Discussion Subject

The main discussion centred on the concept of developing a student research program, sponsored by industry, with active participation from IIT and European faculty. It became apparent from previous meetings, that any change in the existing B.Tech. Program cannot be implemented easily and PhD programs lack enough students.  Thus the discussion focussed around the concept of organizing a Masters level program to include industrial training and a semester in Europe for Indian students and vice versa for European students.

Prior to the workshop, potential industry projects had been solicited and a list of proposed topics was available on the IIT-EU website, www.iit-eu.org.

Conclusion:

1. A Masters level program can be formulated to include industry sponsorship, combined with faculty from an IIT and a European University. Under this program, an Indian student will begin coursework at IIT, start the research project, continue the project with tenure at a European University, and an internship at the sponsoring industry, and finish up the Masters program at IIT. A similar arrangement can be possible for a European student.
2. The current M.Tech program at IIT offers some of the needed components, but not all. To establish such a program, it would have to be approved first by the IIT senate. Each IIT will probably have some slight variation specific to their needs. Towards this end, IITEUAA will send a draft proposal to the IITs for followup.
3. Specific research projects need to be defined and professors and students need to be defined to undertake the research. This will be initiated by IITEUAA, with subsequent takeover by the interested parties.
4. IITEUAA will build up its website www.iit-eu.org to better facilitate interactions between faculty, students and industry representatives. Website will include information on scholarships and other potential financial support for the Master’s program