Faculty agrees new partnerships for research growth with India
The University of Leeds has renewed its longstanding collaboration between BITS Pilani and the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, expanding research collaboration and student education.
A delegation led by Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Shearer West visited New Delhi to finalise new and extended alliances encompassing engineering, biotechnology, medicine, and social sciences.
Professor West was joined by the Faculty’s Executive Dean, Professor Nora de Leeuw, alongside Pro-Dean for International Professor Rob Sturman, and Professor Ozz Querin, Pro-Dean for Student Education.
Over the past 25 years, the University’s activities in India have grown to include academic exchanges and research initiatives that address global challenges. Last week’s visit reflects the growing importance of India within the University’s international strategy.
New memoranda of understanding (MoUs) signed include renewed or new agreements with Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research (BIHER), the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee), Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth (SBV), Birla Institute of Technology & Science (BITS Pilani), Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB) and the University of Delhi (DU).
Professor West, who was also joined by colleagues from the faculties of Biological Sciences and Medicine and Health, said: “I am pleased to have led a delegation to India so early in my time as Vice-Chancellor and President at Leeds.
“India has developed an ambitious international higher education strategy, and we have unique opportunities to deepen existing partnerships and develop new ones.
“Our University’s strengths in research and innovation – especially in relation to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, health tech and social sciences – strongly align with those of our Indian partners. We also plan to develop new joint research and teaching programmes and opportunities for students to study overseas.
“The collaborations formed and renewed here are built on mutual respect, academic excellence and a commitment to tackling shared challenges.”
The agreement with the University of Delhi is grounded in a series of ongoing academic interactions led by the Leeds’ Faculty of Social Sciences, which was preceded by a successful joint workshop on social science research methods held in Delhi in April 2025.
Professor Shearer West, Vice-Chancellor and President, University of Leeds and Professor Yogesh Singh, Vice-Chancellor, University of Delhi, sign a memorandum of understanding.
Discussions also took place regarding the expansion of joint work with BIHER, particularly in the areas of antimicrobial resistance, public health, and community engagement.
Professor de Leeuw said: “Through these new and renewed partnerships, we have a tremendous opportunity to advance research and education that responds to global priorities, from sustainable infrastructure to clean energy.
“Working alongside our Indian colleagues, we can develop innovative teaching and research collaborations that will resonate with students and help equip the next generation of engineers and scientists to tackle shared challenges and shape a better future.”
The MoU with the Regional Centre for Biotechnology, which will stimulate joint research in fundamental science, is complemented by a potential parallel agreement between RCB’s Bio-incubator and Nexus – the innovation hub at the University of Leeds – to foster industry engagement.
The visit was also an ideal opportunity to gather insights from Indian alumni, thereby enhancing Leeds’ impact and encouraging philanthropic engagement. Discussions also took place with the British High Commissioner to India, Lindy Cameron.
Further information
- Main image: Professor Shearer West at a signing ceremony with Professor Ramgopal Rao, Group Vice Chancellor at BITS Pilani, joined by Professor Nora de Leeuw, Professor Rob Sturman, and Professor Ozz Querin of the Faculty.
- For further details, please contact the University of Leeds press office at pressoffice@leeds.ac.uk.
