An Indian university has teamed up with the University of Ulster to share research and take part in staff and student exchanges, it was announced today.
The University of Madras in Chennai signed a memorandum of understanding authorising closer co-operation with the University of Ulster following a recent Invest Northern Ireland organised trade mission to the region led by former NIO minister Barry Gardiner.
Joan Reilly, head of the University of Ulster's International Office confirmed the agreement was signed by Professor Richard Barnett, acting vice chancellor and Professor Thyagarajan, vice-chancellor of the University of Madras in June. Ms Reilly explained: "The agreement will see the two universities collaborate in biomedical sciences, conflict resolution, and cultural studies, and will focus on technology/knowledge transfer, joint research projects, and staff and student exchanges.
"Developing such international partnerships is an important element in the university's growth strategy.
"Universities worldwide are co-operating increasingly across a range of activities, including major research projects. We believe that it is vitally important that the University of Ulster should be part of this global knowledge transfer trend."
The University of Madrasis one of the three oldest universities in India and the biggest and most influential in Tamil Nadu state.
It has around 200,000 students and is recognised as a leading research institution.
The agreement is part of a rapidly developing relationship between the university and India.
PA