GITAM Deemed to be University has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) to foster collaborative research and facilitate the exchange of ideas in the field of oceanography.

The MoU was formalized on Wednesday with the exchange of documents between Prof D Gunasekharan, Registrar of GITAM, and Prof VVSS Sharma, scientist in-charge at CSIR-NIO. The ceremony took place in the presence of Prof KS Kirshna, Dean of GITAM School of Science, Prof Raja Phani Pappu, Director of R&D at GITAM, Dr Damodhar Belle Shenoy from NIO, and other faculty members.

The main objective of the MoU is to promote collaborative research and enhance research acumen in both institutions. Both GITAM and NIO will focus on developing joint proposals for basic and applied research on topics of national interest in the field of oceanography.

Under the MoU, the two organizations will also set up innovation and incubation centers and share research facilities. They will initiate professional development programs and facilitate the exchange of scientists, academics, and research scholars for research, training, and consultations.

Prof KS Kirshna, Dean of GITAM School of Science, expressed his hopes that the MoU will strengthen the knowledge base in oceanography subjects and that GITAM faculty will take advantage of the collaboration with NIO, which is known for its extraordinary research in ocean-related subjects.

Dr P Kiranmayi, Head of the Biotechnology Department at GITAM, revealed that around 30 faculty members from GITAM are actively engaged in research on marine and aquaculture-related areas.

The signing of this MoU marks an important step towards fostering collaborative research and sharing resources and expertise between GITAM Deemed to be University and the National Institute of Oceanography.