The forthcoming conference, an evolution of conversations from the previous year, aims to foster robust India-UK partnerships in science, research, and innovation.
The forthcoming conference, an evolution of conversations from the previous year, aims to foster robust India-UK partnerships in science, research, and innovation.
In a significant step toward fostering international collaborations in higher education, the largest delegation of UK universities and education leaders has arrived in India for a five-day visit filled with discussions about the internationalization of higher education institutions.
Their visit, which began on Sept. 17, holds the promise of bolstering partnerships, facilitating dual degree programs and igniting research collaborations.
Higher education conference
Coordinated by the Department for Business and Trade, this formidable delegation represents 31 UK Higher Education Institutions and associated bodies. Their mission involves a series of meetings with key figures from Indian universities, as well as state and central government officials in Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Chennai.
However, the centerpiece of this intellectual convergence is the India-UK Higher Education Conference scheduled for Sept. 18-19 in Delhi.
Focus on transnational education
Steve Smith, International Education Champion for the UK Government, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I am delighted to be in India with a large and very engaged delegation of UK universities and officials who are eager to take forward partnerships and collaborations in all aspects of teaching, learning, research and innovation.”
He emphasized the transformative potential of internationalization in higher education, enhancing educational quality while yielding mutual benefits.
This visit builds upon discussions initiated in the preceding year, with a specific focus on establishing enduring collaborations that empower young minds to confront global challenges and generate valuable knowledge.
The forthcoming conference, an evolution of conversations from the previous year, aims to foster robust India-UK partnerships in science, research and innovation. These partnerships aspire to collaboratively tackle global education challenges, aligning with the National Education Policy, the India-UK Roadmap 2030, and the G20’s educational priorities.
Going global
One of the central themes of the conference is the “Going Global Partnerships” program, centered on Transnational Education collaborations between the two nations. A critical facet of these discussions revolves around enhancing education quality and facilitating internationalization.
The delegation is poised to provide insights into the potential and opportunities arising from the Mutual Recognition of Qualifications and the Foreign Collaboration Regulation of the University Grants Commission. Additionally, the agenda encompasses exploring opportunities for two-way student mobility.
Alison Barrett MBE, Director of India at the British Council, underlined the pivotal role of the India-UK Higher Education Conference in advancing constructive discussions and initiatives. She underscored the impact of the Going Global Partnerships program, showcasing its success in nurturing 70 partnerships between 100 Indian and 55 UK higher educational institutions.
Barrett also shed light on the introduction of Industry-Academia grants, designed to strengthen industry ties in curriculum and course development. These grants aim to equip graduates with the skills essential for future employment opportunities. Notably, some institutions have already started offering courses in emerging fields such as Disaster Management and Clinical Trials, with expectations of more innovative courses on the horizon.
Impressive lineup
The conference’s proceedings will witness the active participation of leaders from the Higher Education system, grant awardees and senior members of apex bodies like the National Assessment and Accreditation Council, UGC, Department of Science and Technology and Association of Indian Universities.
An impressive lineup of approximately 50 vice-chancellors and senior leadership representatives from Indian universities has registered for this seminal conference.
The gathering of this extensive UK delegation in India for discussions on internationalizing higher education institutions marks a crucial milestone in the academic collaboration between the two nations.
The India-UK Higher Education Conference serves as a platform to cement partnerships, foster innovation and ensure that education remains at the forefront of addressing global challenges. This exchange of knowledge and ideas promises to shape the future of higher education in both countries and contribute to the betterment of society as a whole.
