IIT Guwahati and U.S. Embassy Science Fellow Team Up for Stronger Indo-U.S. Science Collaborations

IIT Guwahati hosted a U.S. Embassy Science Fellow and NSF Program Director, marking a key step in strengthening academic and scientific ties between East and Northeast India and the U.S.

IIT Guwahati and U.S. Embassy Science Fellow

The Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati hosted Dr. Sharmistha Bagchi-Sen, U.S. Embassy Science Fellow and Program Director at the National Science Foundation (NSF), marking a key step in strengthening academic and scientific ties between East and Northeast India and the United States. Discussions focused on advancing bilateral research, sharing technological innovations, and fostering student and faculty exchanges. This collaboration aligns with IIT Guwahati's commitment to global research partnerships and its leadership in critical scientific and engineering fields.

This initiative seeks to deepen connections between educational and research institutions in both countries, with a focus on emerging fields and collaborative exchanges. Dr. Sharmistha Bagchi-Sen, a distinguished expert in cyberinfrastructure and a leader in the NSF’s Office of Advanced Cyberinfrastructure within the Computer and Information Science and Engineering Directorate, led the visit. Accompanied by Sangeeta Dey Chanda, Economic Specialist, and other U.S. Consulate representatives from Kolkata, her visit focused on advancing a Science Cooperation and Outreach Strategy.

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. 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.”

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."

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