IIT Kharagpur hosts first SPARC National Conclave in Kolkata
Times of India | 12 March 2026
The Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT-Kharagpur), serving as the National Coordination Centre for the Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research Collaboration (SPARC), hosted the first SPARC National Conclave at the IIT Kharagpur Research Park, Rajarhat, Kolkata, on behalf of the Ministry of Education.
The conclave was envisioned as a national platform to bring together Indian principal investigators, international collaborators, and institutional representatives associated with the SPARC programme.
The primary objective of the conclave was to review the progress of SPARC initiatives, facilitate the exchange of experiences among participating institutions, and deliberate on strategies to further strengthen international academic and research collaborations.
The two-day event attracted around 400 faculty members, researchers, and students from universities and research institutions across India. The gathering also included several distinguished academic leaders who have contributed significantly to shaping India’s higher education and research landscape.
The conclave was inaugurated by Amstrong Pame, Joint Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Govt of India, in the distinguished presence of Suman Chakraborty, Director of IIT Kharagpur, and Rabibrata Mukherjee, National Coordinator of the SPARC programme. The inaugural session was further graced by David Quéré, distinguished academician from ESPCI Paris and École Polytechnique, who attended as the chief guest.
In their inaugural remarks, the speakers emphasised the importance of sustained international collaboration in advancing high-quality research and fostering innovation. They highlighted the pivotal role of the SPARC programme in strengthening global academic engagement and enabling collaborative research between Indian institutions and leading universities worldwide.
Over two days, the conclave featured a series of panel discussions, thematic presentations, and interactive sessions with both Indian and international collaborators. These deliberations provided a valuable platform for participants to share insights and experiences regarding the implementation, progress, and outcomes of SPARC-supported projects.
The programme was coordinated with the support of Sudeshna Sarkar, Joint National Coordinator of SPARC, whose contributions were instrumental in facilitating discussions on expanding research partnerships and strengthening collaborative frameworks.
Showcasing transformative research and partnerships, the conclave reflected India’s growing global research footprint and highlighted expanding opportunities for early-career researchers and the next generation of innovators.
The SPARC National Conclave 2026 at IIT Kharagpur Research Park marked a significant step towards advancing international academic collaboration and reinforcing India’s commitment to building a globally connected research ecosystem.