India’s O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) and the University of Wollongong (UOW) have forged stronger connections, signing a strategic partnership through which students and faculty members from each University may spend some time at the other in short or longer term exchange programs.

 

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) singed on Monday 4 March, aims to establish a solid partnership between JGU and UOW as well as providing a strong platform for engagement between the two Universities that would qualitatively impact the learning and growth of students and faculty alike.

 

Welcoming the JGU delegation to Wollongong, University of Wollongong Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paul Wellings CBE, said “We are delighted with this first step -- in what we hope will be a long term friendship with a very fine Indian higher education institution.

 

“JGU, though a young university, has already made a solid name for itself in many areas of teaching, research and community engagement. We view this partnership as a strategic development - within a higher education context – that will further strengthen the social, cultural and economic links between Australia and India.

 

“The University Wollongong is delighted with the partnership and we look forward to strengthening collaboration with leading Indian—and indeed Asian--universities, including JGU.”

 

“This partnership, which will benefit staff and students from both institutions, is an ideal way to begin that development,” Professor Wellings said.

This partnership specifically allows JGU and UOW students to undertake student exchange opportunities at the other institution. Additionally, for faculty and researchers at both Universities, it allows for joint research while encouraging collaboration in international publications.

 

This collaborative spirit exemplifies the noteworthy work conducted by JGU’s Centre for India Australia Studies (CIAS). The CIAS has hosted hundreds of Australians in India since the Centre's inauguration; and continue to be a strong site for building awareness of Australia in India, while fostering very solid ties in the bilateral relationship.

 

Professor C. Raj Kumar, Vice-Chancellor JGU said: “JGU celebrates its 10th anniversary this year and we are a private not-for-profit university distinguished by its core multidisciplinary and philanthropic missions.

 

“As the youngest Indian university to break into the QS Asia and QS BRICS rankings, today's signing reflects JGU’s genuine commitment to fostering partnerships of mutually beneficial value with leading global universities.

 

“We are especially keen to deepen our ties with Australian higher education institutions. And so I am particularly pleased that JGU students will have the unique opportunity to learn at the University of Wollongong, one of the best modern higher education institutions ranked within the top 250 global universities.”

 

Professor Kumar said collaboration in higher education not only strengthens institutional ties, but also bridges the gap between Australia and India.

 

“This partnership will create stronger people-to-people linkages and research collaborations between students and faculty in India and Australia. This can only be a good thing for both nations.”