Prof. Ellen Backus from the University of Vienna, Austria, recently visited IIT Roorkee. During her visit, she visited the International Relations Office along with Prof. Ravindra Pandey, Department of Chemistry, IIT Roorkee, and met with the Dean of International Relations, IIT Roorkee, Prof. KARUN RAWAT.
The meeting explored potential avenues for academic and research collaboration between the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, and the University of Vienna in areas such as biology, catalysis, environmental chemistry, molecular electronics, and molecular-level investigations at complex interfaces using nonlinear optics. Discussions also highlighted the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in research and teaching, emphasizing the importance of responsible and informed use of AI tools. The interaction underscored the need to strengthen students’ digital literacy, critical thinking, and ethical awareness to effectively integrate AI into academic and professional practice.
Opportunities for joint research projects, faculty exchange, collaborative publications, and student mobility were also discussed. The interaction was fruitful and is expected to further strengthen academic engagement between the two institutions.