University College London, IISc explore collaborative initiatives across future-focused interdisciplinary areas

Bengaluru: The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru and University College London (UCL) have signed a ‘Letter of Intent’ to facilitate closer collaboration with IISc’s forthcoming Postgraduate Medical School across research, education, innovation and commercialisation.

UCL and IISc will create a joint working group to explore several potential collaborative initiatives across future-focused interdisciplinary areas such as digital health, quantum tech, AI and medicine.

IISc and UCL had previously collaborated in the field of equitable urban design, liver tissue engineering and quantum technologies.

In a statement, IISc Director Prof Govindan Rangarajan said: "We are delighted to build on our collaborations with UCL to carry out cutting-edge research in new and emerging areas. UCL and IISc's joint efforts will also empower education and innovation in medical research and healthcare, which ties in with our efforts to build world-class post-graduate programmes at our upcoming medical school."

UCL President and Provost Dr Michael Spence, in his statement said : “UCL shares IISc’s commitment to empowering and bringing together researchers from across disciplines to solve today’s most pressing challenges.”

The partners hope that the framework will lead to new programmes, such as collaborative PhDs, sharing health systems best practices, faculty exchange and research fellowships.