Pramod Khargonekar Named to AAU Task Force to Expand U.S.-India Partnerships

Goal is to increase higher education technological, industrial collaborations between the two nations

April 7, 2023 - UCI Vice Chancellor for Research Pramod Khargonekar has been appointed to a new Association of American Universities task force to study expanding research and higher education partnerships between the U.S. and India.

AAU has created this task force in coordination with the Biden administration’s U.S.-India initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET), which seeks to grow technological and industrial collaboration between the two nations. The task force will meet monthly to determine key focus areas for bilateral research and education cooperation, to identify existing programs that could provide blueprints for future partnerships and to formulate strategies on how best to move forward.

“I am honored and excited to be a part of this visionary effort by AAU to strengthen U.S.-India partnerships in research and education,” Khargonekar said. “Strategic partnerships between these two democracies will be crucial in accelerating technological progress, benefit both nations, and the world.”

A native of Indore, India, and a graduate of IIT Bombay, Khargonekar has more than four decades of experience as a researcher, educator and leader in academic institutions and government organizations. Among his many appointments, he served as the assistant director of National Science Foundation and headed the Directorate of Engineering from 2013-16.

Founded in 1900, the Association of American Universities is composed of America’s leading research universities. UCI is among AAU’s 65 research universities which transform lives through education, research and innovation. The member universities collectively help shape policy for higher education, science, and innovation; promote best practices in undergraduate and graduate education; and strengthen the contributions of leading research universities to American society.

“It is nearly impossible in today’s world to make advancements in scientific research and technology without international collaboration and cooperation,” said AAU President Barbara R. Snyder. “This is why the Association of American Universities is proud to lead this effort to strengthen relationships between leading U.S. and Indian research universities and to lay the groundwork for shared future scientific and economic success.”

– Tom Vasich / UCI