Strengthening biotech research links in India

A recent visit to India has helped the University build new global partnerships in biological sciences, including an important collaboration with the country’s Regional Centre for Biotechnology.

The delegation, led by the University’s Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Shearer West and including Ian Wood, Pro-Dean International for the Faculty of Biological Sciences, visited New Delhi to agree research and student education alliances spanning medicine, engineering, biotechnology and social sciences.

Over the past 25 years, the University’s activities in India have grown to include academic exchanges and research initiatives that address global challenges.

Last week’s visit reflects the growing importance of India within the University’s international strategy. 

New memoranda of understanding (MoUs) signed include renewed or new agreements with Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research (BIHER), the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee), Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth (SBV), Birla Institute of Technology & Science (BITS Pilani), Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB) – pictured above - and the University of Delhi (DU). 

Working with the Regional Centre for Biotechnology

Image: Dr Arvind Sahu, Executive Director at the Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB), pictured with Professor Shearer West, Vice-Chancellor and President, University of Leeds.

The Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB) operates under the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, and plays a leading role in regional biosciences research and capacity building.

This agreement is part of the UK-India Technology Security Initiative, which aims to elevate collaboration in critical and emerging technologies, focusing on seven key areas: telecoms, critical minerals, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum technology, biotechnology, and advanced materials.

The new MoU with the RCB will stimulate joint research in fundamental science, and aims to boost biotech research, enabling student and faculty exchanges and developing training programmes that address global concerns such as climate resilience, public health and food security.

Professor Ian Wood, Pro-Dean for International in the Faculty of Biological Sciences said:

“It was a privilege to be part of the recent University delegation to India, and to see first-hand the impactful research and innovation taking place across Indian institutions.   

The new agreement with the Regional Centre for Biotechnology is particularly exciting, opening up many opportunities for our students and colleagues in biological sciences. This partnership will enable strong interdisciplinary research collaboration, help us build capacity in Biotechnology and enrich academic exchange between our institutions.”

Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Shearer West said:

“I am pleased to have led a delegation to India so early in my time as Vice-Chancellor and President at Leeds.

“India has developed an ambitious international higher education strategy, and we have unique opportunities to deepen existing partnerships and develop new ones.

“Our University’s strengths in research and innovation – especially in relation to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, health tech and social sciences – strongly align with those of our Indian partners. We also plan to develop new joint research and teaching programmes and opportunities for students to study overseas.

“The collaborations formed and renewed here are built on mutual respect, academic excellence and a commitment to tackling shared challenges.”

Further information

Main image: Ian Wood, Pro-Dean International, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Dr Neha Sharma, Senior Adviser, Health and Life Sciences at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in New Delhi, Professor Shearer West, Vice-Chancellor and President, University of Leeds and Dr Arvind Sahu, Executive Director at the Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB), at the signing of the memorandum of understanding. 

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