A delegation from Punjab Agricultural University in India visited Ohio State to reenergize a longstanding relationship between the universities.
The guests from Punjab Agricultural University included Vice Chancellor Satbir Singh Gosal, Dean of Postgraduate Studies Manav Indra Singh Gill, Director of Research Ajmer Singh Dhatt, Dean of the College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, and Associate Director of Institutional Relations, Office of the Vice Chancellor, Vishal Bector.
During the three-day visit, the delegation met with Vice Provost for Global Strategies and International Affairs Kaya Şahin, Amy McCulla, director of Global Gateways, Rita Koryan, director of international external engagement, and Luis Cañas, director of College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences International Programs, to discuss future collaborations between the institutions.
The discussion resulted in a plan to develop a trilateral collaboration between India, United States and Brazil. By building on Ohio State’s strong presence and history in Brazil, the universities will share knowledge and mobilize students from Brazil to India. Two areas of research focus were also identified: sustainable agriculture and artificial intelligence.
Distinguished University Professor of Soil Science Rattan Lal presented an overview of the collaborative history between PAU and Ohio State, introducing plans for future partnerships, including the Rattan Lal Exchange Scholar Program, set to launch in 2025, funded by the Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity awarded to Lal in July 2024.
The delegation also met with leaders and experts from the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, the Ohio International Internship Program, the Ohio Agricultural Experimental Stations, the Department of Animal Sciences, the Center for Food and Animal Health, the School of Environment and Natural Resources and the CFAES Rattan Lal Center for Carbon Management and Sequestration.
During the visit, Vice Chancellor Gosal presented a seminar “Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana: Exploring the Transformative Role of Teaching, Research, and Extension Activities.” He covered the history of Punjab Agricultural University Ludhiana and its longstanding relationship with Ohio State since the mid-20th century. The talk highlighted the significant advancements in plant breeding programs and extension education, while also discussing strategies to strengthen and expand cooperation between the two universities.