The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT-K) and the University of California, Santa Cruz, USA (UCSC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for joint academic and research collaborations.

The formal agreement was signed by Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Director, IIT Kanpur and Prof. Dhirendra Katti, Dean of International Relations, from IIT Kanpur’s side; and Dr Cynthia Larive, Chancellor, UCSC, and Becky George, Assistant Vice Provost of Global Engagement at UCSC, on behalf of UCSC. 

The research collaborations between IIT-K and UCSC will cater to crucial research areas in Computer Science and Engineering, and Biological Sciences and Bioengineering. This partnership will provide opportunities for both institutes to share their expertise, knowledge, and resources to further research and development in these fields.

The exchange of faculty members between the two institutes will enable researchers to work collaboratively on important research initiatives, leveraging the strengths of each institution to address complex scientific challenges. Joint supervision of Ph.D. students will enable students to receive guidance and mentorship from faculty members at both institutions, broadening their knowledge and perspectives.

The research collaboration is expected to focus on a variety of areas, including but not limited to, artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, bioinformatics, biotechnology, among others.