Pune: A high-level 25-member delegation from Germany's Ministry of Higher Education visited Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) recently to explore collaborations in science, engineering, technology, and social development.
The visit aimed to promote MoUs, double and joint degree programs, academic exchange programs, joint research initiatives, and innovation-driven projects between German and Indian academic institutions.
The delegation was led by Petra Olschowski MDL, Minister for Science, Research, and Arts of the state of Baden-Württemberg. This visit marks an important step in the internationalization of higher education, strengthening India-Germany academic ties.
During the visit, SPPU Vice-Chancellor Dr. Suresh Gosavi, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Dr. Parag Kalkar, and Dr. Vijay Khare (Director of the International Center and Dean of the Faculty of Anthropology) held discussions with the delegation.
Senior faculty members and heads of several university departments also participated, including:
Dr. Avinash Kumbhar (Department of Chemistry)
Dr. Aditya Abhyankar (Department of Technology)
Dr. Devidas Golhar (Director, Innovation Incubation Linkages)
Dr. Raymond Duraiswami (Department of Environmental Science)
Dr. Supriya Patil (Department of Management Studies)
Dr. Anagha Tambe (Department of Women's and Gender Studies)
Dr. Prabhakar Desai (Dean of Interdisciplinary Studies)
Dr. Swati Acharya (Department of Foreign Languages)
Dr. Girish Tillu (Department of Health Sciences)
Dr. Raju Gache (Department of Biotechnology)
Dr. R.S. Pandit (Department of Skill Development)
The German delegation included government ministers, members of parliament, and distinguished academic representatives. Discussions centered on potential academic collaborations, research partnerships, and exchange programs between SPPU and German universities, with both sides expressing optimism about future engagements.