To expand its global reach, the University of Miami recently connected with leading tech universities in India. The delegation of faculty members, led by Pratim Biswas, dean of the College of Engineering, focused on strengthening ties with prominent Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), advancing collaborative research, and amplifying the University's international footprint.
"Building academic partnerships across borders is essential to driving impactful scientific discoveries and advancing global innovation," said Biswas. "Through our collaborations with top Indian institutions like IIT Gandhinagar and IIT Bombay, we are fostering groundbreaking research, from nanomaterials to wearable robotics, while training the next generation of engineers to tackle global challenges and create a safer, more sustainable future."
Others in the delegation included C.Y. Wu, chair of the Department of Chemical, Environmental, and Materials Engineering; Ashutosh Agarwal, associate professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering; Prannoy Suraneni, associate professor in the Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering; Dibyendu Mukherjee, associate professor in the Department of Chemical, Environmental, and Materials Engineering; and Francesco Travascio, associate professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.
Pioneering Advances in Research
A key event during the visit was the Nanomaterials Technology Workshop co-hosted with IIT Gandhinagar. The two-day event featured tutorials on nanoparticle technology, synthesis methods, and computational modeling. With presentations by industry leaders and startup founders, the workshop became a platform for dynamic knowledge exchange.
"Our collaboration with the IITs marks a significant step forward in aerosol science research," said Wu. "By bringing together passionate scholars and fostering the exchange of innovative ideas, we are enhancing our ability to address critical global challenges—ranging from air quality and human health to climate change, nanotechnology, and food security. Such partnerships not only advance scientific discovery but also strengthen the global research community, paving the way for transformative breakthroughs that will shape a healthier and more sustainable future."
The delegation also showcased the college's advancements on wearable sensors for sports engineering applications.
"Wearable devices and AI-driven image analysis for injury prevention are crucial as we advance safety and enhancement of human performance in sports," said Travascio. "I am enthusiastic about the exchange of knowledge with universities in India which aim to develop innovative solutions for athletes."
Gujarat's 2036 Summer Olympics bid increased the importance of these discussions, prompting research partnerships with IIT Gandhinagar's Human-Centered Robotics Lab and the Control and Learning of Action Lab. The partnerships expand an existing collaboration with the Indian Ministry of Education's SPARC program which currently funds a research initiative on particulate matter toxicity, advancing research in environmental sustainability and health engineering.
Broadening Partnerships Across India
The delegation also advanced the co-advised Ph.D. program with IIT Gandhinagar and IIT Bombay. Designed to facilitate joint mentorship of doctoral students, the program fosters academic collaboration between institutions. Their efforts also went beyond the IITs, visiting institutions such as IIT Roorkee, IIT Madras, Vellore Institute of Technology, Indian Association for Cultivation of Science, and Calcutta University. Partnerships with MIT Art, Design and Technology University, University of Pune, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, and Bhubaneshwar were also launched. The visit reaffirmed the College of Engineering's commitment to global collaboration and innovation. By leveraging expertise through workshops and co-advised Ph.D. programs, the college is building bridges that connect academia and industry across the world.
