A three-member delegation from Montana State University (MSU), Bozeman, USA, engaged in discussions with the Vice-Chancellor of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal and other officers, with the aim of identifying opportunities for collaboration. The high-level delegation from MSU was led by Dr. Sreekala Bajwa, Vice President and Dean and Director of Agriculture, accompanied by Dr. Dilpreet Bajwa, Head of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, and Mr. Seth Miranda, International Admissions Specialist.
Dr. S.S. Gosal, Vice-Chancellor of PAU, provided an overview of the university’s pioneering work in conservation agriculture, apiculture, and farm mechanization. He emphasized PAU’s success in research accomplishments related to protection and processing technologies, coupled with innovative technology transfer strategies. Dr. Gosal stressed the importance of developing technologies that enhance production while minimizing environmental impact. He expressed PAU’s eagerness to collaborate with partners who share a similar commitment to environmental sustainability. Referring to PAU’s existing partnerships with foreign universities in the realms of teaching, faculty, and student exchange, he spotlighted potential collaborative research areas such as climate-resilient technologies, genome editing, biosensors, and precision agriculture.
Dr. Sreekala Bajwa, from MSU, offered insights into the university’s research and innovation landscape, emphasizing their commitment to learning, discovery, and outreach. She described MSU’s unique position as a Land Grant institution, underscoring key features of their programmes, including 15 undergraduate and 16 graduate offerings, dynamic research conducted across Montana, top-tier departments specializing in infectious diseases, microbial studies, invasive plant species, soil science, and water resources. MSU also manages off-campus research ranches and initiatives that focus on locally grown food. Furthermore, Dr. Bajwa mentioned MSU’s distinction as one of only two wool research labs in the United States.
With the goal of promoting scholarly synergy, reciprocity, and sustainable linkages between the two institutions, Dr. Sreekala Bajwa identified research areas of mutual interest. These included plant, animal, and microbial genetics, precision agriculture, environmental sciences, agronomics, livestock and rangeland management, microbiology, immunology, horticulture, organic and regenerative agriculture, agricultural economics, and agricultural technology education.
Dr. Dilpreet Bajwa accentuated the transformative potential of cross-pollination of experience and ideas between scientists from both institutions. He emphasized the value of alliances in fostering innovation and educating the next generation of agricultural thought leaders. Dr. Bajwa reiterated the significance of cross-border mobility, emphasizing the enrichment it brings by experiencing new cultures and expanding knowledge.
Explaining the admission process at MSU, Mr. Seth Miranda revealed that MSU is among the top three per cent of colleges and universities for research expenditures, exceeding $100 million every year. Furthermore, he highlighted that all students, from freshman to those pursuing a Ph.D., engage in a research or creative project before graduating.
The meeting witnessed a vibrant exchange of ideas, covering academic interactions, research collaborations, and collective grant proposals. The visiting MSU delegation was honored with mementos as a gesture of goodwill. Later, the foreign contingent interacted with the students of PAU. Dr. Vishal Bector, Associate Director (Institution Relations), facilitated the entire session, ensuring a productive and insightful dialogue.
Read more: https://www.pau.edu/index.php?_act=manageEvent&DO=viewEventDetail&dataE=datae&intID=8243
