A dynamic new collaboration is taking shape as Imperial College London and Science Gallery Bengaluru (SGB) unveil a significant partnership. This initiative is designed to foster a rich exchange of talent and knowledge, spearheaded by the creation of innovative new facilities, a joint fellowship program, and exciting public engagement ventures.
This landmark announcement came from Hugh Brady, President of Imperial College, alongside Jahnavi Phalkey, the visionary Founding Director at Science Gallery Bengaluru. Notably, Mr. Brady was part of the esteemed UK delegation accompanying British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on his inaugural official visit to India.
Under the umbrella of this fresh partnership, both organizations are committed to co-developing state-of-the-art open research facilities directly at SGB. Their ambitious plans also include significantly enhancing UK-India and broader global talent exchange via a specially designed joint fellowship, and actively pursuing various collaborations in public engagement, research, and education.
Memorandum of Understanding Formalized
The partnership was officially cemented with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by Amanda Wolthuizen, Imperial’s Vice-President of Strategic Engagement, and Ms. Phalkey.
Among the exciting joint initiatives under consideration are the diversification and expansion of Science Gallery Bengaluru’s Public Lab Complex. The partners also plan to co-develop programs that seamlessly connect SGB’s Public Lab Complex with London’s WestTech innovation ecosystem and Imperial’s Schools of Convergence Science. Furthermore, they will establish a reciprocal fellowship and apprenticeship program and co-create an engaging annual calendar of public and community events.
President Brady emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating, “Our involvement during the Prime Minister’s initial India visit underscores Imperial’s vital role in bolstering UK-India partnerships, especially after establishing our Imperial Global India hub earlier this year. By uniting our efforts across continents, we are intensifying research and innovation cooperation, forging connections that will empower future generations of scientists, thought leaders, innovators, and changemakers.”
Strengthening Global Connections
Ms. Phalkey highlighted the partnership’s crucial role in fostering shared environments where curiosity, creative thinking, and continuous learning can flourish internationally.
Patrick J. Vallance, the UK’s Minister of State for Science, Research, and Innovation, commented on the broader impact, noting, “Imperial’s strengthened engagement with Bengaluru will allow its international students, researchers, and innovators to collaborate with Indian peers. These joint efforts have the potential to stimulate economic growth, attract investments, and achieve significant breakthroughs in diverse fields, from healthcare to energy. This move also significantly enhances the robust global network the University is actively cultivating worldwide.”