Pondicherry University and the Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy (IIPE), Visakhapatnam, officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 25 July 2025 at the University Campus in Pondicherry, marking a significant milestone in fostering academic and research collaboration. The agreement, signed in a ceremony, brings together two premier institutions to drive innovations in the Earth Science and Energy fields and technologies, and sustainable development solutions.
Prof. P. Prakash Babu, Vice-chancellor, Pondicherry University, emphasized the strategic importance of this partnership, stating that it aligns well with the university’s aspiration to strengthen institute-university linkages. “This partnership represents a perfect synergy between academic and research excellence. At Pondicherry University, we are committed to creating academic and research-relevant knowledge ecosystems, and this collaboration with IIPE will enable our students and faculties to work on transformative projects that address India's growing energy demands while maintaining the environmental sustainability. Together, we will develop cutting-edge solutions that can be implemented at both national and global levels.” he said.
IIPE, Visakhapatnam, a domain-specific Institute at par with IITs and IIMs, was established by the Government of India under the aegis of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. Prof. Shalivahan, Director of IIPE, stated, "As India's premier petroleum and energy academic and research institution, IIPE recognizes the critical importance of bridging the gap between the laboratory research and commercial applications. This MoU with Pondicherry University allows us to combine our state-of-the-art testing facilities, academic and research experience with Pondicherry University's strong academic foundation and research capabilities”.
The MoU establishes multiple avenues for the collaboration, including joint research projects, faculty & student exchange programs and expert lectures, student internships and hands-on training at IIPE and PU facilities, shared access to research facilities and laboratories and organization of national conferences and workshops leading to an enhanced academic and research co-operation.
In his address, Prof. S. Victor Anandkumar, Dean (International Relations), Pondicherry University, spoke about the university’s expanding global and industrial outreach as well as the similarities and potential synergies with IIPE, Visakhapatnam leading to transformative partnership in the field of Petroleum and Energy.
Dr. Shailendra Singh, MoU co-ordinator and faculty member of the Department of Earth Sciences, elaborated. This collaboration is the result of nearly a year of careful planning and discussions. It is particularly significant that it creates a structured platform for continuous interaction between both institute faculties and students, ensuring that the partnership remains dynamic and productive."
Prof. K Srinivasamoorthy, Head, Department of Earth Sciences, expressed his delight at the potential impact this partnership will have across the university's academic landscape.
The MoU signing ceremony was attended by faculty members and research scholars, and representatives from both institutions. This collaboration marks a pivotal step in advancing academic exchange between Pondicherry University and IIPE, laying the foundation for a vibrant, knowledge-driven partnership.