National, 9th Feb, 2024: BITS Pilani, a renowned institution known for its commitment to innovation and University at Buffalo (UB), The State University of New York (SUNY) signed an MoU to expedite long-term collaboration and further foster the continued synergy between research and education.
The signing took place during a luncheon hosted by President Satish K. Tripathi, marking a significant milestone in the partnership between the two esteemed institutions.
As part of this MoU, BITS and SUNY-Buffalo will jointly develop a 2+2 joint Undergraduate Program in engineering and related fields. Students enrolled in these programs will complete their first two years at BITS and then transfer to the University at Buffalo for the final two years. Specific details such as courses, study plans, fees, scholarships and course features will be finalized in a separate agreement to be signed at a later date.
Additionally, the institutions are also working towards establishing “2+3” cooperative Bachelor of Science/Master of Science (B.S./M.S.) programs. Under this novel plan, students will finish their first two years of undergraduate studies at BITS before transferring to UB to complete prerequisites for both the B.S. and M.S. degrees.
This collaboration goes beyond undergraduate programs. Both BITS and UB are considering collaborating on postgraduate programs that could include PhD programs. The MoU expresses the commitment to promote collaboration among academics in the areas of teaching, research, publications, discussion and networking. These initiatives are designed to foster academic and faculty exchange while exploring new areas of collaborative teaching and research.
Leading UB researchers, Professors Paras Prasad, Jonathan Bird and Mark Swihart, hosted a workshop at which UB and BITS Pilani faculty explored potential areas for research collaboration in the area of semiconductors.
Speaking on the development, Prof Ramgopal Rao, VC, BITS Pilani said, “We are delighted to begin this transformative journey of academic collaboration with the University at Buffalo, The State University of New York. Through this MoU, we hope to give our students access to top-notch education, promote global perspectives, and equip them to face the difficulties of a fast-changing global environment. This collaboration is a prime example of BITS Pilani’s commitment to developing the next generation of leaders and advancing global knowledge.”
President Tripathi, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York said. “BITS Pilani has a rich heritage of innovation and intellectual excellence, that aligns well with the University at Buffalo’s commitment to cutting-edge research and education. Collectively, our aim is to offer students an extraordinary and enriching educational journey that surpasses geographical limitations. This collaborative effort holds immense potential to nurture world-class leaders who will significantly impact the fields of engineering and related subjects in the future.”
This major collaboration between BITS Pilani and the University at Buffalo is a major step in advancing research capacities, expanding the scope of education globally, and giving students access to unmatched chances for academic advancement. The partnership is evidence of the academic institutions’ common dedication to innovation, academic quality, and equipping students for success in a world that is becoming more interconnected by the day.
Moderated by Professor Jeff Errington, Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs for the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), and Professor Nojin Kwak, Vice Provost for International Education, the meeting included Chris Connor, Interim Vice Provost for Enrollment Management; Dr. John Wood, Senior Associate Vice Provost for International Education; Danielle Lamarre-Smith, Director of Curriculum, Undergraduate Education; Allison Suflita, Assistant Director for Academic Advisement, SEAS, along with the Departmental Directors of undergraduate study from SEAS.