Hyderabad|India|November'2008: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) and University of Hyderabad (UOH) has been signed to-day in the presence of Chief Minister Dr.Y.S.Rajasekhara Reddy for operating Academic links between TIFR's Hyderabad Centre and University of Hyderabad.

TIFR is an autonomous Institute under the umbrella of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) of the Govt. of India (GoI). TIFR has proposed to create a new campus to implement its plans for expansion of research, educational and related activities with a projected investment of Rs.2,500 crores over a period of 12-15 years.

The Chief Minister said that the Prime Minister Dr.Manmohan Singh would lay the foundation stone for the proposed campus during his forthcoming visit to Hyderabad. He said that the construction of the campus should start in the current year itself. "I am very glad that TIFR is coming to Hyderabad and I see a great future for UoH and TIFR", the Chief Minister said. The Director, TIFR Mr.Barma said, this is a historic step and greatful to the A.P.Government.

On being invited by the Government of Andhra Pradesh, TIFR submitted a formal proposal to provide land at a suitable location in Hyderabad. The required land within the campus of the University of Hyderabad was identified for this purpose. The UOH is a Central University under the University Grants Commission (UGC) of the Government of India. The UOH has a vision of transforming its campus into a premier hub of research institutes of excellence. In pursuance of this and on recommendation of the GoAP, the competent authority of UOH has formally approved allocation of a land to TIFR.

The proposed TIFR campus in Hyderabad (henceforth called as TIFR-H) and UOH can benefit from each other's strengths. A synergy of the academic programs of the two institutions would be of great mutual benefit and would provide unique opportunities for collaboration. In addition, the two institutions will work towards providing high-class training in research and development to all the deserving students from either side.

Founded in 1945, TIFR is one of India's most prestigious research Institutions, which has grown by continually diversifying and opening up new research activities in the frontier and emerging areas of science. It is unique in conducting research ranging from theoretical sciences to laboratory experiments in a broad spectrum of fields. It is involved in establishment and running of major experimental facilities of national and international significance in various parts of the country. TIFR runs post-graduate programs leading to the award of Ph.D.

Established in 1972, UOH is one of India's top Universities, conducting teaching programs of excellent standard at undergraduate and postgraduate levels in a variety of fields, including arts, humanities, science, engineering etc. UOH is renowned for its high caliber of its research programs. An Academic Advisory Committee (AAC) will be formed to explore ways to foster co-operation between TIFR-H and UOH, both in research and teaching activities. The Council will have Director, TIFR and Vice-Chancellor, UOH as co-chairs, and two nominees from each side as members. It will look into all aspects of developing common programs. Academicians in TIFR-H and UOH may propose joint research projects. TIFR-H and UOH agree to make their research and support facilities accessible to the collaborators subject to constraints of availability and infrastructural load. The students associated in the joint research can carry out their research projects at either of the places. The two institutions will plan and actively participate in joint seminars, workshops, schools and conferences, thereby facilitating and promoting greater interactions. Minister for Higher Education, Chenga Reddy, Chairman, Director, TFIR, Prof.Mustansir Barma, University of Hyderabad Vice-Chancellor Husnain, Principal Secretary, Higher Education, Ashutosh Misra and other officials were also present.

Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR)'s second campus at Hyderabad proposed