U of A and Amrita University work towards new dual degree in immunobiology
Dean of the Amrita School of Biotechnology Dr. Bipin Nair presented "Biotechnology—The Future is Now" to a large audience of University of Arizona graduate students and faculty members.
In an exciting step towards expanding academic and research collaborations, the University of Arizona and Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham University are working towards the addition of another dual degree program.
Dean of the Amrita School of Biotechnology Dr. Bipin Nair recently visited Arizona to discuss the future of a dual degree Master of Science (MS) in Immunobiology. This initiative aims to provide students with a comprehensive education that bridges cutting-edge biotechnology and immunobiology fields.
"The partnership between U of A and Amrita University to offer the dual degree program in the life sciences is a unique, multi-dimensional arrangement, that will definitely result in mutually beneficial outcomes for both institutions, with the students enrolled for these masters programs being the biggest beneficiaries," said Dr. Nair. "This arrangement will definitely enable all involved, to capitalize on and reap the rewards of the high level of expertise of the faculty members at both institutions. This partnership will also help to propel both academic and research activities to greater levels of excellence at both locations. A win-win-win scenario for all involved."
Under the proposed dual degree program, students will have the opportunity to earn one of several degrees from Amrita University, including:
- MS in Biotechnology
- MS in Nanobiotechnology
- M.Tech in Nanobiotechnology
- MS in Microbiology
- MS in Bioinformatics
- MS in Molecular Medicine
- M.Tech in Molecular Medicine
- MS in Translational Medicine
It builds on the collaboration between the universities, which began in 2019, to provide globally relevant, world-class programs across a wide range of disciplines. The dual degree partnership began by offering a dual degree master’s program in cellular and molecular medicine. In 2023, the universities launched a dual degree Master of Arts in Human Rights from U of A and a Master of Social Work from Amrita.
Left to right: Head of the University of Arizona Department of Immunobiology and Bowman Professor Dr. Janko Nikolich, Dean of the Amrita School of Biotechnology Dr. Bipin Nair, and University of Arizona International Director of Central and South Asia Affairs Ricky Salazar.
During his visit, Dr. Nair held key meetings with university officials from Arizona International and the Department of Immunobiology in the College of Medicine. These included Head of the Department and Bowman Professor Dr. Janko Nikolich, Professor of Immunobiology Dr. Nafees Ahmad, Director of Central and South Asia Affairs Ricky Salazar, and several other notable faculty members. The discussions centered around the structure and potential impact of the dual degree program, as well as the broader implications for research collaboration and academic exchange.
In addition to these strategic meetings, Dr. Nair engaged with the Dean of the College of Medicine Dr. Michael M.I. Abecassis, Interim Dean of the College of Health Sciences Dr. Kevin Lohenry, and Associate Dean of Admissions for the College of Medicine Dr. Tejal Parikh. This provided an opportunity to explore interdisciplinary collaborations and ensure that the dual degree program aligns with the broader goals of both institutions.
The highlight of Dr. Nair's visit was his seminar presentation titled "Biotechnology—The Future is Now," which drew a large audience of graduate students and faculty members. The seminar provided valuable insights into the latest advancements in biotechnology and their implications for future research and industry applications.
“The dual master's degree in immunobiology partnership with Amrita University is a meaningful and logical next step in our broader partnership, widening access of Amrita students to immunobiology disciplines,” said Dr. Nikolich. "With Amrita’s strong programs in antimicrobial resistance, nanotechnology, antivenom science and others, this should further pave the way for meaningful and deeper scientific interactions in the near future.”
Furthermore, the collaborative curriculum where Amrita students take U of A courses with live online sessions involving U of A and Amrita faculty would expose the students to innovative modalities of education delivery and increase U of A-Amrita faculty interactions and collaborations both in education and research, according to Dr. Ahmad. Dr. Nair’s visit has further solidified the ongoing collaboration.
This initiative represents a significant advancement in U of A international educational offerings, providing students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the rapidly evolving fields of biotechnology and immunobiology. The collaboration with Amrita University will also facilitate greater research opportunities and foster a global academic community dedicated to innovation and excellence.