In their endeavor to offer globally relevant world-class programs across a broad spectrum of disciplines, Tamil Nadu based Amrita University and the US based University of Arizona are embarking on a multidisciplinary partnership in education and research.

In one of the largest ever international university collaborations in India, a Letter of Intent (LoI) was signed by the Chancellor of Amrita University, Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, and Dr. Lisel Folks, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, University of Arizona.

The LoI seeks to initiate multidisciplinary collaborations for the highest standard curriculums leading to integrated and dual-degree programs at the bachelor's and master's levels. The key disciplines include Engineering, Biotechnology, Nanotechnology, Social Sciences, Medicine, Public Health, and Agriculture. The program will enhance Amrita as the study-abroad site for the University of Arizona students and vice versa. This will engage more than 200 students annually for a minimum of one semester.

Dr. Lisel Folks, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at the University of Arizona, said: "The University of Arizona shares Amrita's commitment to enriching life for all, its dedication to innovation, and its spirit of compassion. We look forward to working together across multiple disciplines to expand human potential and to care for the world around us." 

The LoI will also lay the foundation for exchange programs for faculty and students - undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral; collaborative partnership and participation in Amrita's multidisciplinary experiential learning program in rural India, Live-in-Labs®; joint research projects; and joint research centers in strategic areas relevant to universities. This collaboration is intended to develop and implement an accessible and affordable platform for transformation of education from a rigid classroom-based delivery model to a restructured, adaptable student-centric one that will enhance student-faculty engagement and learning outcomes. Most importantly, it will create thinkers and innovators for solving societal problems.

A major goal of the partnership will be to engage in translational research to develop solutions for global sustainability and humanitarian challenges. The key focus areas will include all Engineering disciplines, Biotechnology, Nanotechnology, Molecular Medicine, Social Sciences, Medicine, Nursing, Public Health, Pharmacy, Global Media Studies, Agriculture, and Sustainable Development.