The institutes plan to jointly approach external agencies for research funding and provide researchers access to each other’s laboratory facilities.
IIT Bhubaneswar and IIT (ISM) Dhanbad have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen joint research and academic collaboration, with semiconductor technology and basic sciences identified as the initial areas of focus.
The MoU was signed on 16 September 2026 by IIT Bhubaneswar Director Shreepad Karmalkar and IIT (ISM) Dhanbad Director Sukumar Mishra.
Under the agreement, the two institutes will undertake joint research programmes and projects, collaborate on PhD supervision, and facilitate faculty and student exchanges. The partnership will also support visiting and adjunct faculty positions, student participation in classes and seminars, and research observerships.
Semiconductor technology will be among the first areas of collaboration. The institutes plan to jointly approach external agencies for research funding and provide researchers access to each other’s laboratory facilities.
The agreement also provides for exploring the development and joint operation of large experimental facilities. The institutes will organise discussion meetings and other academic activities aimed at developing research capabilities in the identified fields.
“Through this collaboration with IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, we seek to create greater opportunities for joint research, academic exchange and doctoral engagement,” said Karmalkar.
Mishra said the MoU marks the beginning of a closer academic and research relationship between the two institutes, with the collaboration aimed at creating partnerships that contribute to science and society.
The institutes will also undertake joint outreach activities to increase the visibility of their collaborative research. Faculty, staff and students will participate in exchange programmes in mutually identified areas on a reciprocal basis.
The MoU will remain valid for five years and can be renewed through mutual agreement. Intellectual property generated through joint activities will be jointly owned by the two institutes unless otherwise agreed.
