The visit was organised by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and the High Commissioner spent time at the University as part of a wider tour of the region.
During her visit to Sheffield Hallam, the High Commissioner was given a tour of two of the University’s world-class research centres - the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre and the National Centre of Excellence for Food Engineering.
She also learned more about some of the University’s research projects and partnerships in India as well as meeting Indian students and representatives from the Students’ Union to find out more about the international student experience in Sheffield.
During her visit to the National Centre of Excellence for Food Engineering, the High Commissioner was introduced to the Koolmill research project, which aims to create new technology to reduce waste and energy use during the rice milling process. This project, which is a partnership between the UK and India, could help to reduce waste by 20 per cent.
She also heard from other Sheffield Hallam researchers who are leading projects in collaboration with partners in India including the Justice for Her project, which was set up to improve access to justice for women and girls in India who have been victims of violence.
The project, which was launched in 2016, has helped hundreds of women in four Indian states to navigate the criminal justice system and has helped to train Indian police officers to support female victims of violence.
The High Commissioner also learned about an innovative project being led by academics in Sheffield Hallam’s Lab4Living research centre who have installed a first of its kind energy harnessing playground in Uttar Pradesh alongside local partners.
High Commissioner Gaitri Issar Kumar, said: “This has been a most useful visit to South Yorkshire at the invitation of Mayor Dan Jarvis - following up on previous interactions between High Commission of India and SYMCA. We experienced, first hand, the uniquely creative ecosystem of the Sheffield Region - the AMRC, Digital Media Centre, and, particularly, Sheffield Hallam University and Sheffield University where we interacted with researchers and students - including Indian students.
"These centres of research and innovation, commercialisation of cutting-edge technology and its integration into applied science, healthcare, sports and defence manufacturing, have much to offer Indian industry, our institutes of technology and potential Indian partners in technological innovation. With robotics, AI and digital technology being a key area of focus in our S&T dialogue, there is tremendous scope for enhanced collaboration between Indian institutions and UK counterparts in these sectors. We look forward to facilitating a visit by SYMCA to India.”
Mayor Dan Jarvis, said: “This has been a brilliant opportunity to showcase South Yorkshire's unparalleled strengths in innovation and industry, from rice processing to translational research. It's a great step in the process of collaboration and exchange between our region and India which has such great potential for both sides. We're learning, we're building, and we're deepening our partnership every day.”
Sheffield Hallam University Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Chris Husbands said: “I am delighted that the Indian High Commissioner was able to spend two-days with us at Sheffield Hallam this week. It has been wonderful opportunity to showcase our collaborative research projects and demonstrate the considerable impact our Indian research partnerships are having in tackling challenges around climate action, food sustainability and social justice.”
