IIT-Bombay, Tohoku University to Launch Dual Degree PhD in Japan

• IIT Bombay and Tohoku University have launched a dual degree PhD programme, beginning with research and expanding to Master’s degrees.
• The programme promotes collaboration by merging Japan’s technology with India’s engineering and software strengths.
• It aims to boost India-Japan ties and increase educational and research opportunities for Indian students in Japan.

The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B) is launching its first international dual degree PhD programme in Japan in partnership with Tohoku University that will begin via a research-type PhD programme and then be expanded to include joint Master's degrees in the future. Additionally, a dedicated centre will be established at Tohoku University within a year as part of this initiative.

Tohoku University is a large government funded institution in Japan, it is rich in advanced technology and will complement the partnership with IIT-B. This dual degree PhD programme is intended to combine the innovation ecosystem present in Japan with the academic and engineering capabilities of India. 

The programme intends to build shared international research, sharing of knowledge and collaborative academic relationships between the two countries.

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This strategic initiative picked up speed following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Japan last month. It is also seen as a way to strengthen India-Japan relations and provide educational opportunities for Indian students' educational engagement, focused primarily in research and innovation at the postgraduate level.

At present, there are approximately 1,600 Indian students at Japanese institutions of higher education, and this number will continue to rise through this initiative. Japanese employers regularly employ IIT-B graduates, demonstrating the relevance of this connection and collaborations.

Initially, only postgraduate education will be a priority with no undergraduate level involvement. The intention is to connect Japan's industrial and technological ecosystems with India's software and engineering capability in a way that can scientifically lead to a way forward for future academic and industrial endeavor.