KU, IISER Pune ink landmark MoU to boost collaborative research under ANRF-PAIR programme

Srinagar, Aug 28: The University of Kashmir (KU) and the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under the ANRF-PAIR (Alliance for Research and Innovation- Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research) programme.According to a statement issued here, the agreement aims to strengthen research collaboration, promote innovation, and create opportunities for joint projects, resource sharing, and capacity building. The MoU was signed during a high-level meeting involving leadership from IISER Pune, IISER Tirupati and KU. Among those present were Prof. Nilofer Khan, Vice-Chancellor KU, Prof. Sunil Baghwat, Director IISER Pune, Prof. Santanu Bhattacharya, Director IISER Tirupati, along with KU’s senior officials Prof. Shariefuddin Pirzada, Dean Academic Affairs, Prof. Mohammad Sultan Bhat, Dean Research, Prof. Naseer Iqbal, Registrar, Prof. Aijaz Ahmad, Head, Department of Chemistry and Dr. Ashfaq Zarri, Special Secretary to the Vice-Chancellor. During the deliberations, the institutions also explored the possibility of a broader MoU between KU, IISER Pune, and IISER Tirupati to enhance academic and research partnerships. Key focus areas include chemical, physical, biological, earth and environmental sciences, as well as climate and cryosphere studies, biodiversity conservation, sustainable development and data-driven science.Speaking on the occasion, KU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nilofer Khan said the MoU represents a major step towards building strong partnerships with leading institutes like IISERs. “This collaboration will boost scientific capacity, foster innovation, and enable us to work collectively on regional and global challenges,” she said. Prof. Sunil Baghwat underlined that the IISERs’ diverse research programs would open new avenues for faculty, researchers, and students alike while as Prof. Santanu Bhattacharya highlighted the importance of joint initiatives in high-altitude physics, biodiversity studies and bird migration science, which can significantly advance both fundamental and region-specific research. The discussions also emphasised the scope for faculty and student exchange programs, joint workshops and conferences, along with shared access to advanced research infrastructure. The collaboration aligns closely with national priorities, including the National Education Policy (NEP-2020) and the National Mission on Himalayan Studies (NMHS).