Strategic MoUs: Building Sustainable Global Partnerships in Higher Education

The Role of MOUs in Internationalization of Higher Education in India

Dr. Diya Dutt – Adviser, Association of Indian Universities

The webinar opened with a powerful keynote by Dr. Diya Dutt, Adviser at the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), who laid a strong foundation for the conversation on the evolving role of MoUs in the internationalization of higher education in India.

Dr. Dutt emphasized that internationalization is no longer optional—it’s imperative for India’s academic and socio-economic progress. Reflecting on the momentum gained since the introduction of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, she highlighted how MoUs must transition from being symbolic gestures to becoming strategic, actionable partnerships that drive research, innovation, and student mobility. Her address set the tone for the session, offering both context and urgency to reimagine how Indian institutions collaborate on the global stage.

What Does It Mean to Be Global in the Indian Context?

A respected voice in academic diplomacy, Dr. Diya Dutt brings decades of experience in steering international collaborations across Indian higher education. In her opening remarks, she laid the foundation for understanding how Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) are reshaping India’s educational ecosystem.

She highlighted that internationalization is now imperative—not optional—for India's academic growth and global standing. With the National Education Policy 2020 setting the stage, MoUs have transitioned from symbolic signings to powerful instruments of strategic alliance.

Dr. Dutt emphasized that for India to thrive in a globally connected education landscape, institutions must prioritize meaningful, outcome-driven partnerships. MoUs should lead to real impact—whether through student mobility, joint research, or faculty exchange.

Does MOU mean only dual degree, pathways & progression?

Dr. Diya Dutt urged institutions to expand their understanding of what MoUs can and should achieve. While many Indian higher education institutions (HEIs) currently center their international collaborations around dual degrees, joint degrees, and twinning programs, this narrow focus, she noted, risks missing the broader vision.

Perhaps most critically, she emphasized the financial and academic burden on Indian students, who often bear the cost of poorly planned international programs.

Dr. Dutt’s message was clear: internationalization must be intentional, inclusive, and deeply aligned with the needs of students and the academic vision of the institution. MoUs should serve as vehicles for innovation—not just checkboxes for compliance.

Preparing For Building Strategic Partnerships

Beyond MoUs

Dr. Diya Dutt closed her talk by reminding us that signing an MoU is just the beginning. Real impact comes from going deeper—through joint research, faculty exchanges, and long-term collaboration.

She stressed the importance of equity and commitment from both partners, backed by open, continuous communication. And above all, successful partnerships demand patience, flexibility, and resilience—because meaningful internationalization is built over time, not in a day.

Terrence Graham - Associate Dean for Graduate Education & Postdoctoral Studies, Chief International Officer - USC Mann School of Pharmacy

Terrence Graham brought a global lens to the discussion, drawing on his extensive background in graduate education and international collaboration.

He highlighted University of Southern California's stature as a powerhouse in U.S. higher education, consistently ranked among the top 20 universities nationwide. Graham also emphasized the reach of USC Mann’s global network, noting that the school now holds 35 active MoU partnerships across key regions worldwide. These partnerships are foundational to advancing collaborative research, educational exchanges, and joint initiatives that push the boundaries of pharmacy education and healthcare solutions globally.

Office of Global Initiatives

Terrence Graham spotlighted the driving force behind USC Mann’s global momentum: the Office of Global Initiatives. More than just an outreach arm, this office is embedding global vision into the very fabric of the school—making internationalization not an initiative, but a mindset. The MoU Partnership Conclave is a powerful expression of this vision in motion. It’s not just about signing agreements—it’s about cultivating meaningful, strategic relationships that elevate pharmacy education and practice on a global scale. Through this platform, USC Mann connects with like-minded institutions committed to academic excellence, innovation, and real-world impact.

These partnerships lay the groundwork for collaborative research, dual programs, student and faculty mobility, and long-term innovation pipelines—while also ensuring that international students and scholars are welcomed, supported, and empowered. At its core, the conclave champions a shared purpose: shaping the future of pharmacy by thinking and acting—globally.

Core Global Activities

Terrence Graham outlined the core pillars that drive USC Mann’s international engagement—each one designed to create meaningful, lasting impact.

From expanding international enrollment to promoting student and faculty mobility, the school is focused on building a globally connected learning environment.

Strategic partnerships—rooted in mutual benefit—fuel collaborative research and innovative academic programs that go beyond borders.

International Enrollment: Driver of Growth

Int’l Student Programs

Int’l Student Summer Program: Strengthening Partnerships

Active Faculty Global Research Collaborations

Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences:

Taiwan, Japan, Hungary, Germany, Sweden, Egypt, Netherlands, India, Canada, France

Clinical Pharmacy:

Australia, Taiwan, United Kingdom, Netherlands, UAE, India, Turkey, Argentina, China, Sweden, South Africa

Fostering Global Research Collaborations

• PhD Research & Science Program open to international applicants

• PhD students receive travel stipends to take part in int’l conferences

• Host visiting students and scholars from partner institutions

• Postdoctoral research positions

Regulatory and Quality Sciences

• Student Mobility - Through the DRSc program, students gain real-world insight by traveling to regulatory meetings across Asia and Europe.

• DK Kim International Center - Home to consulting, training, and capacity-building efforts, the DK Kim International Center plays a pivotal role in advancing regulatory science across the Asia-Pacific.

DK Kim International Center for Regulatory Science Supporting the Capacity Building Cluster 

What is Partnership Conclave?

A highly focused B2B networking event designed exclusively for academic institutions seeking meaningful partnerships. The conclave brings together institutions serious about engaging in academic collaborations under one roof to accelerate the process and save institutions valuable resources. 

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