IIT Kharagpur signs MoU with Russian university on energy and earth sciences research

IIT Kharagpur has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University, Russia, to expand collaboration in energy, mining, and earth sciences, with a focus on joint research, academic exchange, and technology development.

The agreement was formalized during a virtual meeting attended by senior officials from both institutions.

According to IIT Kharagpur, the partnership will strengthen research and educational engagement between India and Russia by enabling the sharing of expertise and institutional resources to address industry challenges and support innovation.

"This collaboration builds upon the long-standing partnership between India and Russia in Science and Technology, the statement said,” reads the statement.

Joint research initiatives and knowledge exchange are expected to further expand bilateral engagement in these fields.

Highlighting the scope of the agreement, the institute said, "The MoU is expected to contribute significantly to addressing evolving energy needs - ranging from conventional coal and petroleum resources to energy transition critical minerals - while advancing human resource development and technological innovation," the statement said. "

The collaboration will focus on responding to changing energy demands and supporting innovation.

The partnership also emphasizes academic mobility. "The partnership aims to promote student and scholar exchange programs, faculty exchange for joint scientific research, and the development of joint academic programs for students as well as working professionals," a statement by the IIT Kharagpur said.

The exchange of students and faculty is expected to support joint research and academic programs across both institutions.

The MoU was formalized in the presence of Prof Vladimir Litvinenko, Rector of Saint Petersburg Mining University, and Prof Suman Chakraborty, Director of IIT Kharagpur.

Both leaders highlighted the importance of expanding Indo-Russian cooperation in higher education and research.

Key areas of collaboration include Mining Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Rubber Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Geology, Geophysics, and applications of Artificial Intelligence in energy and earth sciences. These disciplines are expected to anchor upcoming joint academic and research initiatives.