warangal|India|May' 2009: The National Institute of Technology – Warangal (NIT-W) ranked among the top 10 engineering education institutes in India announced that it has signed a MoU with University of Tampere, (UTA) and Tampere University of Technology (TUT), Finland to undertake academic collaborations. These MoU’s allows for understanding on systems, teaching methodologies, courses, content, hands-on learning, student exchange programs, award of degree and interaction with the industry.

Dr. Y V Rao, Director NIT-W signed the MoU with these universities in the presence H.E. Mr. Om Prakash is the Ambassador of India to the Republic of Finland and Mr. Ashok Thakur, Additional Secretary Higher Education, MHRD, Govt. of India. For TUT, Prof. Markku Kivikoski, Rector, signed the MoU and for UTA Vice Rector Prof. Juhani Lehto signed the MoU. The home city of these Universities is the third biggest city in Finland .

Making the announcement Dr. Y V Rao, Director of NIT-W said a major focus in the MoU’s will be on joint research between various faculties of the NIT-W, UTA and TUT. This is yet another step for NIT-W to tap opportunities to enhance the competitiveness of research, education and expertise of the institute. He said the institute will continue to develop new collaborations with other universities, research institutions and business life globally to further expand student’s competence.

The University of Tampere (UTA) (http://www.uta.fi/english) is well known for their academic excellence in the fields of science and its research profile is extensive and multidisciplinary. UOT is the biggest provider of higher education in Finland for social sciences and the accompanying administrative sciences. Some 14,600 students are currently pursuing degrees at the University of Tampere . Every year approximately one thousand master's degrees and one hundred doctoral degrees are produced. The personnel number about 2,200. For 2008 the entire budget of the University was in the range of 150 million Euros.

The Tampere University of Technology (TUT) - http://www.tut.fi is known for its scientific research in technology and architecture. Courses are also available for subjects like biomedical engineering and information technology Tampere University of Technology consists of five faculties and 22 departments The University caters to nearly 13000 students, with 2000 members of staff.

Under the MoU’s NIT-W, UTA and TUT will also explore opportunities to undergraduate and postgraduate students from the partner institution to carry out projects in their own laboratories. The agreement also envisions co-operation for faculty exchange through deputation for short term assignments spread over not more than a year in areas mutually identified

In the initial phase of the agreement, the focus will be on student mobility, particularly in the areas of mutual academic interest and identifying exchange program opportunities for students in India and Finland . The second phase will involve intensive courses and international exposure for students and create opportunities for students to interact and engage with companies in Finland and India . Also on the agenda is a joint research and development project between the chosen higher education institutions, research institutes and working life.

These MoU’s were signed during the Ministry of Human Resources, Dept. of Higher Education study tour to Finland and Germany from May 11to 16, 2009. The team consisted of two members from ministry of the cadre of secretaries and four directors of NITs. The objective of the tour was to build relations network with universities in Finland and Germany .

NIT-W is National Institute of Technology, Warangal , India (NITW) is a higher education institution of national importance funded directly by Ministry of Human Resource, Government of India. It is ranked among the top 10 engineering education institutes in India . The institute is well-known for its Research and Development, Industrial consultancy, Continuing education and Training programmes for teachers and industrial personnel. The Institute offers seven graduate programmes (B.Tech.) in engineering, twenty four post graduate programmes (M.Tech., M.Sc., M.C.A. and M.B.A.) in engineering, sciences and management and Research programmes (Ph.Ds) in Engineering, Sciences, Humanities and Physical Education.