Strong partners in education and research TU Braunschweig expands its network in India

With the world’s second largest student population and a growing research infrastructure that fosters innovation and cutting-edge research, India is an important global education hub. As India continues to expand its presence in international education and research, the Technische Universität Braunschweig is strengthening its already established ties with one of the world’s most dynamic education systems. As part of a higher education delegation trip organised by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), TU President Angela Ittel visited several universities and research institutions in India last week. She also used the trip to further deepen the partnership between TU Braunschweig and the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay).

Group photo of all 28 supporters of the DWIH New Delhi. Picture Credit: DWIH Neu-Delhi

As one of Germany’s leading technical universities and a member of TU9, TU Braunschweig is an interesting cooperation partner and benefits from its long-standing relations with the Indian higher education landscape. Since 2009, there has been a cooperation with BITS Pilani – one of the top 10 engineering universities in India. Since 2012, the partnership with the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) has been anchored in various agreements. In addition, intensive dialogue is underway to develop partnerships with IIT Delhi and IIT Hyderabad.

The renowned Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) are an important part of India’s research landscape. The rush of potential students is as great as the rigorous selection criteria: of more than 1.5 million applicants each year, only about 20,000 of the most talented are admitted. IIT Bombay is one of the leading universities in this group. The lively exchange between the two universities and the diverse collaborations that all six faculties of TU Braunschweig maintain with IIT Bombay testify to the importance of this partnership.

“The TU Braunschweig community can be proud to be part of this vibrant and forward-looking partnership that promotes education and research at the international level.”

The exchange with BITS Pilani takes place under the umbrella of the Indo-German Centre for Sustainable Manufacturing, in which Prof. Christoph Herrmann plays a leading role. It is characterised by joint projects, conferences and reciprocal research visits. A particular highlight for the students are the stays in India and Germany during the seminar, which have a significant scientific and cultural added value.

In addition, at a high-profile event, the Indo-German Forum in Delhi, TU Braunschweig was accepted as an associate member of the German House for Business and Innovation (DWIH) in New Delhi and can now play an even more active role in developing cooperation with Indian partners.

DWIH New Delhi Director Katja Lasch presents the certificate of associate membership to TU President Angela Ittel. Picture credit: DWIH New Delhi

“India’s growing economic and scientific dynamism, coupled with our strong network of partners in the scientific ecosystem, offers tremendous opportunities for both sides. The large number of international delegations visiting India is a testament to the growing global interest. Our established relations with the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) and our membership in the German House for Business and Innovation (DWIH) in New Delhi provide a good basis for sustainable cooperation. The TU Braunschweig community can be proud to be part of this vibrant and forward-looking partnership that promotes education and research at the international level,” said TU President Angela Ittel.

Prof. Sándor Fekete, who has been promoting the cooperation with IIT Bombay for many years, accompanied TU President Angela Ittel: “Our cooperation includes numerous projects in research and teaching across all faculties. We had very good discussions: in the near future there will be an exchange not only of students, but also of researchers and staff at various levels. The talks focused on the joint supervision of doctoral students. Other areas of cooperation include economic applications and social issues. At a time when India is playing a significant role in the global economy, it is of great strategic importance for the TU Braunschweig and our entire region to further strengthen and expand these relationships.”