Imperial College London and Science Gallery Bengaluru (SGB) have proudly unveiled a new partnership designed to ignite the exchange of brilliant minds and groundbreaking ideas. This collaborative effort will see the development of cutting-edge facilities, the launch of a prestigious joint fellowship program, and a host of engaging public activities.
Captured in an official photo: Amanda Wolthuizen, Imperial College London’s Vice-President for Strategic Engagement, alongside Jahnavi Phalkey, the esteemed Founding Director of Science Gallery Bengaluru. This image marks the official announcement of their new partnership.
The exciting news came directly from Hugh Brady, President of Imperial College, alongside Jahnavi Phalkey, the visionary Founding Director at Science Gallery, Bengaluru. This significant announcement was made during President Brady’s visit to India as part of the UK delegation, marking British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s inaugural official trip to the country.
At the heart of this new alliance, both organizations are committed to co-creating state-of-the-art, open research facilities right at Science Gallery Bengaluru. This initiative is set to significantly enhance talent exchange between the UK and India, fostering a truly global flow of expertise through a dedicated joint fellowship. Furthermore, the partnership will delve into exciting new avenues for public engagement, collaborative research, and innovative educational programs.
A Landmark Agreement Signed
To formalize this momentous collaboration, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was officially signed by Amanda Wolthuizen, Imperial’s Vice-President of Strategic Engagement, and Ms. Phalkey. This signing ceremony underscored the commitment of both institutions to this forward-thinking alliance.
Among the promising initiatives under consideration are the expansion and diversification of Science Gallery Bengaluru’s renowned Public Lab Complex. Plans also include crafting joint programs that seamlessly connect SGB’s Public Lab Complex with London’s vibrant WestTech innovation ecosystem and Imperial’s pioneering Schools of Convergence Science. A reciprocal fellowship and apprenticeship program is envisioned to nurture future leaders, alongside the development of an annual calendar filled with inspiring public and community engagement events.
President Brady emphasized the significance of Imperial’s involvement in the Prime Minister’s inaugural India visit, stating, “Our presence underscores Imperial’s vital role in bolstering UK-India partnerships, especially after launching our Imperial Global India hub this year. By uniting our efforts across continents, we are enhancing research and innovation cooperation, forging connections that will inspire and empower future scientists, thought leaders, and agents of change.”
Strengthening International Bonds
Ms. Phalkey highlighted the partnership’s crucial role in fostering shared environments where curiosity, innovation, and learning can flourish without geographical constraints.
Patrick J. Vallance, the UK’s Minister of State for Science, Research and Innovation, remarked on the broader impact: “Imperial’s strengthened engagement with Bengaluru will allow its global community of students, researchers, and innovators to collaborate with Indian peers. These joint efforts have the potential to spark economic growth, attract further investment, and yield significant advancements across fields, from healthcare to sustainable energy. This partnership also reinforces the University’s expanding and robust global network.”