IIT Kharagpur Hosts Inaugural SPARC National Conclave to Strengthen Global Research Partnerships
The Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT-Kharagpur), acting as the National Coordination Centre for the Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research Collaboration (SPARC), successfully organized the first-ever SPARC National Conclave. This landmark event was held at the IIT Kharagpur Research Park in Rajarhat, Kolkata, on behalf of the Ministry of Education, Government of India.
A National Platform for Academic Excellence
The conclave was strategically designed as a comprehensive national platform to unite Indian principal investigators, international collaborators, and institutional representatives actively involved in the SPARC programme. Its core objectives included reviewing the progress of SPARC initiatives, facilitating the exchange of valuable experiences among participating institutions, and deliberating on effective strategies to further enhance international academic and research collaborations.
Over the course of two days, the event attracted approximately 400 faculty members, researchers, and students from universities and research institutions across India. The gathering also featured several distinguished academic leaders who have made significant contributions to shaping India's higher education and research landscape.
Inauguration by Prominent Dignitaries
The conclave was formally inaugurated by Amstrong Pame, Joint Secretary of the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India. The ceremony was held in the distinguished presence of Suman Chakraborty, Director of IIT Kharagpur, and Rabibrata Mukherjee, National Coordinator of the SPARC programme.
Adding international prestige to the event, David Quéré, a distinguished academician from ESPCI Paris and École Polytechnique, attended as the chief guest. In their inaugural remarks, the speakers strongly emphasized the critical importance of sustained international collaboration in advancing high-quality research and fostering innovation. They highlighted the pivotal role of the SPARC programme in strengthening global academic engagement and enabling collaborative research between Indian institutions and leading universities worldwide.
Engaging Discussions and Collaborative Insights
The two-day programme featured a rich series of panel discussions, thematic presentations, and interactive sessions involving both Indian and international collaborators. These deliberations provided a valuable platform for participants to share insights and experiences regarding the implementation, progress, and outcomes of SPARC-supported projects.
The event was coordinated with the support of Sudeshna Sarkar, Joint National Coordinator of SPARC, whose contributions were instrumental in facilitating discussions on expanding research partnerships and strengthening collaborative frameworks. By showcasing transformative research and partnerships, the conclave effectively reflected India's growing global research footprint and highlighted expanding opportunities for early-career researchers and the next generation of innovators.
A Significant Step Forward for Indian Research
The SPARC National Conclave 2026 at IIT Kharagpur Research Park marked a significant milestone in advancing international academic collaboration. It reinforced India's steadfast commitment to building a globally connected research ecosystem, positioning the nation as a key player in the international academic community. This event sets a strong precedent for future collaborative efforts under the SPARC initiative, promising enhanced research outcomes and innovation.
