To explore the possibility of academic collaboration, research partnerships, joint degree programs, organisation of joint workshops/ training programmes and student exchange between the two leading universities of Jammu and Kashmir, a team from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), comprising of Prof. Pragati Kumar (Vice Chancellor), Prof. Ananga Kumar Das (Dean, Research and Development), Prof. Balbir Singh (Dean, Academic Affairs), and Dr. Shafaq Rasool (Associate Dean, Academic Affairs) visited The Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) during 22nd – 23rd October 2025 to finalise the areas of cooperation. The team had a meeting with Prof. Shakil A Romshoo (Vice Chancellor), Prof. Abdul Wahid Makhdoomi (Registrar), Prof. A. H. Moon (Dean, Academic Affairs), Dr. Aabid Hussain Shalla (Dean, Research), Prof. Parvez Ahmad Mir (Director, Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development) and other senior functionaries of IUST. The team also visited various academic units and labs of IUST during these two days and interacted with students and faculty members of IUST. After a detailed discussion a MoU was signed between SMVDU and IUST on 23rd October 20235in the presence of Prof. Shakil A Romshoo, Vice Chancellor IUST, Prof. Pragati Kumar, Vice Chancellor, SMVDU, and other deans and senior officials from both the universities. Prof. Romshoo said that the MoU between these two Institutions as a landmark step towards promoting collaboration among universities in Jammu and Kashmir. Prof. Pragati Kumar described the collaboration as a significant step towards providing opportunities to students and faculty members of both the universities for their studies and research which shall contribute significantly for the advancement of research, innovation, and regional development in J&K
