Updated on: Wednesday, February 10, 2016
In an effort to facilitate research in medical technology, IIT Kharagpur will be sending its engineering students to study at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), while doctors from the medical research body will visit the esteemed engineering institute's campus.
According to PTI, Prof P P Chakrabarti, Director of IIT-KGP said that the two premier institutes have signed a collaboration to facilitate student exchange programmes and promote interaction and collaboration between faculty, staff and students.
"This collaboration will facilitate doctors to study in an institution known for its excellence in engineering and technology and engineers to study at ICMR thus providing a platform for interdisciplinary academics and leading further to integrated research aimed towards meeting the healthcare needs of the country," he said.
Apart from the regular summer/winter terms or short courses, students now will have the option of opting for a longer duration course, not exceeding two semesters, according to an official.
IIT Kharagpur has plans to start a medical college and hospital in its campus, which will offer an MBBS course.
The two institutes will also explore opportunities of undertaking joint research projects under IIT-KGP's initiatives in healthcare like 'Signals and Systems for Life Science', IMPRINT (Impacting Research, Innovation and Technology).
Under the IMPRINT program, IIT KGP (as nodal centre for healthcare for all IITs, NIITs and IISc) and ICMR will work together for identifying the needs of the country in research and technology requirements, the official said.
They will also explore opportunities for creating visiting faculty positions, joint PhD/Masters programmes, setting up of a joint research centre at IIT-KGP for long-term collaboration between the two institutions, the official further added.