On April 8-11, 2024, The International Relations Office, IIT Roorkee had the privilege of hosting the Heritage Network General Assembly Meeting, a landmark event bringing together senior representatives of member universities from Europe and India between April 8 and 11, 2024. This gathering was driven by shared goals, motivation to collaborate and vision to innovate and support the Heritage Network’s mission of fostering education and research cooperation across continents.
The Heritage Network had broad vision to strengthen Higher Education Cooperation (research and training), and develop academic and research exchanges between partner institutions, and foster high-level educational programs in Engineering, Sciences, Design, and Technology between Europe and India.
The Network also organizes workshops regularly on scientific and technical topics of mutual interest. As member institute, IIT Roorkee hosted the General Assembly meeting for the year 2024, with theme “Sustainability: Teaching, Research, and Innovation”.
This theme underscored the network’s commitment to addressing global challenges through collective action and aligned well with ongoing research at several departments of IIT Roorkee.
During the two days event divided into 4 sessions, the participants shared their ideas and presentations regarding sustainability, internationalization and collaborations at different levels.
The members of the Network include 13 premier universities from 10 European countries and 16 esteemed Indian institutes (IITs, NITs etc.). Overall the Heritage Network boasts a diverse and vibrant membership. From Ecole Centrale de Nantes in France to IIT Roorkee in India, each member institution contributes to the network’s connection to European counties & with research expertise and experience.
The inaugural session witnessed the presence of esteemed dignitaries such as Dr. Fabien Chareix, Science and Higher Education Attaché at the French Institute in India, and Prof. K.K. Pant, Director of IIT Roorkee. Notable figures, Prof. Raghunath Rengaswamy (President, Heritage Network), Dr. Teresa Zielinska (Vice-President, Heritage Network) and host Prof. Vimal C Srivastava (Dean, International Relations, IIT Roorkee) and other participant members, graced the occasion, setting the tone for fruitful discussions and collaboration.
A significant moment during the General Assembly Meeting was the transition of leadership roles within the Heritage Network. Prof. Teresa Zielinska of Warsaw University of Technology, Poland, assumed the presidency, while Prof. Vimal C Srivastava of IIT Roorkee was elected as Vice-President. This leadership change will bring a new era of growth and innovation for the network with fresh commitment and insight for International collaborations.
Throughout the meeting, European and Indian member institutions engaged in strategic discussions aimed at strengthening existing collaborations and enhancing network-related activities. The pivotal role played by IIT Roorkee in fostering partnerships between Indian and European engineering institutions highlights the institution’s leadership in global academia for internationalization.
The IR Office also organized Cultural Evening at MAC auditorium to showcase rich and vibrant cultural heritage. During the two days main event, gala dinner was organized for the guests and senior IIT Roorkee members. As inter-cultural activity, the IR Office organized trips for the international guests to nearby Haridwar & Rishikesh area.
The Heritage Network General Assembly Meeting 2024 was a testament to the power of collaboration in driving positive change in education and research. As member institutions continue to forge partnerships and pursue common goals, the legacy of the Heritage Network remains steadfast in its commitment to shaping a sustainable and prosperous future for generations to come.
List of Participating Universities/ Members from EUROPE & INDIA:
- Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB)
- Czech Technical University in Prague (CTU)
- Tallinn University of Technology, (TalTech)
- Ecole Centrale de Nantes
- Technische Universität Dresden (TUD)
- Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin)
- Politecnico di Milano (Polimi)
- University of Genoa (UniGe)
- Warsaw University of Technology (WUT)
- Instituto Superior Técnico, Lisboa
- Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya (UPC)
- Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM)
- Universidad de Sevilla (US)
- Royal Institute of Technology (KTH)
- Anna University, Chennai
- Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore
- Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM)
- Indian Institute of Technology Dhanbad
- Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG)
- Indian Institute of Technology Indore (IITI)
- Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK)
- Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB)
- Indian Institute of Technology Ropar (IITRPR)
- Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IITR)
- Indian Institute of Technology Tirupati (IITT)
- National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK)
- National Institute of Technology Rourkela (NITR)
- National Institute of Technology Warangal (NITW)
- Indian Institute of Technology Bhilai (IITB)
- Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH)