GUWAHATI:
Indian Institute of Technology – Guwahati (IIT-G), on February 17, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the South Dakota Mines for undertaking research on two-dimensional (2D) materials, and biofilms.
As per the MoU, the collaboration will enable both the institutes to share resources and leverage research funding opportunities while joining multidisciplinary teams at both institutions to maximise complex problem-solving.
According to a statement issued by the IIT-G, research into 2D materials and biofilms has vast potential for future applications across many fields, including medical field and advancement of research on cancer, antibacterial drugs, and pharmaceuticals.
“This research can also help advance new types of energy production and storage, and has benefits for agriculture, including better ways to protect and nourish crops for maximum yields, and has applications in corrosion protection that will increase the longevity of structures such as steel bridges, ships, and buildings. The research collaboration can also yield new start-up businesses in any of these fields adding economic development opportunities tied to each university,” the statement read.
Tapas Kumar Mandal, Department of Chemical Engineering and Centre for Nanotechnology, informed that the agreement will create new opportunities for graduate students and research fellows at the institute.
“The MoU creates an exchange program where student researchers in each university can learn from faculty of both the institutions and can access testing and research equipment as well,” Mandal said.
Krishna Pada Bhabak, Department of Chemistry and the Center for the Environment, said that the MoU will open new avenues for the faculty, students and the institute as a whole.