University of Birmingham railways experts will work with the National Rail and Transport Institute of India (NRTI) to establish a joint MSc programme in Railway Engineering that would see India’s future rail experts spending a year studying at each institution.
And experts from Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education (BCRRE) will work with NRTI to develop a module for undergraduate students – taught by a post-doctoral academic with guest lectures from a Birmingham professor.
University of Birmingham programmes under consideration for the proposed partnership include Masters programmes in Railway Safety & Control Systems and Railway Systems Engineering & Integration.
The partnership agreement was reached during a visit to New Delhi by University of Birmingham Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir David Eastwood and Head of BCRRE Professor Clive Roberts.
Professor Sir David Eastwood commented: “The University of Birmingham is committed to forging meaningful education and research partnerships in India. We are a global ‘civic’ university, and proud that our experts are working with partners in India to contribute to improving the well-being of its citizens.”
BCRRE experts are already working with NRTI partners to establish a new research centre to help develop and deliver hi-tech transport systems that improve journeys for people across in India.
The Centre of Excellence on Next Generation Transportation Systems will see British and Indian experts working together to identify common research interests and data held that will allow them to produce world-leading and impactful joint research.
Professor Clive Roberts commented: “As BCRRE experts work with our partners at NRTI we gain a valuable insight into transport issues in India. Importantly, we create a partnership to build capacity and joint research, whilst providing training to Indian railway engineers and developing world-leading technologies to drive UK and Indian rail innovation.”
Both organisations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreeing to identify joint research interests and support the development of education programmes that will help produce future transport leaders and world-leading research.
BCRRE already has strong links with the NTRI, having been involved in the framework for the establishment of the Institute in 2018. An updated MOU and the latest postgraduate education agreement solidify this relationship and support the development of programmes of education at NRTI.
The University of Birmingham has a number of significant partnerships in India, underpinned by its India Institute which aims to increase the visibility, impact and coherence of Birmingham’s engagement in the country.
Chairman of Railways Board and Chancellor of National Rail Transport Institute Mr.Vinod Kumar Yadav commented: “We are pleased to reach this agreement with the University of Birmingham to establish a joint MSc programme in Railway Engineering that will develop research and training for transport professionals in this country.”
- For more information, please contact Tony Moran, International Communications Manager, University of Birmingham on +44 (0) 121 414 8254 or +44 (0)782 783 2312. For out-of-hours enquiries, please call +44 (0) 7789 921 165.
- The University of Birmingham is ranked amongst the world’s top 100 institutions, its work brings people from across the world to Birmingham, including researchers and teachers and more than 6,500 international students from over 150 countries.
- The Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education (BCRRE) at the University of Birmingham is the largest university-based centre for railway research and education in Europe, developing world-leading new technologies alongside renowned higher education programmes.
- The India Institute was established in January 2018 and brings Birmingham and India closer together to deliver impactful research, create innovative education initiatives and extend the University’s influence across the globe.
- The University’s relationship with India began in 1909 with the first cohort of Indian students attending the University to study for degrees in Mining and Commerce. Since then, the University has provided education to many outstanding Indian alumni.
- The National Rail and Transportation Institute (NRTI) has been set up as India’s first Rail and Transportation University with the purpose of creating a resource pool of best-in-class professionals for the railway and transportation sector in India. The Institution aspires to be a leader in applied education, training and research, creating graduates and postgraduates who are uniquely qualified to pursue and excel in careers in railways as well as other transportation-related industries. It currently offers two fully residential undergraduate courses of BSc in Transportation Technology & BBA in Transportation Management and will introduce several undergraduate, master’s and PHD programs over the next 5 years. It will also conduct Executive Education programs, undertake research and consultancies for Indian Railways and other stakeholders in the transportation sector through various centers of excellence.