IIT Madras, Singapore's Nanyang Technological University sign pact to offer joint PhD

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-Madras) and Singapore-based Nanyang Technological University (NTU) has joined hands to offer joint doctoral programme (PhD). The first round of discussions was held recently during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the City State in June and a pact was signed in this regard. Water and photonics among others could be key focus areas of the programme, Alumni Community Chair Professor of the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras Prof R Nagarajan said.

Officials of both the institutions met for the first time recently at IIT-Madras since the signing of the memorandum of understanding on June 1 this year during the Prime Minister’s visit to NTU. “NTU is sending a delegation of faculty for a Research Collaboration Workshop at IIT Madras. A reciprocal Workshop is planned at NTU in early 2019. Both institutions will attempt to get 5 PhD candidates enrolled in the joint program during 2019. IIT Madras alumni in Singapore will continue to meet regularly, and look for ways to give back to IIT Madras and to India,” Nagarajan was quoted as saying. Various aspects of water such as purification, recycling, delivery system, and photonics among other focus areas were shortlisted during the talks, Nagarajan said.

Earlier, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras or IIT Madras is collaborating with Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) to enhance the operational life cycle of its all 280-plus existing platforms and reduce running and operating cost by optimum use of offshore survey requirements. The institute will develop a Database Management System for all the platforms of the multinational oil and gas company and develop software for Structural Integrity Management System (SIMS) as well, said a statement from IIT Madras.