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UCL and India: co-creating innovative solutions to tackle global challenges

26 November 2024

UCL enjoyed a successful delegation visit to India this month, launching pioneering new collaborations with leading institutions and connecting with students, alumni, philanthropists and partners across the country.

The UCL delegation with colleagues at IIT Delhi and All India Institute of Medical Sciences at the launch of the trilateral partnership

The delegation, led by UCL President & Provost Dr Michael Spence, visited Bengaluru and Delhi for a host of events and activities, followed by an additional alumni reception in Mumbai. 

Joining the delegation were Professor Geraint Rees (Vice-Provost Research, Innovation & Global Engagement); Kirsty Walker (Vice-President External Engagement); Professor Ibrahim Abubakar (Pro-Provost Health); Professor John Hurst (Vice-Dean International, Faculty of Medical Sciences); Professor Monica Lakhanpaul (Global Strategic Academic Advisor for India); Professor Cathy Holloway (Global Disability Innovation Hub at UCL), Professor Eloise Scotford (Dean, UCL Laws) and Professor Isra Black (Vice-Dean International, UCL Laws). 

Dr Michael Spence, UCL President & Provost said: “It was fantastic to be back in India this month and is an exciting time for UCL engagement in and with India. India is an old country thirsty for innovation and the future and, as UCL approaches its 200th anniversary, we share exactly the same focus. There is so much potential for what we can achieve together.” 

During the visit, UCL launched new health and tech collaborations with key partners at IISc Bengaluru, IIT Delhi and AIIMS as well as the second phase of the Attvaran assistive technology funding for 50 Indian startups through our Global Disability Innovation Hub. 

Professor Geraint Rees gave the keynote address on the future of UK and India collaboration in AI at a UK country event at Bengaluru Tech Summit, introduced by British High Commissioner Lindy Cameron, and joined a panel event with Infosys on how AI is shaping universities and the workplace of today.  

The delegation also connected with other key stakeholders including the British Council. 

UCL Laws met with Faculty leadership at National Law School India University, Bengaluru to progress education and research partnerships. Professor Eloise Scotford and Dr Isra Black met with prospective students in Bengaluru and Delhi for the LLB and LLM programmes and launched a groundbreaking interdisciplinary executive-style MSc in Law and Finance. They also met with senior legal professionals, the Attorney General of India, and justices of the Supreme Court of India.  

More than 170 alumni joined our reception events in Bengaluru – which was UCL’s inaugural event in the city - Delhi and Mumbai. They had the opportunity to network and share their stories with the UCL delegation. 

UCL also hosted a reception with The British School New Delhi for the heads of international schools in the city. 

This year’s visit follows the delivery of UCL's first ever Summer School in Delhi in June, led by Dr Michael Collins (UCL History), and a delegation visit in November 2023 where we announced 100 new Master’s scholarships for India's brightest students.

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