CUK and INCOIS sign MoU to strengthen ocean research and early warning systems
Kasaragod: The Central University of Kerala (CUK) and the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), Hyderabad, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote collaborative research, academic initiatives, training, and outreach programmes in operational oceanography, climate studies, and emerging ocean technologies.
The MoU was signed by CUK Registrar (i/c) Prof. V.B. Sameer Kumar and INCOIS Director Dr. T.M. Balakrishnan Nair in the presence of CUK Vice Chancellor Prof. Siddu P. Algur at the university campus. As part of the collaboration, a CUK-INCOIS Centre of Excellence in Operational Oceanography will be established at the university. The centre will serve as a platform for advanced research in operational oceanography, marine biogeochemistry, climate resilience, blue economy initiatives, and the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) for ocean data analysis, forecasting, and decision-support systems.
The partnership will facilitate joint research projects, faculty and student exchange programmes, internships, dissertation and project opportunities, short-term training programmes, and outreach activities. It aims to strengthen capacity building and innovation in ocean and earth system sciences while contributing to national priorities in ocean research, climate resilience, and sustainable development.
Speaking on the occasion, CUK Vice Chancellor Prof. Siddu P. Algur said that stronger partnerships between universities and national research institutions were essential for promoting research excellence, innovation, and capacity building in ocean and earth system sciences. He expressed confidence that the collaboration would create new opportunities for high-impact research, human resource development, technological innovation, and knowledge exchange.
Dr. T.M. Balakrishnan Nair, Director, INCOIS, highlighted the importance of integrating INCOIS’s scientific expertise and technological capabilities with the academic strengths of CUK. He said the partnership would accelerate collaborative research, nurture skilled human resources, and contribute to the development of advanced ocean information services, early warning systems, and innovative solutions to address emerging marine and coastal challenges.
Controller of Examinations Dr. R. Jayaprakash, Finance Officer (i/c) Dr. Minimol M.C., Director of Research Prof. Sijin Kumar A.V., INCOIS Scientist-G and Division Head Dr. Francis P.A., deans of various schools, faculty members, and university officials attended the event.