SKUAST-K, Murdoch University Australia sign MoU for academic, research collaboration

New Delhi, Feb 19: In a significant milestone for fostering global academic partnerships, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) and Murdoch University (MU), Australia, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on February 18.

The collaboration is aimed at advancing academic and research cooperation between the two institutions. The signing ceremony took place at the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences in New Delhi.

The event was presided over by Dr Himanshu Pathak, Director General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).

Attendees included prominent dignitaries such as Dr Peter Davies, Pro Vice-Chancellor at Murdoch University; Dr Rajeev Varshney, Director, State Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, MU; Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-K; and Prof. Azmat Alam Khan, Registrar (Designate), SKUAST-K. Several other members of the delegations from both institutions were also present.

Dr Rajeev Varshney welcomed the participants and highlighted the transformative potential of this partnership in increasing human capacity and enhancing global research output.

Dr Himanshu Pathak, in his address, underscored the importance of international collaborations in academia and expressed optimism that this partnership would lead to productive academic exchanges and groundbreaking research initiatives.

Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-K, delivered a detailed presentation showcasing the university’s academic and research strengths. He highlighted SKUAST-K’s cutting-edge work in molecular breeding, genome editing, speed breeding, regenerative medicine, computational biology, and bio-input production, emphasising its potential to make significant global contributions in these domains.

Prof. Peter Carberry from Murdoch University provided an overview of the academic and research prowess of Murdoch University and outlined potential areas of cooperation with SKUAST-K. The MoU was formally signed by Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-K, and Dr. Peter Davies, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Murdoch University, marking the beginning of a promising partnership.

The event also witnessed participation from senior representatives of the Australian High Commission, ICRISAT’s India country office, Prof. K.C. Bansal, former Director of the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), and Dr. C. Bhardwaj from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI). Representatives from the Australian High Commission reaffirmed their support for fostering cooperation under CGIAR and AICR flagship programs.

Both institutions agreed to initiate collaborative research programs and facilitate student and faculty exchange programs under the framework of the MoU. Prof. Nazir Ganai emphasized the importance of translating the agreement into impactful initiatives, including the establishment of joint or dual degree programs and exploring the feasibility of setting up a satellite campus of Murdoch University at SKUAST-Kashmir.