Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati hosted Dr. Sharmistha Bagchi-Sen, Embassy Science Fellow and Program Director at the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), on 12th November 2024, marking a significant step toward strengthening academic and scientific ties between East and Northeast India and the United States.
A distinguished expert in cyberinfrastructure, Dr. Bagchi-Sen leads efforts within the NSF’s Office of Advanced Cyberinfrastructure in the Computer and Information Science and Engineering Directorate. Her visit, accompanied by Ms. Sangeeta Dey Chanda, Economic Specialist, and other representatives from the U.S. Consulate in Kolkata, focused on fostering a Science Cooperation and Outreach Strategy. This initiative is aimed at deepening engagement between educational and research institutions in both countries, particularly in emerging fields and collaborative educational exchanges.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Bagchi-Sen emphasized, “At the National Science Foundation, my role is to facilitate collaborative cyberinfrastructure initiatives that span diverse domains, from engineering and biology to data-intensive fields like artificial intelligence. The NSF is dedicated to developing resources that support advanced research and enhance computational capacity for academic and scientific communities worldwide. Today, partnerships with Indian universities can drive impactful change, particularly in areas like AI, where mutual insights can help shape the future of inclusive and trustworthy technology. Our goal in fostering these global partnerships is to create structural advancements that empower students, researchers, and institutions alike.”
The collaborative discussions at IIT Guwahati centered on enhancing bilateral research initiatives, sharing advancements in technology, and expanding opportunities for student and faculty exchanges. These efforts resonate with IIT Guwahati’s commitment to global research collaboration and its focus on pioneering initiatives in critical scientific and engineering fields.
Speaking during the event, Prof. Sumana Dutta, Dean Alumni and External Relations, IIT Guwahati, said, “We look forward to developing new academic programs with U.S. universities that leverage the unique strengths and expertise of each institution. By bringing together the technical strengths and resources of our partners in the U.S. with IIT Guwahati’s regional expertise and diverse student talent, we can create interdisciplinary programs that address global challenges in various fields. This approach will not only enrich the educational experience but also prepare students from both nations with the skills and perspectives needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world. We are excited to explore avenues for co-teaching, joint degrees, research projects, and student exchange initiatives that contribute to a robust and mutually beneficial academic ecosystem.”
The meeting was attended by Deans, Department Heads, Center Directors, and select faculty members from various departments, reflecting broad interest and support across the institute.
IIT Guwahati is proud to contribute to strengthening ties between Indian and U.S. scientific communities and looks forward to the insights, innovation, and sustainable avenues for collaboration this partnership will foster.
