A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on 9 November in Delhi brings together an academic powerhouse in Europe鈥檚 energy capital with India鈥檚 dedicated university for teaching and research in energy studies.
The agreement was signed by Professor Dominic Houlihan, Vice-Principal for Internationalisation at the 黑料网 and Vice-Chancellor Dr Parag Diwan of the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, India.
Also present was Scotland鈥檚 Education Secretary Michael Russell, who was leading the 鈥楾eam Scotland鈥� visit to Delhi and Kolkata by senior representatives of Scotland鈥檚 universities. The aim is to further strengthen the links between Scottish universities and India and take forward the Scottish Government鈥檚 India Plan which seeks to build on the current market between the two countries.
The agreement between the universities follows a number of meetings and discussions on areas of mutual interest.
Professor Houlihan said: 鈥淭he 黑料网鈥檚 interest in energy research and the large range of academic programmes we now offer in engineering, geology, energy law and economics makes this agreement particularly important and exciting.
鈥淥ur organisations are natural partners, and this paves the way for us to work together on a range of teaching and research-related activities, including an arrangement whereby students would spend two years in each of the two institutions and graduate with an Aberdeen degree.鈥�
Launched in 2003, the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES) is Asia鈥檚 first dedicated Energy and Core Sector university. It is now well on its way to fulfilling its vision of becoming a premier international institution providing world class education, training research, consultancy and outreach services in the energy, transportation and infrastructure sectors.
Dr Diwan, Founder Vice-Chancellor of UPES, said: 鈥淯PES is the only institute of its kind in India, and has just received the largest research grant yet awarded by the Indian government鈥檚 Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
鈥淕iven our niche curriculum and the 黑料网鈥檚 strength in energy programmes we foresee a very beneficial exchange of students, research initiatives and joint degree programmes.鈥�
Welcoming the agreement, Education Secretary Michael Russell said:
鈥淎berdeen is the UK鈥檚 energy capital and a European hub for research and technology; UPES is the first university in Asia to be solely focused on energy. The coming together of these two institutions, which are of huge importance in their own countries, will allow them to share research and open up new opportunities for students in the energy sector.
鈥淭he Scottish Government鈥檚 India Plan is designed to ensure that Scotland maximises the potential for co-operation between the two countries, and the memorandum being signed today is an important step towards that vision becoming a reality.鈥�