A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between NICMAR University, India, an institution of national importance and pioneer in disseminating quality post-graduate education in the Built Environment sector, and Loughborough University which consistently ranked among some of the top-performing institutions in the UK. This MoU was formalized by Dr. Anil Kashyap (President and Chancellor, NICMAR University) and Dr. Professor Nick Jennings (Vice-Chancellor and President, Loughborough University).

NICMAR and LU agree to engage in academic cooperation in areas of mutual interest such as research, innovation, and consultancy. The key objectives of this MoU are:

1. Supervision of Ph.D. degree students.
2. Collaborative research.
3. Exchange of information on research and education programs.
4. Exchange of research publications and University publications.

The signing of the MoU paves the way for the research relationship to build and develop. With this partnership, NU will offer a Split-site Ph.D. program to Ph.D. applicants to work on nationally and globally significant themes such as Net-zero, Climate Change, Health and well-being, Digitalisation, Changing environments and infrastructure, etc.

Dr. Kirti Ruikar (University special envoy) and Jill Thurman of LU and Dr. Sagar Malsane, Associate Professor of NU worked closely in the background to make this association happen with an intention to open access for ‘borderless knowledge’.