Climate scientists link up at UK-India education talks

New climate science research partnerships are on the agenda as University of Reading representatives join the largest ever delegation of UK university leaders to India this week.

Senior delegates from 23 UK higher education institutions are in Mumbai from 6-10 June for workshops organised by the British Council, UK Government and Universities UK International and with addresses from the Indian Government’s Ministry of Education.

Sessions include the first education collaboration workshop between India and the UK, exploring the current partnership and higher education collaboration opportunities.

Talks are also planned between the University of Reading and the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru to discuss further partnership work in the field of climate science. Ongoing collaborative research between the two institutions includes studies on variations in the Indian monsoon and improving forecasts.

Paul Inman, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (International) at the University of Reading, who is in India for the workshops, said: “As a university with global network of research and teaching, it is important that Reading is part of these efforts to secure government-level commitment to sharing knowledge and ideas internationally.

“I have seen first-hand the difference these links can make to people’s lives in both countries. I look forward to working as part of this delegation and strengthening these important relationships as a priority.

“Working with global partners is key to impactful research and education. We hope to establish and strengthen partnerships with researchers in India to improve our understanding of fundamental climate challenges facing both countries and the world.”

The UK delegation will join a series of workshops aimed at strengthening and forging new education partnerships, and exploring opportunities for knowledge and academic exchange, research innovation and student mobility.

Attendees will hear from Zamila Bunglawala, Director of the UK Department for Education; Honourable Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, India's Cabinet Minister for Education and Skill Development; and Neeta Prasad, Joint Secretary of the International Cooperation Cell within India's Ministry of Education.

The workshop was organised following policies being put in place that have enhanced the relationship between the UK and India on education and created new opportunities.

The UK 2030 Roadmap, launched in May 2021 by the Prime Ministers of India and the UK, provides a framework for a strategic partnership and a government commitment to grow education collaboration.