IIT Guwahati joins hands with South Dakota Mines for research into 2D materials

The collaboration is expected to yield new startup businesses in the fields of medical research, energy production and storage and agriculture.

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the South Dakota Mines to advance research into two-dimensional (2D) materials and biofilms. The collaboration enables both institutions to share resources and leverage research funding opportunities while joining multidisciplinary teams at both institutions to maximise complex problem-solving.  

The research into 2D materials and biofilms has vast potential for future applications across several fields. This includes the medical field with research into new classes of anti-cancer, antibacterial and other pharmaceuticals.  

The research can also help advance new types of energy production and storage; has benefits for agriculture, including better ways to protect and nourish crops for maximum yields; and has applications in corrosion protection that will increase the longevity of structures such as steel bridges, ships and buildings. The research collaboration can also yield new startup businesses in any of these fields that add economic development opportunities tied to each university

Tapas Kumar Mandal, Department of Chemical Engineering, IIT Guwahati, said, “The multidisciplinary research can utilise various strengths and expertise to move us to the next level and benefit society.” 

Exchange programme for student researchers  

The agreement also creates an international pipeline of graduate students who will continue advancing science into the next generation. The agreement creates an exchange programme where student researchers in each university can learn from faculty at both institutions and can access testing and research equipment at both facilities. 

Read more: 

• IISc Bangalore launches BTech mathematics and computing course 
• IIT Bombay invites applications from foreign students for MTech, PhD programmes 
• Admissions open for BDes programme at NMIMS School of Design