rice University of the US to host a student exchange programme and engage in research collaborations.

The core focus of the two institutions will be on engineering and management.

Commenting on the proposed benefits after signing the MoU last evening, Rice University President Prof David W Leebron said the Deans of engineering and business and the professors of Rice University are keenly interested in the exchange of culture and research between the two institutions.

This is an important milestone in Rice University's plan to create and sustain meaningful connections with India in both teaching and research, Prof Leebron said.

IIT-Bombay Director Prof Ashok Mishra said, ''We see tremendous scope for mutual exchange of ideas in technology providing a win-win situation for both institutions.'' Rice University and IIT-Bombay faculty have been visiting each other for many years, the idea of the agreement was first discussed during Prof Leebron's visit to IIT-Bombay last January and during Prof Mishra's visit to the Rice campus last May.

According to Prof Leebron, India's major economic power, its major world culture, outstanding scope for educational structure and capacity of students who can challenge foreign students and instructions in English are strong points that attract investors.

When asked about the future plans, Prof Leebron said the present focus is to blow up this relationship.

Prof Mishra said, ''We are working out to increase the capacity of hostel, number of classrooms and other facilities as we are expecting a 50 per cent increase in number of students. We have also set up a new department - Energy Science and Engineering.'' UNI GR NM DS KP1511