The Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN) and the Ministry of Education, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia have entered into a significant partnership to jointly offer the Multidisciplinary International Quality Improvement Doctoral Degree Program (MIQMDDP). This initiative aims to strengthen academic collaboration between India and Ethiopia through joint doctoral research, academic exchange, and co-supervision. The programme offers Ethiopian scholars a unique opportunity to pursue a PhD with mentorship and resources from both institutions.

The MoU was formally signed at IIT Gandhinagar by Professor Rajat Moona, Director, IITGN.  The event was also attended by senior IIT Gandhinagar faculty and administrators including Professor Surya Pratap Mehrotra, Faculty In-charge, External Relations; Professor Nithin V George, Dean, General Administration; Professor Kabeer Jasuja, Faculty In-charge, International Affairs; and Dr Somnath Mitra, CEO, Centre for Research Commercialization.

Prof Krishnaraj Ramaswamy, Joint PhD Coordinator (MoE, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia) and Principal Scientific Advisor, Ministry of Innovation and Technology, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, was also present.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof Rajat Moona, Director, IITGN, said:

"We are looking forward to welcoming Ethiopian scholars under this program and contributing to the academic and research landscape of both countries through collaborative efforts."

Prof SP Mehrotra remarked:

"The MoU signed between IITGN and the Ministry of Education, Ethiopia, is a gateway for IITGN to engage with the African continent and will open avenues for similar collaborations with other African universities."

Prof Krishnaraj Ramaswamy added:

"This partnership marks a new chapter in Ethiopia-India academic cooperation. The MIQMDDP will provide a platform for scholars to benefit from interdisciplinary mentorship, research infrastructure, and global exposure."

As part of this program, up to 15 Ethiopian PhD scholars will be selected each year for the next five years. Selected candidates will be jointly supervised by faculty from their Home Institute in Ethiopia and IITGN. They will spend 12 to 18 months at IIT Gandhinagar, and institutional fellowship support will be provided as per IITGN norms. The Ministry of Education, Ethiopia, will support international travel for the scholars. This MoU reflects a shared vision to build research capacity, enhance academic exchange, and nurture a globally engaged scholarly community.

 

(Release ID: 2152773)