University of Leeds and University of Delhi Sign MoU to Strengthen Academic and Research Collaboration

2025-07-10 10:02:59 Education

953

New Delhi, 27 June 2025 – In a move that signals a growing commitment to international academic collaboration, the University of Leeds (UoL) and the University of Delhi (DU) have formalised a strategic partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement aims to foster deeper engagement in collaborative research, academic exchange, and capacity building between the two institutions.

The MoU builds on a sustained relationship led by the UoL's Faculty of Social Sciences. Over the past two years, University of Leeds academics have undertaken a series of visits to Delhi University and co-hosted events designed to create shared learning platforms. Most notably, a workshop on social science research methods was held in April 2025 in Delhi, bringing together scholars and early-career researchers from both institutions. This workshop marked a key milestone in advancing interdisciplinary and inter-institutional dialogue.

The MoU sets the stage for collaborations encompassing joint research initiatives, academic events, faculty and student exchanges, and shared resources. It reflects a mutual commitment to building capacity, fostering innovation, and contributing to global knowledge production through equitable and inclusive academic partnerships.

Talking about the MoU, Professor Shearer West, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Leeds, said, "This agreement with the University of Delhi is an important part of our ambition to be a truly global university. It reflects our commitment to forging meaningful partnerships that support impactful research, enrich student and staff experiences, and contribute to shared academic and societal goals. We are excited to continue growing our relationship with DU in the years to come."

Professor Yogesh Singh, Vice-Chancellor, University of Delhi, said, "We welcome this partnership with the University of Leeds as an opportunity to build collaborative networks that advance our academic mission. This MoU reflects our shared values of innovation, inclusion, and excellence in higher education and research."

This partnership aligns with the UoL's international strategy and long-standing engagement with India — one of its priority countries for academic collaboration. For the University of Delhi, the MoU strengthens its vision of building globally relevant research capacity and enhancing the internationalisation of its academic programmes.

Further announcements regarding upcoming joint initiatives are anticipated in the months ahead.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS:

The University of Leeds is one of the largest higher education institutions in the UK, with more than 40,000 students from about 140 different countries. We are renowned globally for the quality of our teaching and research.  We are the 4th most targeted university by the UK's top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market in 2024).  

We are a values-driven university, and we harness our expertise in research and education to help shape a better future for humanity, working through collaboration to tackle inequalities, achieve societal impact and drive change.    

The University is a member of the Russell Group of research-intensive universities and is a major partner in the Alan Turing, Rosalind Franklin and Royce Institutes.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF DELHI:

The University of Delhi is a century old university and has a rich legacy of innovations and social transformations.

The University stands 1st amongst the Indian universities in the QS World Rankings and is ranked 328 in the overall QS World University Rankings 2026. The University of Delhi became the Institute of Eminence in the year 2019 and has A+ NAAC accreditation.

With 650,000 students, the University of Delhi is committed to imparting quality education and nurturing quality research, thereby consistently striving to evolve as a globally recognized centre of excellence in Higher Education.