Pairing up to research multi-national concerns

A good incentive system can revive research, holds Michael Adewumi, vice-provost for global programmes at The Pennsylvania State University, US, commonly known as Penn State. His university is one of the largest public research universities in the US, with an annual research expenditure of $800 million. Adewumi hopes to enter into partnerships with universities across the world.

What is the global engagement network?
We are planning to partner institutions across the globe, which are like a university in terms of excellence of research and teacher training. As part of the project, Penn State will partner with select regions across the globe, like India, China, Africa, Latin America, Middle East and South East Asia. The best institutes in specific sectors from each region will be selected. There is a need for global partnership with top institutes. Business, IT and Material Sciences and Engineering would be the initial sectors. Partners spend time in each other’s university; so Indian students will spend time in US universities, and vice versa, drawing the best researchers together from across the world. Students can pay home-country tuition and still spend time in the institutes.

Do you plan to set up centres of your university in India?
No, we don’t have any interest in setting up branch campuses in India at this point. We believe that the most effective strategy is to partner existing institutions. Faculty is the heart of any educational institution. We are planning to partner select institutions with special focus on faculty exchange, capacity building and student exchange. These activities will have a long-lasting effect on the growth of both universities. Setting up a campus conjures up images of money-making. We partner to meet new challenges. Key issues like food security, and the climate change crisis can be approached in partnership.