In a landmark collaboration aimed at advancing global scientific research and innovation, Imperial College London and Science Gallery Bengaluru (SGB) have announced a joint fellowship programme and plans to co-develop research facilities. The partnership marks a significant step towards fostering cross-border academic collaboration between the United Kingdom and India, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary research in areas such as sustainability, health, and emerging technologies. The initiative will bring together young researchers, scholars, and innovators to engage in projects that bridge the gap between science and society.
Under the new fellowship programme, students and early-career researchers from both institutions will have the opportunity to work collaboratively on research projects aligned with real-world challenges. The fellowships will promote knowledge exchange through reciprocal visits, mentorship, and access to laboratory and innovation spaces in both Bengaluru and London. The programme aims to nurture the next generation of scientists capable of addressing complex societal problems through evidence-based solutions, emphasizing a blend of academic rigor and public engagement.
Focus on interdisciplinary research and global collaboration- College
The joint initiative is rooted in the shared vision of both institutions to democratize science and make it accessible to the broader public. Imperial College London’s global expertise in technology and applied sciences, combined with Science Gallery Bengaluru’s strong community outreach and interdisciplinary programming, creates a powerful synergy. Researchers will focus on diverse fields such as climate adaptation, sustainable urban design, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and healthcare innovation. Each fellowship project will include a public component, encouraging dialogue between scientists and citizens to foster inclusive innovation.
Both institutions are also exploring avenues for joint publications, policy research, and exhibitions that translate complex research into formats understandable to non-specialists. SGB’s unique position as a bridge between academia and the community will enable fellows to interact directly with young learners, artists, and industry experts. This open model of science communication aims to dismantle traditional barriers between researchers and the public, aligning with global efforts to promote transparency and accessibility in science.
The announcement of the partnership between Imperial College London and Science Gallery Bengaluru (SGB) has generated widespread enthusiasm across academic and research communities in both countries. The initiative is expected to strengthen educational and scientific ties under the broader UK-India research collaboration framework. Policymakers have hailed it as a strategic step toward achieving the vision of a “Global Science Network” that promotes open innovation and equitable access to knowledge. The fellowship will particularly encourage participation from underrepresented groups in science, creating pathways for inclusive growth and academic exchange.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the two institutions outlines key focus areas such as research mobility, data sharing, joint seminars, and community engagement. Both partners have emphasized that the collaboration goes beyond traditional academic models by integrating social innovation with scientific inquiry. The MoU also sets the foundation for exploring further partnerships with Indian universities, research councils, and international foundations that share similar goals of fostering public engagement with science and technology.
The collaboration will be anchored in the principles of open science, encouraging data transparency, reproducibility, and community participation. By building frameworks for accessible knowledge dissemination, the project seeks to bridge the gap between scientific research and societal understanding. Imperial College London’s experience in developing citizen science models will be adapted for Indian contexts, enabling local communities to participate in experiments, data collection, and solution-building processes relevant to their environment.
The joint fellowship is also expected to enhance global employability for participating scholars. Fellows will receive training in scientific communication, policy advocacy, and interdisciplinary methodologies. This will equip them to translate academic findings into actionable insights for government agencies, industries, and non-profit organizations. Moreover, the exposure to international networks will help researchers gain cross-cultural competence and professional agility essential for addressing global challenges such as climate change, health inequities, and resource scarcity.
SGB’s Director, Dr. Jahnavi Phalkey, emphasized that the collaboration reflects Bengaluru’s growing role as a global node for research and creativity. She noted that Science Gallery Bengaluru’s mission is to “make science a cultural force,” and the partnership with Imperial aligns perfectly with that vision. By creating spaces that merge art, science, and society, the initiative will allow young innovators to engage with science not merely as an academic pursuit but as a catalyst for collective imagination and progress.
Imperial College London officials echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the potential for long-term engagement. Professor Mary Ryan, Vice Provost for Research and Enterprise, stated that the collaboration is a natural extension of Imperial’s commitment to sustainability and public science. She said that the new research facilities in Bengaluru will serve as a “living laboratory” where ideas can move rapidly from theory to practical solutions that benefit communities globally. The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has also extended support for this initiative under the science diplomacy agenda.
Among the first thematic areas under consideration are water security, climate resilience, and health technologies. These areas were chosen due to their global significance and local relevance in both countries. The research outputs will contribute to policy recommendations that address sustainable water management, air pollution reduction, and energy transition. Scientists will also explore innovative materials and technologies for renewable energy generation and storage, focusing on low-cost solutions for developing economies.
One of the major highlights of the partnership is the inclusion of art-based research methodologies. Through this, scientists will collaborate with artists, filmmakers, and designers to visualize data and communicate complex concepts effectively. The integration of art and science is expected to enhance public understanding and empathy towards pressing issues like biodiversity loss and climate change. Public exhibitions, installations, and digital experiences will form a central component of the fellowship programme.
The research facilities proposed under this collaboration will be designed as open, modular spaces that encourage experimentation and collaboration. Equipped with advanced sensors, data visualization systems, and immersive labs, the center will enable interdisciplinary work across physics, biology, computer science, and design. The goal is to create an ecosystem where academic inquiry thrives alongside creativity and entrepreneurship, nurturing a new generation of research leaders.
Funding for the joint initiative will come from multiple sources, including institutional contributions, government grants, and philanthropic foundations. Discussions are underway with the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to formalize funding mechanisms. Both institutions are also exploring private partnerships with technology companies and social enterprises that align with the programme’s mission of sustainable innovation and responsible research.
In addition to research and innovation, the collaboration aims to promote science literacy through educational outreach. Schools and colleges in and around Bengaluru will be invited to participate in interactive science festivals, workshops, and mentorship sessions led by fellows and faculty. This outreach component seeks to inspire young students to pursue careers in science and technology, while also making scientific learning more inclusive and engaging.
Development of shared research infrastructure in Bengaluru: College
In addition to the fellowship, Imperial College London and Science Gallery Bengaluru will collaborate to establish new research facilities on SGB’s campus in the city’s innovation corridor. These facilities will serve as incubation hubs for joint experiments, data-driven projects, and prototype development. The infrastructure will include advanced laboratories, interactive exhibition spaces, and collaborative offices designed to promote interdisciplinary research and experimentation. The joint setup reflects India’s growing importance as a global research destination and Bengaluru’s position as the country’s scientific and technological capital.
To ensure the longevity of the partnership, a governance framework is being set up to oversee the joint projects. A steering committee comprising senior academics, researchers, and policy experts from both sides will periodically review progress and ensure alignment with global best practices. Annual conferences and review meetings will be organized alternately in Bengaluru and London to share research findings, strengthen networks, and identify new collaboration areas.
Imperial’s faculty members will play a mentoring role in shaping the research agenda and ensuring global standards of excellence. The facility will also provide access to digital learning platforms, data resources, and remote collaboration tools. This initiative is expected to enhance the visibility of Indian research institutions on the international stage while allowing UK-based researchers to gain firsthand experience in working with diverse ecosystems and regional challenges.
The fellowship is expected to launch in early 2026, following a detailed framework agreement currently being finalized. Applications will open to postgraduate students, early-career scientists, and independent researchers interested in cross-disciplinary studies. Selection will be based on academic merit, originality of research ideas, and the potential societal impact of the proposed projects. The collaboration also includes opportunities for artistic residencies, allowing creative professionals to interpret and communicate research outcomes through visual and performing arts.
This partnership between Imperial College London and Science Gallery Bengaluru is being viewed as a blueprint for future collaborations between academic and public science institutions worldwide. It underscores a global movement towards integrating education, innovation, and social responsibility, creating research ecosystems that are not only academically sound but also socially relevant. By co-developing research facilities and fellowships, both institutions aim to foster long-term relationships that drive sustainable innovation, making science a tool for shared progress and inclusivity.
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