Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu, Prof. Umesh Rai, today exuded optimism about promoting and strengthening academic collaboration and research partnerships with leading British universities, saying the ongoing initiatives will create new opportunities for both students and faculty, enriching their learning experiences on a global scale.

“We are committed to further strengthening these ties to enhance the university’s academic ecosystem,” the Vice Chancellor said while commending the efforts of a high-level delegation led by Prof. Dinesh Singh, Vice Chairman of the J&K Higher Education Council and former Vice Chancellor of Delhi University, during its recent visit to the United Kingdom.

Interacting with delegation members—Prof. Anju Bhasin, Prof. Alka Sharma, and Prof. Sadaf Shah—upon their return, Prof. Rai reiterated that these initiatives align with the University’s mission to achieve academic excellence.

The delegation apprised the Vice Chancellor about their visit to the United Kingdom, provided insights into the discussions held and the prospective collaborations that could benefit JU’s faculty and students. They said the delegation explored opportunities for academic collaboration, research partnerships, and faculty and student exchange programs with leading British universities.

Prof Dinesh Singh led delegation visited top institutions, Imperial College London, University College London (UCL), Middlesex University, and the UCL Institute of Education (IOE). They also participated in significant academic forums, including the India-UK Education Conference and the India-UK Reception at the UK Parliament, which facilitated high-level discussions on higher education collaborations between the two nations. One of the key highlights of the visit was the enthusiastic response received for the Design Your Degree (DYD) program, a unique initiative launched by the University of Jammu under the visionary leadership of Prof. Umesh Rai. British academicians acknowledged the program’s interdisciplinary approach and expressed keen interest in forging partnerships to implement similar models in their institutions.

During their interactions, the JU delegation explored potential research collaborations in Artificial Intelligence (AI), technology-driven education, and interdisciplinary learning models. Discussions with Prof. Nick Jones at Imperial College London, Prof. Carl Gombrich at London Interdisciplinary School (LIS), and senior academic leaders at Middlesex University and UCL’s Institute of Education paved the way for future academic exchanges and joint initiatives.

The visit also provided a platform to discuss initiatives such as the College on Wheels and the upcoming Riveraine Project, aimed at enhancing global research collaborations. Furthermore, the lecture delivered by Prof. Dinesh Singh’s at University College London (UCL) on the DYD program received an overwhelming response, reinforcing JU’s role in shaping innovative education models.

Alongside the JU delegation, representatives from Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Awantipora, also participated in the UK visit. The IUST delegation engaged in meaningful discussions with British universities, focusing on expanding academic collaborations and research opportunities. Their participation further strengthened the collective vision of J&K’s higher education institutions in establishing strong international linkages and fostering global learning experiences.