NJ signs MOUs with India to boost education and research ties

The Gov. Phil Murphy-led economic mission to India is underway.

The seven-day delegation coordinated by Choose New Jersey features a slew of government officials, industry leaders and key stakeholders, spearheaded by the governor and First Lady Tammy Murphy. It marks the second time Murphy has led such a mission to India, after becoming the first governor to do so in 2019. And this past December, Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way led the inaugural trip to the country by the New Jersey-India Commission.

The latest is aimed at strengthening the already-strong business relations between India and New Jersey. And things are off to a rapid start.

On Sept. 19, the trip recorded two signed Memoranda of Understanding in New Delhi.

MOU: Rutgers University — Govind Ballabh Pant Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (GIPMER)

• Located in New Delhi, GIPMER is one of India’s leading medical institutions
• Establishes partnerships for groundbreaking cardiovascular research and medical innovation between the partners
• In partnership with GIPMER, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School’s Division of Cardiovascular Disease and Hypertension will lead the development of collaborations in areas including cardiovascular medicine, cardiovascular surgery, cardiovascular pathology and biobanking, medical imaging, artificial intelligence, digital health and clinical trials
• GIPMER Head of the Department of Cardiology Surgery Jamal Yusuf will facilitate the partnership as well as serve as primary liaison for the collaboration

“We look forward to facilitating collaboration between our faculty and students and leading experts in India on some of the most pressing challenges in cardiovascular health,” said Rutgers Chief Operating Officer Antonio Calcado.

“This partnership underscores our commitment to global collaboration that improves patient care, expands research opportunities, and prepares the next generation of medical leaders to meet urgent health challenges worldwide,” said Rutgers-New Brunswick Chancellor Francine Conway.

“We are eager to work closely with Rutgers faculty to share expertise and develop innovative approaches to cardiovascular care,” said Yusuf. “Through joint research, clinical training, and the application of new technologies, this partnership will allow us to accelerate advancements that directly benefit patients.”

MOU: Montclair State University — Association of Indian Universities (AIU)

• The world’s largest higher education network, AIU represents 1,100 universities across India
• Aimed at exploring academic, cultural and research collaborations
• Establishes a mutual commitment to academic and cultural exchange,
  • Students will study and conduct research in New Jersey and India
• Officials say collaboration will explore opportunities for joint degree programs, collaborative research, and expanded pathways for student and faculty exchanges
• Also plans for a New Jersey delegation to welcome representatives from Indian universities to explore future collaborations in or after 2026

“We are excited to build relationships with AIU and across its many esteemed member institutions, so that we might together serve India and her millions of motivated students,” said Jonathan Koppell, president, Montclair State University.

“This collaboration strengthens academic and cultural ties, fosters research in areas of global importance, and opens new pathways for innovation and knowledge-sharing between India and the United States,” said Pankaj Mittal, secretary general, Association of Indian Universities.

Exchange place

Officials say the partnerships aim to promote education, training and the exchange of undergraduate and graduate students and researchers. It also seeks to promote more hosting of academic meetings, symposiums and workshops, all while encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship through global collaborations.

Gov. Phil Murphy says these partnerships will advance opportunities that strengthen ties between New Jersey and India’s academic and research communities.

“This agreement reflects New Jersey’s commitment to building global connections that fuel innovation, improve health care outcomes, and strengthen our state’s higher education leadership,” he said. “The collaboration between Rutgers, Montclair State University, and these leading Indian research institutions will strengthen ties between world-class institutions with the potential to save lives and advance medical knowledge worldwide.”

Wesley Mathews, president and CEO of Choose New Jersey, said that international collaboration contributes to New Jersey’s higher education excellence. He stressed how that results in a highly skilled and educated workforce.

“The MOUs signed today represent a continued investment in New Jersey’s advanced research capabilities that will not only advance medical research and treatment, but expanded global partnerships and opportunities for our academic community,” said Mathews.

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