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Penn Engineering, Ashoka University expand research partnership
The new MoU establishes a 4+1 master’s pathway, research exchanges, and joint academic initiatives, strengthening collaboration between the two institutions across engineering and applied science.
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Anushka Pathak - Fri, 21, Nov 2025
- 12:52 EST
- 5
Top: Logo of University of Pennsylvania; Bottom: Logo of Ashoka University / Courtesy: Wikipedia
Penn Engineering and India’s Ashoka University have signed a memorandum of understanding to broaden cooperation in engineering, applied science, and interdisciplinary research, the institutions announced.
The agreement formalizes new academic pathways and expands a decade-long association between the universities. A central feature of the MoU is a 4+1 pathway that will allow eligible Ashoka undergraduates to pursue an accelerated master’s degree at Penn Engineering, subject to admission.
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The partnership also creates opportunities for faculty and researcher exchanges, short-term research placements for students, joint academic programming, co-hosted workshops and conferences, and the sharing of scholarly resources.
(Sitting) L-R: Boon Thau Loo, RCA Professor, Penn Engineering; Somak Raychaudhury, Vice-Chancellor, Ashoka University. (Standing) L-R: George Joseph, Special Advisor; K. VijayRaghavan, Chair, Science Advisory Council, Ashoka; Nandini Chatterjee Singh, Professor of Psychology and Cognitive Science, Ashoka; Pramath Raj Sinha, Chairperson, Board of Trustees, Ashoka; Anurag Agrawal, Dean, BioSciences and Health Research, Trivedi School of Biosciences, Ashoka / Courtesy: University of Pennsylvania“We are delighted to strengthen our engagement with Ashoka University, whose interdisciplinary approach aligns closely with Penn Engineering’s commitment to integrating knowledge across fields,” said Vijay Kumar, dean of Penn Engineering. “This partnership opens new avenues for collaborative research and creates meaningful pathways for outstanding students to join Penn Engineering’s graduate programs.”
Boon Thau Loo, RCA professor, Penn Engineering, said the expanded agreement will further integrate Ashoka students and researchers into Penn’s academic environment. “The new 4+1 pathway and opportunities for joint research will bring Ashoka’s talented students and faculty into Penn Engineering’s vibrant research ecosystem,” he said.
Ashoka leaders described the MoU as an important step toward strengthening academic programs in fast-growing areas. “We are certain our partnership will strengthen pedagogy in emerging fields such as AI and data science,” said vice chancellor Somak Raychaudhury, noting the value of collaborative work with global research communities.
Pramath Raj Sinha, a Penn alumnus and founder of Ashoka University, said the partnership reflects longstanding ties with Penn. “Penn and Penn Engineering have been founding partners for Ashoka since the launch of our flagship Young India Fellowship in 2011,” he said. “Now, this partnership enters a new phase, reflecting our shared commitment to advancing excellence in research, teaching, and innovation.”
Representatives from both universities signed the MoU, underscoring their focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and the potential for joint efforts to address global challenges through science and technology.
The collaboration builds on earlier ties that began through the Global Gateway Program, which enabled Young India Fellowship graduates to earn a Master of Liberal Arts at Penn. Over the years, student exchanges and faculty engagement have continued between the two campuses.
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