Chanakya University recently hosted a delegation from the Gupta-Klinsky Institute for India (GKII), Johns Hopkins University, for an in-depth dialogue on advancing strategic academic and research collaborations. The visit marked an important step toward aligning institutional visions and exploring pathways for formal partnership. GKII recently hosted Dr. Somanath, Chancellor of Chanakya University, at Johns Hopkins University, where he delivered a seminar on “The Changing Landscape of Higher Education in India.”
The GKII delegation, comprising Mr. Kunal Pal, Executive Director, and Ms. Beth Romanski, Program Manager, engaged with senior leadership, administrators, and faculty members of Chanakya University in a series of meaningful discussions.
The Gupta–Klinsky Institute for India (GKII) at Johns Hopkins University fosters strategic collaboration between Johns Hopkins University and India’s leaders across government, academia, and the private sector to advance knowledge and deliver high-impact solutions for India.
The delegation met with Prof. Dongre, Vice Chancellor, Chanakya University, to discuss institutional vision, shared values, and opportunities for building high-impact, sustainable collaborations aligned with national and global priorities.
The visit was coordinated by Dr. Ravikant Ranjan, Associate Director – Global Engagement, who led discussions on potential collaboration frameworks, partnership modalities, and the roadmap toward a formal agreement between the two institutions.
Detailed and engaging discussions were held at the School of Biosciences with Prof. Subramanya, Dean, School of Biosciences and Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Shobhana Padmanabhan, Director, School of Engineering, along with faculty members from the School of Biosciences.
The discussions focused on GKII’s flagship initiatives, their implementation mechanisms, and the support structures GKII can offer to young and ambitious faculty members, particularly in strengthening research capacity, leadership development, and international academic exposure.
Key areas of discussion included the India RISE Fellowship, with a focus on mentorship, leadership development, and joint academic programming; research collaboration, integrated public health, and community engagement initiatives.
Opportunities for joint research grants, faculty collaboration with Johns Hopkins University and GKII partners, hosting JHU PhD students at Chanakya University for India-focused research and fieldwork, and possibilities for joint teaching and online academic engagements were also explored.
Both institutions expressed a shared interest in advancing the engagement toward a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support and implement joint research initiatives, faculty collaboration, and funding opportunities.
This visit underscores Chanakya University’s commitment to meaningful global engagement and its focus on empowering faculty and students through impactful international collaborations.
