Durham University has signed a memorandum of understanding with Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham to establish a joint research hub focused on sustainable energy and climate resilience.
The agreement will create the International Joint Centre of Excellence for Energy Resilience and Decarbonisation (CERD), strengthening long-term India–UK cooperation in clean energy research, climate adaptation and innovation.
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The MoU was formalised during a high-level delegation visit to Amrita’s Bengaluru campus led by Professor Claire O’Malley, Durham’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Global). Senior academic leaders from both institutions attended the signing ceremony alongside representatives from Schneider Electric, highlighting the centre’s strong emphasis on industry partnerships and real-world impact.
The joint centre will serve as an interdisciplinary platform for research and training in sustainable energy systems, decarbonisation technologies, hazard and risk management, climate resilience, and data science and innovation. Under the agreement, the two institutions will jointly undertake research projects, support faculty and doctoral exchanges, share scientific resources, and establish a joint governance structure.
Professor O’Malley said the partnership combines shared strengths in research and innovation.
“Through this Centre of Excellence, we aim to foster impactful international research that contributes meaningfully to the global energy transition,” she said.
The centre will also support joint postgraduate programmes, industry-linked research initiatives, international funding proposals, and technology transfer through pilot projects and start-up incubation. Dedicated infrastructure will be anchored at Amrita’s upcoming research park in Kochi, Kerala, with access to advanced laboratories and research facilities across both institutions.
During her visit to India, Professor O’Malley attended the QS India Summit on 1 February 2026, where she participated in a roundtable discussion on transnational education organised by the British Council. She outlined Durham University’s approach to research-led international education and long-term academic partnerships.
She also joined senior leaders at a UK–India Presidents’ Networking Breakfast to discuss priorities and future cooperation in higher education.
Meanwhile, Durham’s Director of the International Office, Charlie Pybus, attended the inaugural India Global Education Summit in Tamil Nadu, where he spoke on attracting international students and met state government officials. Professor Martin Evans, Executive Dean of Durham’s Faculty of Social Sciences, led a separate delegation to leading Indian institutions including Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Ashoka University, OP Jindal Global University, University of Delhi, Shiv Nadar University, Indian Institute of Technology Madras and Anna University to explore collaboration in education and social sciences.
Durham University maintains more than 20 institutional partnerships across India in fields including engineering, climate science, law and education. In January, the university also signed an agreement with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras aimed at strengthening academic cooperation.
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