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Guru Nanak Dev University and Cornell University ink pact for Agricultural development

April 12, 2019 12:02 PM

AMRITSAR: Exchanging scientific information freely, forging cooperative research, hosting Indian executives, students and faculty, and sharing agricultural biotechnology to promote the development and use of drought- and pest-resistant crops.

These were just a few of the collaborations that was strengthened when Cornell University whose world university ranking in 2019 is 19, signed a memorandum of understanding with Guru Nanak Dev University on Thursday. In a historical and strategically development, Guru Nanak Dev University Amritsar has entered into a partnership with Cornell University, one of the top university of the world  to establish a program of exchange and collaborations in Agriculture, as well as other related matters of mutual interest. A formal “MoU” was signed between Cornell University Vice-Provost for International Affairs Professor Wendy Wolford and GNDU Vice-Chancellor Professor Jaspal Singh Sandhu recently. The collaboration will increase the number of academic and student exchange opportunities between the institutes.

Prof. Sandhu said 'Today marks nothing less than the beginning of a new era of cooperation for India and USA. By teaming up, our university is creating a unique alliance and leading the way in shaping the future of Indo-US research partnership. This is the first time in the history of Guru Nanak Dev University that an international partnership of this magnitude and significance has been established with top university of the world. "A higher education degree which helps build a strong foundation in academic fundamentals and at the same time provides the required skills and knowledge necessary to compete in a global marketplace is needed, " he added. I am happy to look forward to continuing our dialogue in this regard. This initiative will further cement our university’s position as one of the world’s premier locations for research and innovation”. Prof Sandhu further said, “This collaboration is an immense opportunity to promote cooperative research and to facilitate the international exchange of ideas, the development of new knowledge and to enhance global research acumen through these hubs. The modes of cooperation could include faculty visits for collaboration in research, student mobility programs for learning, development of cooperative research projects and dissemination of finding through scholarly publication.

Professor Wendy Wolford  in his message said “This strategic partnership between Cornell University and Guru Nanak Dev University is a milestone with respect to international relations. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funded ABSPII is a global consortium led by Cornell University. ABSPII focuses on the safe and effective development and commercialization of bio-engineered crops as a complement to traditional and organic agricultural approaches. The project helps boost food security, economic growth, nutrition and environmental quality.

We are delighted to be a co-founder of this exciting endeavour between two international institutes to promote Cooperative research. I am sure that this partnership will bring mutual benefits for all involved parties and across the entire range of academic disciplines."We are happy to sign MoU with Guru Nanak Dev University. We look forward to a long and fruitful collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Guru Nanak Dev University, which is among the best universities in India with a high research focus and diverse academic programs. This is the beginning of a long-term collaboration, having students from Guru Nanak Dev University coming to the USA and American students coming to India and launching of exciting professional development programmes.

Dr. Preet Mohinder Singh Bedi, Coordinator University-Industry linkage Programme said “Through closer collaboration and shared expertise, we will gain a deeper insight into our ground-breaking research and fulfil our joint ambition to address some of the biggest challenges facing society today. “Furthering academic and student exchange programmes will also enrich both Cornell University and GNDU communities, enabling them to develop and grow intellectually, culturally and socially”. Dr. Bedi said 'University is delighted that we have successfully established a strategic partnership with Cornell University, one of the world's most renowned universities. We can contribute our expertise here to this newly-formed strategic partnership and develop our existing contacts to the Cornell University in areas of mutual interest. I believe this will provide a new impetus for research in India. The MoU cover the scope of interaction among members of faculty relating to joint research projects, visits for such purposes and when necessary, joint applications for research funding from external funding agencies.

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