04 Mar 2026
On 12th January, the School of Science (SCI) at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) successfully conducted a seminar and a series of high-level academic engagements at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Jalandhar, India. The delegation was received by Professor Binod Kumar Kanojia, Director (equivalent to President) of NIT Jalandhar. In a formal interaction, Professor Kanojia felicitated Dr Ankit Garg and Dr Akhil Garg. The discussion during this meeting encompassed broad prospects for future collaboration between the institutions, with a special focus on the educational reforms being pioneered at XJTLU and the evolving higher education landscape in China. The delegation from SCI comprised Dr Ankit Garg, who led the on-site session, Dr Akhil Garg, who participated remotely, and Dr Filippo Boi, who joined the proceedings virtually.
Dr Akhil Garg giving seminar to students and staff of NIT Jalandhar, India
Dr Filoppo Boi delivering an online seminar to students and staff of NIT Jalandhar, India
The seminars attracted a multidisciplinary audience of over 80 participants, including undergraduate and postgraduate students and faculty members. Represented departments included Biotechnology, Environmental Science, Materials Science, and others. For context, the NIT system follows an educational model analogous to China's 211 Project universities, while the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) are comparable to the 985 institutions. The technical sessions featured three compelling research presentations that showcased the diverse applications of AI and materials science. Dr Ankit Garg then presented a unique interdisciplinary framework for establishing the wilting point of plants by integrating principles of plant physiology with unsaturated soil mechanics. Dr Filippo Boi delivered a talk on "Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes with Magnetically Ordered Nanowires: Filling Control, Phase-Tuning and Nano-capsule Manipulation," highlighting cutting-edge advances in nanomaterials research. Following this, Dr Akhil Garg presented on the use of artificial intelligence for enhancing the thermal performance of batteries, specifically in the context of emerging technologies such as flying taxis. Also, currently serving as a Programme Director of the MRes in Materials Science and Engineering, Dr Akhil Garg illustrated the opportunities for international students to pursue full-time Master's programs, with the unique ability to engage directly with Industry through JITRI-sponsored projects and the flexibility to choose a project supervisor across science, design, and engineering disciplines.
Building on the research insights, the discussion broadened to encompass the integration of AI into scientific pedagogy and research. Dr Ankit Garg and Dr Akhil Garg shared further insights from their academic work at XJTLU, with particular emphasis on the innovative courses such as AI for Science. This broader curricular vision has been championed by Professor John Moraros, Dean of the School of Science, who has been instrumental in integrating AI skills across all SCI departments. His leadership has also been pivotal in fostering internationalization by opening up the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) programme to international partners, thereby creating global research pathways for students. We also convey our appreciation to the Head of Department of Chemistry and Materials Science, Dr Lifeng Ding, for his continuous support towards internationalization and promoting the departmental activities through various outreach initiatives.
Dr Ankit Garg, Dr Ahkil Garg felicitated by the Director (i.e., equivalent to President) of National Institute of Technology Jalandhar, India
Following the main seminar, the delegation engaged in targeted discussions with faculty leaders from the Departments of Civil Engineering, Biotechnology, and Mechanical Engineering. These dialogues focused on the practicalities of embedding AI competencies into existing curricula. The discussions were framed within the broader context of SCI's strategic vision to promote AI-enhanced education, an initiative that closely aligns with the Suzhou region's current technological development priorities. In a significant step toward institutional collaboration, Dr Ankit Garg and Dr Akhil Garg met with the leadership of the NIT Jalandhar International Office. The meeting was chaired by Prof Mamta Khosla, Dean of International Affairs, and included Prof Kiran Singh and Professor Prangya Rout, Associate Deans of International Affairs. The primary agenda was to explore the establishment of a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between SCI and NIT. Key areas of prospective collaboration identified during the meeting include:
Research Exchanges: Facilitating opportunities for PhD and Master's students to undertake research exchange (distinct from coursework-based exchanges) at XJTLU for a duration of up to one year.
SURF Programme: Building upon Professor Moraros' vision of internationalization, the discussion explored pathways for NIT students to participate in XJTLU's renowned SURF programme.
The visit concluded with an extensive interactive session. For over an hour following the formal programme, students engaged directly with Dr Ankit Garg and Dr Akhil Garg, both individually and in groups. These conversations provided students with a platform to seek detailed information about future academic pathways, including participation in the SURF programme and admission to the MRes (Master of Research) programmes at XJTLU.
Dr Ankit Garg and Dr Akhil Garg along with the Dean of International and Industry Affairs (Prof Mamta Khosla),
Associate Dean Prof Kiran Singh, Associate Dean Prof Prangya Rout
Dr Ankit Garg with the leadership of Department of Biotechnology of NIT Jalandhar, India
This visit marks a positive step in strengthening the academic ties between XJTLU's School of Science and leading universities in India, fostering opportunities for future research collaboration and student development.
Content:Dr Ankit Garg
Review:Professor John Moraros
04 Mar 2026