Pondicherry University inks pact with German university

Pondicherry University (PU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with University of Passau, Germany, for academic and research collaboration.

According to a press note from PU, the MoU would facilitate collaborations in the form of student and faculty exchange, jointly organised events, and research initiatives. 

At the signing ceremony, Pondicherry University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Prakash Babu emphasised the strategic importance of the partnership and said that it aligned with the University’s aspiration to strengthen global academic linkages.

Prof. Marina Ortrud M. Hertrampf, Vice-Dean for International Affairs, University of Passau, who joined the event virtually, encouraged students and faculty members to explore the opportunities offered by this collaboration in different disciplines.

Prof. Victor Anandkumar, Dean (International Relations), Pondicherry University, noted that the collaboration will open new pathways for innovative research, interdisciplinary interaction, and expanded academic opportunities – benefiting not only the Department of French but also several other departments of the University.

Jayapal Sharmili, MoU Coordinator and faculty member of the Department of French, said the core focus of the partnership lies in academic programmes and mobilities for both students and faculty, in addition to enabling the organisation of joint collaboration, such as workshops, webinars, and conferences.

The department has eight active and functional MoUs with French universities and has ventured for the first time into an academic partnership with a German university, he said.

Sarmila Acharif, Head, Department of French, and faculty members from both institutions were present.