Sustainable Nitte

PARTNERSHIPS FOR THE GOALS

PREAMBLE                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

PARTNERSHIPS FOR THE GOALS

In our increasingly interconnected world, where challenges are multifaceted, the pursuit of sustainable development has become a global imperative. No single entity, organization, or nation can address the complex array of issues that define our era alone. Within this context, Sustainable Development Goal 17 (SDG 17), "Partnerships for the Goals," holds a central position in the Agenda for Sustainable Development.

As an academic institution dedicated to holistic education, innovation, and community engagement, Nitte DU recognizes the importance of forming partnerships to advance its goals and contribute to sustainable development. It believes that addressing complex challenges requires collaborative efforts. SDG 17 aligns perfectly with the university's vision, emphasizing the critical importance of fostering partnerships at various levels, including local NGOs, governmental organizations, state-level NGOs, state governments, national governments, and other universities. By engaging in strategic collaborations, Nitte (Deemed to be University) can amplify its impact, leverage its resources and expertise to tackle local challenges such as healthcare, education, and environmental sustainability, and harness diverse expertise to drive sustainable progress on multiple fronts.

Nitte (Deemed to be University)'s role extends beyond its campus boundaries. By aligning its efforts with SDG 17, the university becomes a catalyst for positive change, highlighting the transformative power of collaboration.



Global partnership of NU:
Nitte (Deemed to be University) is forefront of global partnership to foster research, innovations, student exchange, develop cooperation in tertiary education, facilitate discussion on educational projects. State of the art research centres are established to nurture research activities oriented towards SDG goals. Nitte (Deemed to be University) has established 45 MoU with global universities. International students' enrolment is encouraged for the academic and research program at university.

• Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has designated four institutions globally as FAO Reference Centers for Antimicrobial Resistance and Aquatic Biosecurity; two in China, one in USA and one in India at Nitte (DU), Mangalore. The official launch of these centres took place on 26 June 2023 at the FAO Headquarters, Rome.
• Dr. Indrani Karunasagar is nominated member of the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH, formerly OIE) Electronic Expert Group, to develop guidelines for monitoring antimicrobial use in aquaculture at the field level in the year 2023.
• Indo-Norway joint research project entitled “Biotechnological approaches for prevention and control of fish disease in aquaculture (BIOAQUA),” funded by Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India is ongoing between NU and Nord University, Norway.

Dr. Hetron M. Munang'andu, Professor Nord University, Faculty of Biosciences & Aquaculture sharing research experience at NU Click to watch (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cakRkrWQm1o)


NU team at Nord university Norway on joint research activity.


Official launch of FAO reference centres at the headquarters, Rome.

• FAO Reference Center for Antimicrobial Resistance was launched by Dr. S.K. Pattanayak at Nitte University. FAO designated four institutions globally as FAO Reference Centers for Antimicrobial Resistance and Aquatic Biosecurity.
• The Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations and Technology Enabling Centre Nitte (DU) jointly organized an online seminar on 'Ocean, Climate Change, and Public Health' as a part of the Ocean Day celebration on June 8, 2023. Prof. Dr. Rita R. Colwell, former director of the National Science Foundation and distinguished university professor at the University of Maryland, USA, delivered the guest lecture.
• Dr. Iddya Karunasagar delivered training on application of application of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) in fish processing in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Dec 12-14, 2023, under EU funded CAFISH CAPTURE project implemented by UNIDO.

Inauguration of FAO reference centre at NU


• Under a project funded by the International Trade Center (ITC) of United Nations, Dr. Iddya Karunasagar delivered three training Workshops in Malaysia. The first workshop (Nov 6-8, 2023) was intended to provide training to Biosecurity Division of the on conducting import risk analysis following the guidelines of World Organisation of Animal Health (WOAH) Aquatic Animal Health Code. The second Workshop (Nov 9-11, 2023) provided training to the Officers of Department of Fisheries, Malaysia on Aquatic Animal Disease surveillance.
• Dr. Iddya Karunasagar conducted a training program on best international practices in the import of seafood in Jakarta, Indonesia, from September 18–22, 2023.
• Dr. Iddya Karunasagar represented FAO Reference Center on Antimicrobial Resistance and Aquaculture Biosecurity and served as resource person, along with Dr. Sylvie Coulon of EU for training on disease management in ornamental fish in Malaysia (Putrajeya, July 18-28, 2023) and on the Codex Code of Practice for fishery products in Tawau, Sabah (July 31-Aug 4, 2023). Dr. Iddya Karunasagar provided lectures on Codex standards, Code of practice and World Organization of Animal Health (WOAH).


MoU was established between NU and Nord University, Norway to strengthen the activities towards SDG goal life below water. Nitte University is situated in the west coastal belt of India and has the potential to contribute towards life below water activity due to geographical location. International research scholars and s t ude n t e xcha nge program initiated at N i t te U n i ve rsi t y i s contributing to SDG goal. Global partnership is strengthened through MoU between NU and universities abroad.

MoU between NU and Nord University




International research scholar from Ghent university, Belgium sharing his research experience on aquaculture at NU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtTjDcr0Plk&t=30s


VIA University and UCL university student's testimonial on student research exchange program at NU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNWvhutbt3M

MoU is signed with VCU, Richmond, on 11th December 2023. The primary goals of the MoU are to enhance the relation between the two institutions and to develop academic and cultural exchanges. The collaboration aims to advance the discovery of new knowledge, creative expression, and innovation, enhance teaching and learning. Moreover, the partnership seeks to strengthen both communities and work collaboratively towards internationalization of higher education at both institutions.

MoU signed with VCU, Richmand

SAKURA Exchange Program-
University of Miyazaki, Japan:
Researchers from Nitte (Deemed to be University) visited University of Miyazaki, Japan from 11th – 17th December, 2023 under the program 'Japan-Asia Youth Exchange Program in Science' (SAKURA Exchange Program in Science). This is part of the efforts by Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) to promote scientific and cultural exchange between Japan and Asian countries.

Team of researcher visited University of Miyazaki, Japan

Sakura Science Exchange Program-Ritsumeikan University:
A team of students from various branches of Engineering along with Dr. S h ya m a P ra s a d S a j a n k i l a , Associate Professor, Department of Biotechnology, NMAMIT participated in the Sakura Science Exchange Program at Ritsumeikan University, Japan from 9th July to 15th July 2023. Fro m fa s c i nat i n g res ea rc h collaborations to immersing in rich cultural experiences, students had an incredible time during the S a ku ra S c i e n ce E xc h a n g e Program held in Japan.

Students from NU visited Ritsumeikan University, Japan

NU represents India during Sakura Science Exchange Program - Japan


Global partnership of Nitte (Deemed to be University)

Expert talk from global partnership towards SDG:
Dr. Hiroaki Kitagawa, President, St. Marianna School of Medicine, St. Marianna University, Tokyo, Japan delivered a guest lecture titled “The Role of Fetal Surgery for Congenital Malformations” on 16th Aug. 2023

Dr. Hiroaki Kitagawa delivering talk at NU.

International relations:

• Dr. Indrani Karunasagar is nominated as member of the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH, formerly OIE) Electronic Expert Group, to develop guidelines for monitor
• On 6th July 2023 Dr Indrani Karunasagar attended the second EEG meeting to discuss the distribution of chapters related to AMU guidelines for hatcheries prescriptions related to aquatic food.
• On 18th Dec 2023: Dr Indrani Karunasagar participated in the WOAH meeting on setting guidelines for monitoring antimicrobial use in aquaculture at the field/farm level.


National partnership of NU:
Nitte DU engages in collaborations at various levels of society, including local governing bodies, state and central governments, and global partnerships to address needs in health, education, and research. Established as Nitte Education Trust in 1979 to serve rural populations, Nitte (DU) has been providing essential medical and dental treatment to rural communities. Each year, Nitte (DU) treats 250,000 beneficiaries through its 24 rural centres across five districts in two states. These services are offered on a charitable basis and are not profit-driven. The centres result from collaborations with local NGOs and philanthropists.

• To escalate teaching, learning and research activities 68 MoU is established across the country with universities, government organizations, and NGOs.
• Nitte University and Kakunje Software have signed MOU agreeing to cooperate in the development of medical devices and other mutually essential technologies.
• An MoU was signed on 16th June 2023, between SRM University-AP and Nitte (DU), to promote academics and research in Biological Science. Technologies developed at Nitte university transferred to industry.
• A medical device “periodontal probe” has been developed and this has led to the formation of a Startup Company Dentronics Pvt Ltd. Technology developed for rapid detection of foodborne pathogen Salmonella to be commercialized by M/S Biokart India Pvt Ltd. The technology for control of diseases caused by Vibrio spp in aquaculture using bacteriophages as alternatives to antibiotics was licensed to M/S Mangalore Biotech Laboratory.


The United Nations has declared June 7 as World Food Safety Day to highlight the importance of food safety and the role of players in the food chain, from primary production to consumption or from farm to plate. The theme of World Food Safety Day 2023 is “Food standards save lives”. To create awareness about food safety standards and improve understanding about them in the industry, Nitte DST Technology Enabling Center, in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KCCI), and Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), organized a workshop on “Understanding food safety standards.”

Proactive steps taken by NU:
Established research centre in the thrust areas to provide facility for breakthrough research activity, set the platform for international and national collaborations. Organising conferences to develop networking with international and national universities, exchange of knowledge

Expert talk on energy sector
Arranging invited talk by expert from government, NGO, universities, professional organisation resource personal to understand reforms taking place in education, government policies and engage in cross sectoral dialogue. Emphasis is given for the collaborative research articles, patents to enhance scientific knowledge base. University is organizing conference, patent, invited talks, Coursera for educational partnership, value added course



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFYSyhgYfmo

Contribution to Society:
Nitte University established rural health centre exemplifies its commitment to community service and sustainable development by extending healthcare and educational services to underserved rural populations. Health check-up, treatment camps are conducted on regular basis in the rural area. Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Craniofacial Surgery has been involved in free of cost multidisciplinary management of patients with cleft and craniofacial deformities for over a decade. The institute is funded by Cleft Children International, Zurich and Smile Train, USA which enables conduct of free surgeries for cleft lip and palate and complex craniofacial defects. Screening camps are organised every week in most interior parts of Karnataka and Kerala to identify, diagnose and treat such needy patients.

Documentary on NU contribution towards society
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5r8m3i1keV0



N-BRITE - School Dental Health Programs; Nere Kere Kshema - A project for total community development; Nethra Jyothi - Rural Eye Care Services; Sahara - Free health check-up for Senior Citizens, KSHEMA Sandhya – Geriatric Day Care Facility, Manasadhara – Psychiatry rehabilitation center with support from Govt. of Karnataka;- SPECC (Nitte Special Children Care) - Free multidisciplinary health care to children with special health care; NICAT - Nitte Integrated Care for Tribal Community; Sanchalana - Subsidized diagnostic services and joint replacement program for arthritis and sports injuries; Sanjeevini - Blood Donor Registry; Bone Marrow Registry in collaboration with BMC Alumni Society; Community deaddiction camps; Free embalming facilities; Karunya- Helping Hand for the Disabled; Neevu Kshemave – A Television Based Weekly Live Health Information Talk with General Public on DAIJI WORLD TV- EVERY FRIDAY, Single Day Denture Camps - In Collaboration with Indian Dental Association, International School of Dentists and Government of Karnataka.




Nitte Climate Action Program:
Nitte (Deemed to be University) has launched the Nitte Climate Action Program (NCAP), a five-year outreach program that aims to empower youth to inspire action, enable impactful changes in behaviour, and promote innovations, leading to an equitable, sustainable future.

The NCAP is organized by the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) cell of the University, The Institution Innovation Council (IIC), and the National Service Scheme (NSS) units of Nitte DU.

During the year 2023 the program was conducted in 104 schools of the North Mangaluru Division. Awareness was created among 7774 students on Sustainable Development Goals.

Inauguration of Nitte climate action program