A distinguished delegation from IIT Roorkee, led by Prof. K.K. Pant (Director, IITR), and including Prof. Vimal Chandra Srivastava (Dean, International Relations), Prof. Akshay Dvivedi (Dean, SRIC), and Prof. P. Gopinath (Department of Biotechnology), visited Kyoto University and HORIBA Corporation, Japan, from 3rd November 2024 to 12th November 2024.
The objective of the Visit
The primary objectives of the delegation’s visit were:
- Strengthen Academic and Research Collaborations: Engage with leading Japanese universities to establish dual-degree programs, joint research initiatives, and student/faculty exchange opportunities.
- Formalize Partnerships: Sign strategic agreements to foster interdisciplinary collaboration in cutting-edge fields such as Chemoinformatic, material sciences, AI/ML, and sustainability.
- Foster Industry-Academia Linkages: Explore joint projects and innovation frameworks with HORIBA Corporation in areas like material sciences and semiconductor technologies.
- Expand IIT Roorkee’s Global Presence: Showcase IIT Roorkee’s research capabilities and develop sustainable partnerships for advancing innovation and academic excellence.
- Enhancing Industrial Collaboration and Startup Onboarding: Building partnerships with industries to foster innovation and support startups.
- Engaging in Diplomatic Ties for Extension Campuses Abroad: Exploring opportunities for opening extension campuses abroad, thereby expanding IITR’s global footprint.
- Providing opportunities for IITR students: Promoting cross-cultural exchange, expanding academic horizons, and enriching students’ educational experiences and prospects on an international scale.
Brief Summary of the Visit:
A high-level delegation from IIT Roorkee, led by Prof. K.K. Pant (Director, IITR), and comprising Prof. Vimal Chandra Srivastava (Dean, International Relations), Prof. Akshay Dvivedi (Dean, SRIC), and Prof. P. Gopinath (Department of Biotechnology), visited leading institutions in Japan, including Kyoto University, Niigata University, Hiroshima University, Kansai University, and HORIBA Corporation, to enhance global partnerships in research and education.
At Kyoto University, the delegation inaugurated the IN-CBI Joint Research Lab, a state-of-the-art facility focusing on Healthy Aging, integrating expertise in ChemBioInformatics, AI/ML, and sustainability. Productive discussions were held with leaders such as SAWARAGI Tetsuo (Executive Vice-President, Kyoto University) and Hiroshi Sugiyama (Emeritus Professor, iCeMS), focusing on interdisciplinary research collaborations, student exchange, and research ethics.
At Hiroshima University, the delegation engaged in discussions with President Mitsuo Ochi and senior administrators. Key areas of collaboration were identified, including Smart Cities and Villages, Semiconductor Technology, Disaster Mitigation and Management, and Sustainability. These discussions aim to foster impactful partnerships in research, faculty and student exchange, and joint degree programs.
At Niigata University, a strategic partnership was formalized through the signing of a Letter of Intent between Prof. Kamal Kishore Pant (Director, IITR) and Prof. Tatsuo Ushiki (President, Niigata University). This agreement paves the way for the establishment of a Dual/Double Degree Ph.D. (DDP) Program, reinforcing collaboration in advanced research domains.
At Kansai University, the delegation engaged with Masayuki Endo (Project Professor) to explore innovation-driven research frameworks. Discussions emphasized potential collaborative projects in applied sciences and technology innovation.
The delegation’s visit to HORIBA Corporation included interactions with key leaders, such as Takeshi Kawano and Hao Chen, focusing on material sciences, semiconductor technologies, and the scope for industry-academia partnerships.
This visit has significantly strengthened IIT Roorkee’s academic and industry collaborations in Japan, laying a robust foundation for impactful partnerships in research, education, and innovation. It highlights IIT Roorkee’s commitment to global engagement and excellence in addressing pressing global challenges.
Key Institutions and Interactions
1. Kyoto University: The delegation interacted with the following people:
- Takao Hirajima, Director, Division of Graduate Studies, Kyoto University
- Hiroko Sasaki, Division of Graduate Studies, Kyoto University
- Yu Sasaki, Research Administrator, Kyoto University
- SAWARAGI Tetsuo, Executive Vice-President for Research Ethics and International Affairs, discussed research ethics and potential collaborations in student exchange and joint research projects.
- Motonari Uesugi, Director of WPI-ICEMS, expressed interest in joint research initiatives focusing on chemical research and material sciences.
- Hiroshi Sugiyama, Emeritus Professor, explored avenues for interdisciplinary research in cell-material sciences.
- Fuyuhiko Tamanoi, Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences Kyoto University Institute for Advanced Study(ICEMS).
- Akira Murakami, Prof., and Dean, Graduate School of Advanced Integrated Studies in Human Survivability
- Masayuki Endo, Project Professor, Organization for Research and Development of Innovative Science and Technology, Kansai University (Kyoto University) Japan.
IT Roorkee and Kyoto University have taken a significant step in strengthening the India-Japan scientific partnership by inaugurating the IN-CBI Joint Research Lab at Kyoto University, Japan.
This state-of-the-art lab is dedicated to advancing research in Healthy Aging through interdisciplinary approaches involving ChemBioInformatics, AI/ML, and sustainability. By uniting expertise across these domains, the collaboration aims to address pressing global health challenges and pioneer transformative solutions.
2. Hiroshima University: The delegation visited Hiroshima University and engaged in discussions with President Mitsuo Ochi and senior university administrators.
The key focus areas identified for collaboration include:
- Smart Cities and Villages: Joint research to design innovative, sustainable urban and rural solutions.
- Semiconductor Technology: Partnership in advancing cutting-edge semiconductor research and applications.
- Disaster Mitigation and Management: Collaborative initiatives to address disaster preparedness and resilience through research and innovation.
- Sustainability: Joint efforts to promote environmentally sustainable practices and technologies
These discussions emphasized the development of impactful partnerships through research initiatives, faculty and student exchanges, and joint degree programs.
This visit marks a significant step towards strengthening ties between IIT Roorkee and Hiroshima University, laying a foundation for collaborative projects aimed at innovation, academic excellence, and global problem-solving.
3. Niigata University: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee and Niigata University Japan, have formalized a strategic partnership to establish a Dual/Double Degree Ph.D. (DDP) program, with a Letter of Intent signed today in Niigata by Prof. Kamal Kishore Pant, Director of IIT Roorkee, and Prof. Tatsuo Ushiki, President of Niigata University.
The DDP program will admit joint research scholars in fields spanning engineering, science, and agriculture, enabling critical research in agri-food, water, energy, biological, manufacturing, and geoscience. Scholars will receive dual Ph.D. degrees from both institutions, underscoring a shared commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This initiative will catalyze bilateral research and foster innovations essential for addressing global challenges.
Prof. K.K. Pant, Director of IIT Roorkee, remarked, “This partnership will drive transformative research and innovation for critical global needs in food, energy, and the circular economy.” Prof. Tatsuo Ushiki, President of Niigata University, added, “Collaborating with IIT Roorkee strengthens our mission to foster scientific and cross-cultural advancements with India’s premier institution.”
4. HORIBA STEC Co. Ltd.: The delegation from IIT Roorkee, led by Prof. K.K. Pant (Director, IITR), along with his team visited HORIBA STEC, Co., Ltd. in Kyoto, Japan, and engaged in productive discussions with key representatives, including:
- Takeshi Kawano, Director, HORIBA STEC
- Takeshi Kawano, Department Manager, International Sales
- Hao Chen, Section Leader, International Sales
- Mio Ikuhara, Assistant Section Leader, International Regional Team
- Kengo Takeda, Key Account Manager – Materials & Semiconductor
The discussions revolved around potential collaborations in the following areas:
- Advanced Measurement Technologies: Exploring the application of HORIBA’s cutting-edge instruments in interdisciplinary research projects at IIT Roorkee.
- Semiconductor Technology Development: Establishing partnerships for research and development in semiconductor manufacturing and materials science.
- Sustainability and Environmental Monitoring: Joint initiatives to address global environmental challenges through innovative measurement solutions.
The delegation also explored opportunities for academic-industry collaboration through student internships, faculty exchange programs, and joint research initiatives. HORIBA expressed a keen interest in partnering with IIT Roorkee, citing mutual benefits in advancing technology and research excellence.
Conclusion of Delegation Visit to Japan
The visit to Japan by the IIT Roorkee delegation, led by Prof. K.K. Pant (Director, IITR), marked a pivotal step in strengthening the institute’s global partnerships. The delegation’s engagements with Kyoto University, Hiroshima University, Niigata University, Kansai University, and HORIBA STEC, Co., Ltd., reflected a concerted effort to foster interdisciplinary research, academic collaborations, and industry-academia linkages.
Key achievements of the visit include the inauguration of the IN-CBI Joint Research Lab at Kyoto University, the formalization of a Dual/Double Degree Ph.D. program with Niigata University, and impactful discussions with Hiroshima University on Smart Cities, Sustainability, and Semiconductor Technology. Additionally, HORIBA STEC’s commitment to advancing semiconductor research and environmental monitoring underscores the potential for transformative industry-academic collaborations.
These interactions not only expand IIT Roorkee’s global footprint but also reinforce its commitment to addressing pressing global challenges through innovation, research excellence, and sustainable development. This visit solidifies IIT Roorkee’s role as a leader in fostering cross-cultural and international academic exchanges.
The outcomes of this visit will catalyze long-term partnerships, enhance global visibility for IIT Roorkee, and open new avenues for research, education, and technological advancements, ensuring mutual growth and shared success.