EU Delegation Visits IIT Bhubaneswar to Explore Research and Innovation Collaborations
On October 17, 2025, a high-level delegation from the European Union (EU) to India, led by Dr. Vivek V. Dham, Advisor for Research & Innovation, visited the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar. The purpose of this visit was to explore potential avenues for fostering research, innovation, and academic collaboration between European institutions and IIT Bhubaneswar.
Delegation Composition
The delegation comprised representatives from several EU Member States, including:
- France
- Germany
- Hungary
- The Netherlands
- The Czech Republic
During the visit, the EU representatives interacted with the leadership and researchers of IIT Bhubaneswar, aiming to strengthen ties and explore collaborative opportunities.
Key Interactions
Among those present at the meeting were:
- Prof. Shreepad Karmalkar, Director of IIT Bhubaneswar
- Prof. Ashis Biswas, Dean of Alumni, Corporate and International Relations
- Prof. Rajesh Roshan Dash, Dean of Student Affairs
- Prof. Chandrashekhar N. Bhende, Dean of PG & Research Programs
- Prof. Dinakar Pasla, Dean of Sponsored Research & Industrial Consultancy
- Shri Bamadev Acharya, Registrar
- Heads of Schools, faculty members, and representatives from the Research and Entrepreneurship Park (REP)
During the meeting, Prof. Karmalkar delivered a presentation highlighting the unique strengths of IIT Bhubaneswar in various domains, including:
- Teaching and learning
- Research
- Industry-academia collaboration
- Entrepreneurship development
- Teacher education
- Mental wellness measures
EU Insights and Opportunities
The EU representatives shared valuable insights regarding ongoing and upcoming collaboration opportunities between the EU and India. This included discussions on fellowships and bilateral funding schemes aimed at fostering joint research initiatives.
The visit was particularly focused on strengthening cooperation under the EU’s flagship Horizon Europe programme, which is recognized as the world’s largest research and innovation funding framework. The delegation aimed to identify potential partnerships in key research and development areas, including:
- Climate resilience
- Clean energy and hydrogen technologies
- Materials science
- Smart manufacturing
- Sustainable urbanization
- Healthcare innovations
- Start-up incubation
Laboratory Visits and Insights
As part of the visit, the delegation toured IIT Bhubaneswar’s advanced research laboratories, including:
- Central Research Instrumentation Facility (CRIF)
- Silicon Carbide Research and Innovation Centre
- Startup incubation centre
This hands-on experience allowed the EU representatives to gain first-hand insights into ongoing projects at IIT Bhubaneswar that align with sustainability and technological innovation.
Statements from Leadership
Prof. Karmalkar expressed optimism about future collaborations, stating, “We look forward to building meaningful partnerships with EU institutions that can accelerate knowledge exchange and co-create impactful solutions to some of the most pressing global issues.”
Mr. Dham emphasized the EU’s commitment to deepening scientific and technological ties with India, remarking, “India is a crucial partner in our global research and innovation landscape. Our visit to IIT Bhubaneswar reaffirms our shared vision of addressing global challenges through joint scientific excellence.”
Conclusion
This visit marked a significant step towards strengthening academic and research cooperation between the EU and India. It aligns with the shared vision of advancing sustainable, inclusive, and technology-driven growth, paving the way for future collaborations that can address global challenges effectively.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on the visit of the EU delegation to IIT Bhubaneswar and aims to highlight the importance of international collaborations in research and innovation.
