NIT Rourkela Partners with Iowa State University, USA, to Launch 2+2 Concurrent PhD Programme!
National Institute of Technology Rourkela has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Iowa State University of Science and Technology, USA, to launch a 2+2 Concurrent PhD Programme, marking a significant milestone in its international academic engagement. Under this collaboration, doctoral scholars from both institutions will spend two years at NIT Rourkela and two years at IOWA State University. The initiative has been facilitated through the sustained efforts of Prof. Mohit Lal, Department of Industrial Design, NIT Rourkela, and Prof. Stephen B. Gilbert, Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Iowa State University, USA, who will serve as Programme Coordinators for the Concurrent PhD Programme.
The collaboration enables joint doctoral supervision, access to world-class research infrastructure, and exposure to advanced and diverse research methodologies, thereby strengthening the global orientation and academic rigour of doctoral research. The partnership is expected to enhance faculty interaction, promote cross-cultural academic exchange, and lead to high-impact research publications, participation in leading international conferences, and effective technology and knowledge transfer with real-world and societal impact.