Coventry University Group and GITAM Forge Strategic Partnership to Launch Dual Degree PhD Program

Varahi media.com online news,India,April 13th, 2025:In a landmark move to strengthen academic ties and enhance global research opportunities, Coventry University Group and Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management (GITAM) have entered into a strategic collaboration agreement. This initiative aims to advance academic cooperation, foster innovation, and provide students in both India and the UK with enriched learning experiences.

At the core of the agreement is the launch of a Dual Degree PhD Program, offering scholars the chance to be part of a globally integrated research ecosystem. Students will benefit from joint supervision by academic experts at both Coventry University and GITAM, along with access to cutting-edge research infrastructure, industry partnerships, and cross-border funding opportunities.

A First-of-its-Kind Collaboration

For GITAM, this marks the institute’s first international dual-degree PhD program, while for Coventry University, it is their first such collaboration in India leading to a dual PhD award. Over the past 14 months, dedicated academic teams led by Professor Carl Perrin, Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research), Coventry University, and Professor KNS Acharya, Pro Vice-Chancellor, GITAM Bangalore, have worked collaboratively to establish a robust model for this academic partnership.

Key Benefits for Students and Faculty

• Global Research Exposure: Students will participate in international research initiatives and receive dual accreditation, helping them gain a global academic and cultural perspective.
• Industry-Driven Impact: The program is tailored to foster applied research in key areas such as clean mobility, climate resilience, healthcare innovations, smart infrastructure, and more.
• Enhanced Employability: Scholars will graduate with internationally relevant research skills and access to Coventry University’s global industry network.
• Faculty Advancement: The agreement also supports faculty exchanges, joint publications, and collaborative research grants, further enriching academic output and professional growth.

A Vision for Global Academic Excellence

This partnership aligns with Coventry University Group’s global expansion strategy, following the launch of its India Global Hub in New Delhi. The university maintains similar hubs in Africa, China, Brussels, and Singapore, aimed at fostering collaboration with international institutions, governments, and industries.

Professor Richard Dashwood, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at Coventry University, highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership:

“This collaboration with GITAM underscores our vision of delivering research with real-world impact. By co-developing knowledge and promoting student and faculty mobility, we are empowering our communities to tackle pressing global challenges together.”

Advancing Research and Innovation

GITAM is leveraging this agreement to elevate its global research footprint. The collaboration opens pathways for joint grant applications and collaborative research across diverse domains such as agroecology, sustainability, future transport, engineering, healthcare, life sciences, business, and digital technologies.

Professor KNS Acharya, Pro Vice-Chancellor at GITAM, remarked:

“This partnership goes beyond academic exchange. It represents a shared mission to co-create impactful solutions through interdisciplinary research and global collaboration. It provides our students and faculty with a transformative platform for innovation.”

Signing Ceremony

The official signing took place on March 6, 2025, in Bangalore, attended by distinguished academic leaders from both institutions, including:

• Dr. Errol D’Souza, Vice-Chancellor, GITAM
• Professor Richard Dashwood, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Coventry University
• Professor Gunasekaran, Registrar, GITAM
• Professor KNS Acharya, Pro Vice-Chancellor, GITAM Bangalore
• Professor Elena Gaura, Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research), Coventry University
• Professor Rohit Bhagat, Centre Director, Centre for E-Mobility and Clean Growth
• Dr. Megha Mathur, International Research and Innovation Manager, Coventry University Group – India Hub

Strengthening UK–India Academic Partnerships

This pioneering agreement signifies a major step forward in UK–India educational collaboration. It paves the way for a new generation of globally-minded researchers, enabling access to world-class education, innovation-driven research, and meaningful academic exchange between the two countries.

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