Kasaragod: The Central University of Kerala (CUK) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL) on Wednesday to foster collaborative research and development, facilitate staff and student exchange initiatives, and enable shared access to scientific infrastructure and technical expertise.

The agreement was executed at the CSIR-NPL campus in New Delhi by Prof. V.B. Sameer Kumar, interim registrar of CUK, and Dr Rajiv Singh, Scientist F and deputy head of human resource development at CSIR-NPL, in the presence of CUK Vice Chancellor Prof. Siddu P. Algur.

The partnership aims to drive joint research initiatives in advanced scientific and technological disciplines while allowing both institutions to leverage their combined infrastructure, technical facilities, and research competencies. Officials anticipate the partnership will reinforce academic networks and advance national-level scientific projects.

Following the signing, the CUK delegation toured major laboratories at CSIR-NPL, including the Indian Standard Time (IST) Division, which maintains the national time standard, and the Dilution Refrigerator Laboratory.

The university representatives also held discussions with department heads across CSIR-NPL during a session chaired by CSIR-NPL Director Prof. Venugopal Achanta to outline primary domains for future joint research and academic cooperation.

The event was attended by academic and scientific personnel, including Prof. Thomas K.J., Prof. Prasad E. Nair, Dr Poonam Arora, Dr Basheed G.A., Dr Naveen Garg, Dr S.P. Singh, Dr R.P. Aloysius, Dr Sanjay Dhakate, Dr Sushil Kumar, and Dr Sachchidanand Singh.

Prof. Algur commended CSIR-NPL's role in advancing national technological capability and stated that he anticipates the agreement will foster enduring research collaboration between the two institutions.