The Association of American Universities’ Task Force on Expanding U.S.-India University Partnerships has released an interim report recommending, among other things, that the two countries establish joint research institutes focused on key scientific and societal challenges, make it easier for students and researchers from each country to travel to the other to study and collaborate, and share and support the development of each other’s human capital and physical research infrastructure. The task force’s recommendations were developed in consultation with counterparts from leading research and educational institutions in India.
“This interim report is a key first step in better leveraging the immense potential and resources of India and the United States to further scientific advancement, economic growth, and national security for both countries,” said AAU President Barbara R. Snyder. “We invite policymakers and our Indian colleagues to review its recommendations and provide us with any feedback that they think could improve the final report, which we plan to release later this year.”
The full interim report, including background and detailed descriptions of all nine of its recommendations, is available here. Information on the task force’s leaders and members is available here.
The interim report release was timed for the state visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is meeting with President Biden on June 22. It also complements the Biden administration’s U.S.-India initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET), which seeks to grow technological and industrial collaboration between the two nations. The task force has been meeting monthly to determine key focus areas for bilateral research and education cooperation, to identify existing programs that could provide blueprints for future partnerships, and to formulate strategies on how best to move forward.
Founded in 1900, the Association of American Universities is composed of America’s leading research universities. AAU’s 71 research universities transform lives through education, research, and innovation.
Our member universities earn the majority of competitively awarded federal funding for research that improves public health, seeks to address national challenges, and contributes significantly to our economic strength, while educating and training tomorrow’s visionary leaders and innovators.
AAU member universities collectively help shape policy for higher education, science, and innovation; promote best practices in undergraduate and graduate education; and strengthen the contributions of leading research universities to American society.
Follow AAU on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and on LinkedIn.