Imperial College picks Bengaluru for global research hub, bets big on Indian science
NEW DELHI:
Imperial College London
is setting up its fourth international hub in Bengaluru, marking another step in its global strategy focused on research and innovation. The move, which follows successful hubs in Singapore, San Francisco, and Accra, signals the British university's intent to deepen collaborations with Indian academia and industry, particularly in science, technology, and health innovation.
'Imperial is different,' said Professor Hugh Brady, president of Imperial College London, in an interview during his visit to India. 'We're not focused on undergraduate campuses abroad. Our greatest impact is in applying science and technology for the good of humanity and the planet — and that's where we believe we can contribute most meaningfully in India.'
The new hub, based in Bengaluru, was selected due to the high density of Imperial's existing partnerships in the city, including long-standing collaborations with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS).
'We already have £170 million in joint research funding with Indian institutions and over 2,000 co-authored publications,' said Brady. 'But we wanted to take it to another level.
'
Rather than serve as a teaching campus, the Bengaluru hub will act as a facilitator — 'a matchmaker,' as Brady put it — coordinating large-scale research partnerships, seed funding initiatives, and collaborative PhD programmes. These programmes will focus on emerging fields such as
AI for healthcare
, advanced materials, quantum sensing, and decarbonisation technologies.
For instance, Imperial recently launched a multi-institutional project with Tata Steel focused on decarbonising the steel industry. Brady also highlighted the college's growing influence in AI for healthcare and
quantum technologies
, noting, 'We are one of the UK's largest players in AI for health—from early diagnosis to drug discovery.'
India's growing research ecosystem was a key factor in Imperial's decision. 'The landscape here is changing rapidly.
We see top researchers staying in India and global academics moving back,' said Brady. 'The quality of publications and the energy of young scientists is tremendous. It's the right time to deepen our presence.'
While several international universities are entering India with a focus on undergraduate programmes, Brady emphasised that Imperial is charting a distinct path. 'We're not opening a traditional campus here because our model isn't about volume — it's about high-impact partnerships in research and innovation.'
As global challenges like climate change and pandemics demand urgent scientific collaboration, Brady believes the new hub will 'turbocharge' Imperial's ability to act as a force for good. 'Science must transcend borders,' he said. 'This hub is not just about Imperial being in India—it's about building something transformative, together.'
Invest in Their Tomorrow, Today: Equip your child with the essential AI skills for a future brimming with possibilities | Join Now
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
43 minutes ago
- Time of India
Rs 2,000 denomination fake currency notes dip, but Rs 500 counterfeit notes spike in FY25
Chennai: Dip in Rs 2,000 denomination counterfeit notes contributed to the reduction in the value of fake banknotes detected by banks and Reserve Bank, but there was a rise in Rs 500 Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) during FY25, RBI data showed. Banknotes of Rs 2,000 denomination were withdrawn from circulation in May 2023, though it continues to be legal tender. The counterfeit notes detected in the denominations of Rs 10, Rs 20, Rs 50, Rs 100 and Rs 2,000 declined in 2024-25, while those in Rs 200 and Rs 500 denominations increased by 13.9% and 37.3%, respectively, when compared with the previous year (FY24). A total number of 2,17,396 FICNs was detected by banks and Reserve Bank in FY25, recording a marginal drop by 2.3% in FY24 at 2,22,639 FICNs. However, it does not include counterfeit notes seized by the police and other enforcement agencies, India's central bank said in its annual report for 2024-25. According to data, Rs 500 FICNs increased from 85,722 in FY24 to 1,17,727 in FY25. Its value rose from around Rs 4.3 crore to Rs 5.9 crore, respectively. Subsequently, the number of Rs 2,000 denomination counterfeit notes plunged by 86.5% YoY at 3,508 in FY25 from 26,035 in FY24. Its value decreased to Rs 70 lakh in FY25 from Rs 5.2 crore in FY24. Further, 32,660 numbers of Rs 200 FICNs and 51,069 in the Rs 100 denomination were detected in the last fiscal (FY25). Out of the total FICNs detected in the banking sector in 2024-25, 95.3% was detected by banks and the rest 4.7% was detected at the Reserve Bank. The report said, a Currency Research and Development Centre (CRDC) has been set up under the administrative control of Bharatiya Reserve Bank Note Mudran (BRBNMPL) for conducting advanced testing of security features of Indian banknotes, counterfeit deterrence tests, forensic/scientific analysis of forged notes, ethical counterfeiting of notes by using latest available tools and technologies and for the development of security/design features for Indian banknotes. Former president of Bank Employees Federation of India C J Nandakumar said, the rise in Rs 500 FICNs indicates the circulation of counterfeit notes. 'Criminals have become sophisticated in designing fake notes with features that even escape from being identified by sorting machines. Apart from issuing guidelines, the regulator must also initiate more stringent actions and supervise to end the menace of FICNs,' he added. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Belum Caves declared geo-heritage site by Geological Survey of India
Vijayawada: The world-renowned Belum Caves, located in Kolimigundla mandal of Nandyal district, have officially been recognised as a geo-heritage site by the Geological Survey of India (GSI). These caves are celebrated as the second longest natural underground cave system in the world and the longest in India, marking a significant milestone in their preservation and promotion as a historic and geological marvel. Discovered in 1884 Historical records indicate that the Belum Caves date back to 450 BCE, once serving as residential spaces. Their archaeological and spiritual significance has long been acknowledged. The caves were first discovered in 1884 by British geologist Robert Bruce Foote. Later, between 1982 and 1984, German speleologist HD Gebauer, along with his team, explored nearly 3,225 metres of the cave system and produced a detailed map. Recognising their historical value, the archaeology department of Andhra Pradesh declared the site protected in 1988. In 1999, the then united Andhra Pradesh govt, under the leadership of chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu, brought the caves under the jurisdiction of the tourism department to develop them as a tourist destination. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo The Belum Caves extend through 23 acres of land and feature a complex network of tunnels and chambers that begin approximately 10 metres below ground and continue to depths of up to 30 metres. Visitors must descend 40 steps to enter the caves, which are characterised by narrow passageways, vast chambers, and spectacular natural formations like stalactites and stalagmites. Several rock formations within the caves have been creatively named based on their appearance — such as "Thousand Hoods," "Kotilingalu," "Airavatham," "Meditation Hall," and "Mayamandiram. " Consistent temperature At the far end of the caves lies the "Patalaganga," an underground water spring, alongside a naturally formed Shiva Lingam embedded in rock, enhancing the site's spiritual importance. Interestingly, the cave maintains a consistent internal temperature of 33°C throughout the year with high humidity. Researchers also believe there is a hydrological connection between the cave's underground water and a stone well near a local temple in a nearby village. Moreover, the water table of the Penna River, situated about 30 km away near Tadipatri, appears to influence the caves' water flow. In 1999, the A P tourism department initiated a large-scale development project to enhance the cave's accessibility and appeal. A 1.5 km walking path was cleared and constructed using gravel, and over 150 electric lamps were installed to illuminate the path inside the caves. Air blowers were also added to regulate air circulation. These efforts transformed the Belum Caves into a significant tourist attraction, drawing more than two lakh visitors annually, including hundreds of foreign tourists. The tourism department generates approximately 1.5 crore in annual revenue from the site. Following the GSI's designation of the caves as a Geo-Heritage Site, district authorities organised a special event named "Yogandra" on Friday at the cave premises, featuring mass yoga sessions with participation from officials, local staff, and the public. Plans to publicise Nandyal district tourism officer Satyanarayana emphasised that such initiatives are crucial in expanding the site's outreach and drawing greater tourist attention. The department of tourism plans to further publicise the caves to attract more national and international tourists. Tourism minister Kandula Durgesh expressed his delight over the GSI's recognition, highlighting the caves' historical, geological, and cultural significance. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
NDTV
2 hours ago
- NDTV
AstraZeneca Inks China AI Research Deal For Chronic Diseases
British drugmaker AstraZeneca unveiled on Friday an AI-assisted research partnership with Chinese counterpart CSPC Pharmaceuticals worth up to $5.3 billion to tackle chronic diseases. AstraZeneca, which has a pre-existing collaboration with CSPC, announced earlier this year plans to invest $2.5 billion in China. "This strategic research collaboration underscores our commitment to innovation to tackle chronic diseases which impact over two billion people globally," said AstraZeneca executive vice president Sharon Barr. AstraZeneca aims to develop a research and development centre of up to 1,700 people in the country. CSPC will carry out the research in Shijiazhuang, using "their AI-driven, dual-engine efficient drug discovery platform", the firm said. AstraZeneca said the agreement will see CSPC receive an upfront payment of $110 million, plus up to $1.62 billion in "potential development milestone payments" and up to a further $3.6 billion in sales milestone payments, along with annual sales-based royalties. The multinational will also be able to exercise options for exclusive licences to develop and commercialise worldwide candidates identified under the deal.
