Curtin University, PU explore MoU, joint programmes and academic collaboration

Chandigarh, September 17, 2026: Panjab University and Curtin University, Perth, Australia, today discussed exploring the possibility of academic collaboration and an MoU for joint programmes, student internships and research-led initiatives in humanities, AI in education, sustainability and experiential learning.
Curtin University Dean International Humanities Prof. Francesco Mancini visited Panjab University and met PU Vice Chancellor Prof. Meenakshi Goyal to explore possible areas of collaboration between the two universities.
During the meeting with Prof. Mancini, PU Vice Chancellor Prof. Meenakshi Goyal discussed the broader scope for institutional collaboration and proposed that a series of meetings be held to identify, refine and develop specific areas of mutual interest before an MoU is considered.
Prof. Mancini shared information about Curtin University’s offshore campuses in Colombo and Dubai, where opportunities for student internships under exchange programmes could be explored. He also outlined Curtin’s challenge-based intensive programme, conducted in partnership with industry, in which students from multiple disciplines work together to address real-world challenges.
The discussion, moderated by PU Dean Alumni Relations Prof. Latika Sharma, focused on Learning Futures, AI in Education, Sustainability and Indigenous Cultures. Both universities discussed their shared emphasis on experiential education and the scope for research that could contribute to the development of teaching courses.
Possible areas discussed included resilient urban spaces, student mental health, second-language teaching, classroom environment and student engagement, disaster management, fashion and design learning, among others.
The discussions also covered the possibility of developing a collaborative Centre of Excellence in an identified area of humanities. The two universities agreed that further academic-level discussions would be required to identify and refine specific areas of collaboration.
Panjab University has been previously engaged with Curtin University through the New Colombo Plan Mobility Program. In January 2026, a delegation of 10 students and two faculty members from Curtin University visited PU under the programme, which supports Australian undergraduate students in developing Indo-Pacific capability through academic and practical engagement.
Faculty members and university officials who participated in the discussions included Prof. Kewal Krishan, Dean International Studies; Prof. Nandita Singh; Prof. Jagtej Kaur Grewal; Prof. Anju Suri; Prof. Krishna Mohan; Prof. Kirandeep and Prof. Jatinder Grover.