AMRITSAR:Recognising the mutual benefits to be gained through a cooperative programme promoting scholarly activities and international understanding, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar and the Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN), Canada, entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today in Office of Vice- Chancellor in the presence of officials of both Universities.
The MoU shall be valid for five years from today but could be renewed or extended by mutual written consent and amounts to terminate or supersede any existing or continuing MoUs between the two institutes.
The MoU was signed by Guru Nanak Dev University’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof Jaspal Singh Sandhu, Dean, Academic Affairs, Prof S S Behl, Coordinator International Relations, Professor Preet Mohinder Singh Bedi, MUN’s Provost and Vice-President, Dr Noreen Golfman and Director of International office, Professor Sonja Knutson.
A high level delegation led by Director Dr. Sonja Knutson and Professor Sukhinder Kaur Cheema from Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) of Canada visited Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) today. After mutual discussions representatives of both universities signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for more growth opportunities for students and faculty members. On this occasion, Dr. Sonja Knutson also interacted with university faculty members and senior functionaries. She shared that “building relationships with international academic partners has been key to the success of MUN’s international strategy”. Having a campus tour and interaction with senior faculty members, Dr. Sonja Knutson admired the international study environment at GNDU with all conveniences at stunning campus expanse.
Dr. Sonja Knutson expressed her happiness over having a long and fruitful collaboration with Guru Nanak Dev University. This University is among one of the best universities in India with high research focus and diverse academic programs, carrying research on areas like Sports Sciences, Medicine, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Drug Design, Architecture, Planning, Biotechnology etc.
Prof. Sandhu said 'Today marks nothing less than the beginning of a new era of cooperation for India and Canada. By teaming up, our university is creating a unique alliance and leading the way in shaping the future of Indo-Canada research partnership. I am happy to look forward to continuing our dialogue in this regard. This initiative will further cement our university’s position as one of the world’s premier locations for research and innovation”. Prof Sandhu further said, “This collaboration is an immense opportunity to promote cooperative research and to facilitate the international exchange of ideas, the development of new knowledge and to enhance global research acumen through these hubs. The modes of cooperation could include faculty visits for collaboration in research, student mobility programs for learning, development of cooperative research projects and dissemination of finding through scholarly publication.
On this occasion Dr. Preet Mohinder Singh Bedi, Coordinator University Industry linkage Programme said “Through closer collaboration and shared expertise, we will gain a deeper insight into our ground-breaking research and fulfil our joint ambition to address some of the biggest challenges facing society today. “Furthering academic and student exchange programmes will also enrich both MUN and GNDU communities, enabling them to develop and grow intellectually, culturally and socially”. Dr. Bedi said 'University is delighted that we have successfully established a strategic partnership with the Memorial University of Newfoundland, one of the world's most renowned universities. Dr. Bedi further said “This collaboration will create more opportunities for our students and faculty members. MoU is to provide a good foundation for long-term development between the two universities. Both universities will benefit through international exchanges that will not only enrich the campus environment but also provide students with international learning experiences.