Ludhiana, February 18
A delegation from Institute Polytechnique UniLaSalle, France, visited Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, to explore avenues for academic partnership and collaborative research. The visit focused on strengthening internationalization through structured faculty and student mobility, joint innovation, and the exchange of advanced agricultural technologies. Discussions reflected a shared intent to build a long-term institutional relationship aligned with global academic standards.
Led by Mr. Philippe Choquet and Natalia Neau, the UniLaSalle President and International Relations Manager, respectively, the delegation engaged in detailed deliberations on designing exchange frameworks, developing interdisciplinary learning opportunities, and fostering applied research initiatives. Emphasis was placed on creating pathways that integrate classroom knowledge with field-level application, ensuring that learners gain both scientific depth and professional readiness.
During the interaction, Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, PAU Vice-Chancellor, highlighted the university’s inclusion in the BRICS Network of Universities, underlining its expanding global engagement. The institution’s leadership in wheat and potato research, along with its strong academic ecosystem, was presented as a foundation for meaningful collaboration. Plans were outlined to offer short-term programmes in precision agriculture and allied sciences, enabling visiting students to develop specialized competencies through shared expertise and immersive learning.
The university’s Food Industry Business Incubation Centre was showcased as a model for industry-linked education. The facility trains students in technology-driven food processing while also equipping them with skills in branding, packaging, and market positioning. This integrated approach ensures graduates are prepared not only for research careers but also for entrepreneurial and industrial roles within the agri-food sector.
The visitors expressed interest in formalizing cooperation through a Memorandum of Understanding that would enable joint research, dual-degree possibilities, internships, and participation in international conferences and workshops. UniLaSalle’s strong applied research orientation and close industry partnerships were presented as complementary strengths that could help both institutions address global challenges such as food security, sustainability, and climate resilience.
Further discussions, facilitated by Dr. Vishal Bector, Associate Director (Institution Relations), proposed virtual engagements, reciprocal academic visits, and credit-based semester exchanges to operationalize collaboration. The meeting concluded with a mutual resolve to strengthen knowledge exchange and build a dynamic partnership directed toward Sustainable Development Goals while enriching academic ecosystems in both countries.
