University of Edinburgh delegation visits Shoolini for collaboration talks

Four-day visit includes laboratory tours, leadership meetings and guest lectures for B Tech students

Solan, September 3
Shoolini University hosted a two-member delegation from the University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom, for a four-day visit to discuss possible collaboration in education, research, student engagement and internationalisation.

The delegation comprised Dr Anthony Callanan, Senior Lecturer and Director of Internationalization (Students), and Dr Rhiannon Grant, Chancellor’s Fellow, from the University of Edinburgh. The Office of International Affairs (OIA) at Shoolini University coordinated the visit.

During their time on campus, Dr Anthony Callanan and Dr Rhiannon Grant toured key research and academic facilities, including the Vardhman Lab, Nanotechnology Lab, PURSE Lab, Cancer Research Centre (CRC) and intellectual property rights (IPR) facilities. They also learnt about the university’s sustainability initiatives and its research-driven academic environment.

A highlight of the visit was the inauguration of the BioAI and Advanced Bioinformatics Lab, which combines artificial intelligence, advanced computing, bioinformatics and biotechnology. The facility reflects the university’s focus on interdisciplinary research and emerging technologies in life sciences and healthcare.

Dr Rhiannon Grant delivered a guest lecture for B Tech Biotechnology students on “Engineering Life, How Bioengineers Build Better Models of the Human Body.” The session examined how bioengineers develop models to study the human body and the interdisciplinary methods used in contemporary biomedical research.

Dr Anthony Callanan conducted an interactive session with B Tech Biotechnology (SRP) and engineering students on “Potential Therapeutic Applications of Electrospun Scaffolds in Biomedical Research.” The session covered the possible uses of electrospun scaffolds and the connections among engineering, biotechnology and healthcare. During their interactions with students, both academics also discussed PhD pathways and international research opportunities.

Dr Anthony Callanan and Dr Rhiannon Grant met Chancellor Prof PK Khosla and Vice Chancellor Prof Atul Khosla to discuss possible institutional collaboration. Vice President Avnee Khosla and President Shoolini University, Dean, Faculty of Media and Liberal Arts, Prof Nishtha Anand, also took part in the discussions.

Other participants included Shikha Sood, Director Outreach; Prof Virender Rihani, Dean of Engineering and Adviser to Shoolini University; and MS Thakur, Professor at the School of Mechanical, Civil & Electrical Engineering.