Strengthening Educational Ties Between India and the UK
India’s education landscape is undergoing a major shift. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 encourages global collaborations and invites top institutions to establish a presence in India. This transformation, along with rapid digital growth, is changing how teaching and research operate in today’s world.
Imperial College London, known for scientific excellence since 1907, is expanding its India ties. The institution has influenced global progress in areas such as penicillin, fibre optics, and quantum science. Now, its new India hub reflects a timely and strategic step toward deeper collaboration.
Imperial’s Vision: Co-creation Over Campus Expansion
Professor Hugh Brady, President of Imperial College London, spoke with ET Education about India’s educational shift. He praised the NEP 2020 for its scope and ambition.
However, Imperial has no plans to open a branch campus in India. Instead, its India strategy is focused on co-creating high-impact research partnerships. Professor Brady emphasized working with Indian academia and industries to solve global challenges.
Future Skills and Industry 4.0: The University’s Role
In the age of Industry 4.0 and 5.0, universities must evolve. They prepare future-ready graduates and influence innovation ecosystems. Imperial’s White City Deep Tech Campus in London is one example of this role in action.
Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) are central to this transformation. The I-X Centre for AI in Science recently launched a global fellowship program supported by Schmidt Sciences. Fellows from both India and the UK, including researchers from IISc and NCBS, will use AI to enhance scientific discovery.
Why Bengaluru is the Chosen Base for Imperial India
Bengaluru’s reputation as a global tech hub makes it an ideal location for Imperial’s India hub. The city hosts long-standing partnerships with institutions like the Indian Institute of Science (IISc).
The new hub aims to support a two-way flow of knowledge and talent. It will promote STEMB (science, technology, engineering, medicine, and business) leadership, especially for early-career researchers. Through the British Council Women in STEM Fellowship and Global Fellows Programme, Indian academics and PhD students gain international exposure.
A Global Network Model for Higher Education
Imperial is adopting a decentralized global network model. The India hub joins others in Singapore, the USA, and Ghana. This network fosters high-impact collaborations with industries, governments, and knowledge institutions across continents.
India produces over 1.5 million STEM graduates every year. Imperial wants to connect with this talent pool, offering research opportunities and cross-cultural academic exchange.
Key Partnerships and Research Initiatives in India
Imperial’s India partnerships span climate, healthcare, and clean energy. Its India Connect Fund supports research in fields like green hydrogen, quantum physics, and sustainable manufacturing.
A notable industrial collaboration is the Centre for Innovation in Sustainable Design and Manufacturing with Tata Steel, focusing on decarbonising steel production.
Imperial’s history with India dates back to the 1950s through collaborations with IIT Delhi. Current Indian partners include:
- Indian Institute of Science (IISc)
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)
- Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) in Bombay, Delhi, and Kharagpur
- National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS)
- Tata Institute of Fundamental Research
Over 840 Indian students are currently enrolled at Imperial, with more than 3,000 alumni based in India.
Focusing on Emerging Technologies
The India hub will focus on shared global challenges using frontier technologies like:
- AI and machine learning
- Quantum computing
- Biotechnology and semiconductors
- Advanced materials and critical minerals
These efforts align with the UK-India Technology Security Initiative and are tailored to India’s unique needs. The aim is to create convergence research programs rooted in both nations’ scientific and societal contexts.
Universities as Catalysts for Societal Impact
Imperial’s mission is guided by a simple purpose: to be useful. This principle, embedded in its 1907 Royal Charter, still drives its approach today. From addressing climate change to public health, the university strives to deliver real-world impact through science.
But the institution recognizes the need for collaboration. India’s momentum in research and innovation provides fertile ground for partnerships that can deliver meaningful solutions to global challenges.
