HPU Forges Landmark Research Partnerships with IIT Roorkee and CSIR–CBRI to Advance Innovation

Himalayan Resilience and AI-Driven Technologies

In a significant move towards strengthening high-impact research, academic excellence, and institutional collaboration, Himachal Pradesh University today signed strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee and CSIR–Central Building Research Institute.

The MoUs aim to foster long-term collaboration in the areas of Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience (DRRR), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Green Energy, AI-driven technologies, and interdisciplinary research relevant to the Himalayan region and other fragile mountain ecosystems.

The agreements were formally signed by Prof. Mahavir Singh, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, HPU Shimla, with Prof. K.K. Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, and Prof. Pradeep Kumar Ramancharla, Director, CSIR–CBRI Roorkee.

The collaborations are expected to establish a robust framework for academic and research integration between the institutions through faculty exchange, student mobility and semester exchange programmes, joint supervision of research scholars, collaborative R&D projects, internships, and multidisciplinary consultancy initiatives. The MoUs will also facilitate access for HPU students, researchers, and faculty members to state-of-the-art laboratories, advanced scientific instrumentation, specialized testing facilities, computational infrastructure, simulation platforms, and advanced engineering and analytical software available at IIT Roorkee and CSIR–CBRI.

The partnerships are expected to significantly strengthen the newly established R&D Centres at HPU, particularly the Himalayan Centre for Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience (HIM-DR³), established as a nodal R&D Centre for the State of Himachal Pradesh.

During the interaction, Prof. K.K. Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, emphasized IIT Roorkee’s commitment towards strengthening the research and innovation ecosystem at HPU through a collaborative “Hub and Spoke” framework. He highlighted enhanced academic cooperation, joint research initiatives, faculty and student exchange programmes, access to advanced facilities, and mentorship support for developing high-quality research capabilities and interdisciplinary innovation platforms at HPU.

During the MoU signing ceremony at CSIR–CBRI Roorkee, Prof. Pradeep Kumar Ramancharla highlighted the importance of long-term technical collaboration for capacity building of HIM-DR³ and strengthening inter-institutional partnerships through joint projects focusing on Himalayan hazards, geotechnical engineering, advanced material testing, disaster mitigation technologies, and climate-resilient strategies for mountain regions.

Dr. D.P. Kanungo, Chief Scientist and Head, Geohazards Group, and Dr. S.K. Panigrahi, Chief Scientist and Head, AIMS Group, CSIR–CBRI Roorkee, were also present during the occasion. Representing HPU were Shri Gian Sagar Negi, HAS, Registrar, HPU; Prof. N.S. Negi, Director R&D, HPU; and Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Deputy Director, HIM-DR³.

At IIT Roorkee, the MoU signing and technical interactions were attended by Prof. Amit Dhiman, Head, Centre of Excellence in Disaster Mitigation and Management (CoEDMM) — India’s first dedicated Disaster Mitigation and Management Centre — along with Prof. Amit Agarwal, Associate Dean, Corporate Interaction, IIT Roorkee. The deliberations focused on offering joint PhD programmes, collaborative research, capacity building, and strengthening technical cooperation for resilient development in Himalayan states.

The HPU delegation, led by Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor Prof. Mahavir Singh, also visited the state-of-the-art testing laboratories, advanced research infrastructure, and specialized facilities at CSIR–CBRI Roorkee and IIT Roorkee to explore future collaborative initiatives in research, technology development, innovation, and skill enhancement.

These landmark collaborations are expected to significantly enhance the research and innovation ecosystem at HPU while promoting advanced scientific cooperation, academic mobility, and technology-enabled solutions for sustainable and resilient development in the Himalayan region.