Dr. J.C. Kuniyal Enhances UK-India Academic Ties Through Key University Visits.
Almora:
Dr. J.C. Kuniyal, Senior Scientist and Centre Head of Environmental Assessment & Climate Change at the Govind Vallabh Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (NIHE), recently completed a significant visit to three prominent universities in the United Kingdom: Bath Spa University, the University of Gloucestershire, and the University of Cumbria.
This visit marks a milestone in Dr. Kuniyal’s efforts to strengthen academic and research collaborations between Indian and UK institutions. It is part of a broader initiative to advance joint research and fieldwork, enhance teaching exchanges, and develop mutual opportunities for students and faculty.
Dr. Kuniyal’s UK itinerary reflects ongoing partnerships initiated by Dr. Rich Johnson, an Associate Professor at NIHE’s Institute of Science and Environment (IoSE). Dr. Johnson’s connections with these UK institutions have laid the groundwork for fruitful collaborations in mountain flooding and disaster risk reduction.
During his visit, Dr. Kuniyal met with several key figures, including Professor Brian Webster-Henderson from the University of Cumbria, Professor Kenneth Lynch from the University of Gloucestershire, and Professor Sue Rigby from Bath Spa University. He also engaged with Richard Leaf, CEO of the Lake District National Park Authority, and participated in field trips to the Lake District and Carlisle. These excursions focused on flood response strategies and the region’s visitor economy.
The discussions highlighted shared research interests between NIHE and the UK universities, such as climate change, air quality, flood mitigation, and community resilience. Future collaborative efforts are expected to include international research placements, joint research projects, and strategic Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs).
Dr. Kuniyal’s visit follows a recent exchange involving 254 Turing students and seven research placements, further solidifying academic ties between the institutions. Plans are underway for continued international partnerships and future placements for Indian students in the UK and vice versa.
The collaboration underscores the importance of global academic partnerships in addressing pressing environmental challenges and advancing scientific knowledge.
