BITS signs MoU with La Trobe University, Australia
06 May 2013
On Friday, 3rd May 2013, BITS Pilani signed a MOU with La Trobe University, a multi-campus university based in Victoria, Australia for student and staff exchange program. This agreement will provide opportunity to students and staff from both Universities to visit each other for a period of 6 months to 1 year to participate in study or research project.
Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor of BITS Pilani, Prof. B. N. Jain said, “We are pleased to sign this agreement with La Trobe University of Australia. This is significant since we are in the midst of several initiatives to become a research-focused university, and thus be recognized as one of the leading S&T universities in India and in Asia. Our students and faculty in the areas of Science, Engineering, Pharmacy and Management look forward to interact with their counterparts in La Trobe and participate in joint activities in learning and research. We also look forward to receiving Australian students and faculty and spending time in and outside our classrooms and labs. In time to come, we expect the partnership to flourish to a point where we will undertake joint academic programs and research collaboration.”
Speaking on the Occasion, Professor John Rosenberg, Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor (SDVC) and Vice President, La Trobe University said, “There have been many exciting developments which have taken place at La Trobe University. India has always inspired me to come out with something new on behalf of La Trobe University, which can help Indian students. This time, La Trobe is offering NEW MoU’s& exchange agreements with Indian Institutes in addition to existing strong partnerships. Secondly, with the inauguration of LIMS, La Trobe students will get a bunch of additional opportunities to prove their potential”
“Indian students interested in research will get a lot of exposure to modern science in La Trobe’s iconic buildings, which include the La Trobe institute of Molecular Sciences [LIMS], (A$100 Million) and Centre for AgriBioscience (built with A$ 288 Million), have been inaugurated recently. While LIMS will focus on research into the basis of human, plant and animal disease, and in driving technological approaches to combating disease, AgriBio, Centre for AgriBioscience, (a joint venture between La Trobe University & Victorian Government resulting in largest agricultural R&D organisations in Victoria) will strengthen Victoria's international reputation for plant, animal and microbial biosciences along with bio protection research and diagnostics”, added Professor John Rosenberg.
Professor Brian McGaw, Executive Dean, Faculty of Science, Technology & Engineering, La Trobe University, Australia said “La Trobe University’s strength in research can be judged by the Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) 2012 report which reveals that four of La Trobe’s research areas are well above world standards – analytical chemistry, biochemistry and cell biology, microbiology and veterinary sciences”.
Present on the occasion included Prof. G. Raghurama, Director, Pilani Campus, officials of La Trobe University, Deans, HODs and senior faculty members of the Pilani campus.