IIT Roorkee, University of Calgary launch joint PhD programme
IIT Roorkee (IITR) and the University of Calgary (UCalgary) have signed an agreement for a joint doctoral degree program (JDDP), a major milestone in enhancing academic and research collaboration between the two institutions. The agreement was signed during an event held in Calgary, Canada.
The JDDP is considered as a platform for enhancement of academic exchanges, strengthening of joint research and development of technologies that are relevant globally. The collaboration will support research in emerging and strategically important areas such as sustainable development, clean energy, circular economy, water and wastewater management and critical minerals, and technologies that align with India and Canada’s growing semiconductor ecosystem.
The function was attended by Director K K Pant, dean of international relations Karun Rawat, dean of academic affairs Naveen Navani, Siddhartha Khare and Komal Tripathi. Other University of Calgary officials and faculty members included Provost Sandra Davidson, graduate studies dean Tara Beattie, engineering dean Anders Nygren, civil engineering head Gopal Achari, international senior director Buffy St-Amand and strategic operations senior director Catherine McLeod.
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Research and Collaboration
The partnership is an appreciation of the translation of research into technology-based solutions with a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, technology commercialization and societal impact. The joint doctoral degree program will provide doctoral scholars with joint supervision, exposure to interdisciplinary research, and access to the academic and research ecosystems of both institutions.
“This Joint Doctoral Degree Program represents an important step towards building a deeper and more strategic academic partnership between IIT Roorkee and the University of Calgary. By bringing together complementary expertise, we can create new opportunities for interdisciplinary research, nurture globally competitive doctoral talent, and accelerate the translation of research into technologies that address critical societal and industrial challenges”, also said by K. K. Pant, director of IIT Roorkee while highlighting the recent agreement.
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Academic Leadership
Reflecting on the role of the agreement in deepening academic and research ties, Sandra Davidson said that “International academic partnerships play an important role in advancing research and preparing students to succeed in a globally connected world. This Joint PhD agreement builds on a strong foundation of collaboration between the University of Calgary and IIT Roorkee and will create meaningful opportunities for doctoral students and faculty to learn, discover, and solve important research questions together.”
The officials from both institutions congratulated each other on this important milestone and reaffirmed their commitment to expanding academic mobility, strengthening collaborative research, and fostering a long-term partnership focused on excellence, innovation, and global impact. The initiative aims for long-term engagement of faculty members to build a strong foundation for high-impact joint publications and sustainable technological advancements.