UK keen to strengthen collaboration in education & research
Updated: Jun 11, 2014 04:07:09pm
New Delhi, Jun 11 (KNN) The Government of the United Kingdom is keen to further strengthen its collaboration with India in the field of education and research. It is also looking to engage in a new collaborative arrangement, UKIERI-III, which will focus on skills, leadership development and innovation.
This was stated by British High Commissioner, James David Bevan who accompanied by Counsellor, Andrew Soper called on Minister for Human Resource Development, Smriti Zubin Irani here yesterday.
The Human Resource Development Minister discussed opportunities to strengthen educational relations with the United Kingdom, an official notification said.
The High Commissioner reiterated that the Government of the United Kingdom is keen to further strengthen its collaboration with India in the field of education and research. He highlighted that the British Government is looking forward to a new collaborative arrangement, UKIERI-III, which will focus on skills, leadership development and innovation.
Irani stressed that one of the basis for collaboration should be to remove barriers that hinder student mobility. Citing examples, she highlighted that while prestigious universities like Oxford recognize India’s CBSE Certification, most other universities in the United Kingdom do not. Further, the scores of the English language test (IELTS) needed for admissions in UK Universities are currently valid only for one year. This should be extended for at least for three years. Similarly, the visa norms should be more facilitative in nature.
The UK Government’s recent initiative of the Newton Fund provides opportunities to collaborate for research on issues relating to energy, urbanization, water, sanitation along with research on high altitude systems, which will be critical for the Central University of Himalayan Technology being planned by India, the Minister noted.
Also discussed were other areas of collaboration between the two countries to include partnering for the Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) and the National e-Library being planned to be developed by India as well as sharing of expertise in the field of school education and teachers’ training.
A visit is being planned later this year by Minister for Universities and Science, Government of the United Kingdom, David Willets. The interaction is expected to provide opportunities to further strengthen educational collaboration between the two countries.
The UK India Education and Research Initiative (UKIERI) started in April 2006 with the aim of enhancing educational links between India and the UK. In the last five years, UKIERI has played a pivotal role in establishing a step change in the educational relations between the two countries. In recognition of the substantial achievements and building on the success of this initiative, the programme has been extended for 5 years from 2011 to 2016.
Both governments have confirmed funding for UKIERI and the programme aims to now deliver systemic change by reaching out to larger numbers. It will also provide opportunities for professional and leadership development of schools, higher education institutions and vocational institutions, support partnerships and develop student mobility and skills development programmes. (KNN/ES)
This was stated by British High Commissioner, James David Bevan who accompanied by Counsellor, Andrew Soper called on Minister for Human Resource Development, Smriti Zubin Irani here yesterday.
The Human Resource Development Minister discussed opportunities to strengthen educational relations with the United Kingdom, an official notification said.
The High Commissioner reiterated that the Government of the United Kingdom is keen to further strengthen its collaboration with India in the field of education and research. He highlighted that the British Government is looking forward to a new collaborative arrangement, UKIERI-III, which will focus on skills, leadership development and innovation.
Irani stressed that one of the basis for collaboration should be to remove barriers that hinder student mobility. Citing examples, she highlighted that while prestigious universities like Oxford recognize India’s CBSE Certification, most other universities in the United Kingdom do not. Further, the scores of the English language test (IELTS) needed for admissions in UK Universities are currently valid only for one year. This should be extended for at least for three years. Similarly, the visa norms should be more facilitative in nature.
The UK Government’s recent initiative of the Newton Fund provides opportunities to collaborate for research on issues relating to energy, urbanization, water, sanitation along with research on high altitude systems, which will be critical for the Central University of Himalayan Technology being planned by India, the Minister noted.
Also discussed were other areas of collaboration between the two countries to include partnering for the Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) and the National e-Library being planned to be developed by India as well as sharing of expertise in the field of school education and teachers’ training.
A visit is being planned later this year by Minister for Universities and Science, Government of the United Kingdom, David Willets. The interaction is expected to provide opportunities to further strengthen educational collaboration between the two countries.
The UK India Education and Research Initiative (UKIERI) started in April 2006 with the aim of enhancing educational links between India and the UK. In the last five years, UKIERI has played a pivotal role in establishing a step change in the educational relations between the two countries. In recognition of the substantial achievements and building on the success of this initiative, the programme has been extended for 5 years from 2011 to 2016.
Both governments have confirmed funding for UKIERI and the programme aims to now deliver systemic change by reaching out to larger numbers. It will also provide opportunities for professional and leadership development of schools, higher education institutions and vocational institutions, support partnerships and develop student mobility and skills development programmes. (KNN/ES)
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