Sustainable Nitte
PARTNERSHIP FOR THE GOALS
PREAMBLE
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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, showcasing the transformative power of collaboration.
Graphical Abstract
Global partnership of NU:
Nitte (Deemed to be University) is at the forefront of global partnerships aimed at fostering research, innovation, and student exchange, while promoting cooperation in tertiary education and facilitating discussions on educational projects. State-of-the-art research centres have been established to nurture research activities aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The University has signed MoUs with leading global universities and actively encourages international student enrolment in both academic and research programs.
Foodborne AMR – optimizing genomic resources for mitigation of AMR
Dr. Iddya Karunasagar and Dr. Indrani Karunasagar participated in the FAO Expert Meeting on Fish-Vet+ Dialogue II: One Health and Biosecurity, and the International Conference on Aquatic Organism Health held in Rome, Italy, from 18–20 June 2024. Dr. Iddya Karunasagar spoke on ‘Foodborne AMR – optimizing genomic resources for mitigation,’ while Dr. Indrani Karunasagar moderated a session on One Health, AMR, zoonosis, fish safety, and welfare, and presented on ‘Oral nanovaccines against Aeromoniasis.’ The meetings were also attended by Dr. J.K. Jena, Deputy Director General, ICAR, and officials from the Ministry of Fisheries, Government of India.
Providing support to Saudi Food and Drug Authority
Dr. Iddya Karunasagar was invited by the Government of Saudi Arabia to serve on the International Scientific Advisory Board on Food Safety Risk Assessment. He attended the Board meeting in Riyadh from 13–15 February 2024, where he shared insights on FAO/WHO food safety assessments and Codex standards, and delivered talks on food safety in aquaculture products and antimicrobial resistance in aquaculture.
Participation in Global Reference Centre Meeting on Aquaculture Biosecurity
Dr. Iddya Karunasagar and Dr. Indrani Karunasagar attended the Global Reference Centre meeting on the Progressive Management Pathway for Aquaculture Biosecurity, held from 13–15 May 2024 in Qingdao, China. The event, organized by FAO and the Chinese Academy of Fisheries Sciences, was chaired by Dr. J.K. Jena, Deputy Director General, ICAR, and focused on strengthening biosecurity in aquaculture.
Regional Workshop on AMU/AMR in Aquaculture, Singapore
Dr. Iddya Karunasagar delivered talks on “E-learning Module on Stewardship on AMR in Aquatic Animals,” “AMU/AMR in the Shrimp Industry,” and “Alternatives to the Use of Antibiotics in Asian Aquaculture” during the Regional Workshop on AMU/AMR in Aquaculture for Asia and the Pacific, held in Singapore from 30 October to 1 November 2024. The workshop brought together experts and stakeholders to address antimicrobial use, resistance, and sustainable practices in aquaculture.
Hands on International workshop
The FAO Reference Centre on AMR and Aquaculture Biosecurity at Nitte University, in collaboration with ICAR, organized an international hands-on workshop on “Utilising Microbiome and Genomic Resources for Understanding and Mitigating Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in One Health Context” from 18–22 November 2024 in Mangalore. The event, aligned with World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week, brought together global experts from FAO, WHO, NACA, ICAR, MPEDA, and international reference laboratories. Sessions covered phenotypic testing challenges, development of epidemiological cutoff points, genetic determinants of AMR, and the use of microbiome, metagenomics, and whole genome sequencing tools for surveillance. Practical laboratory sessions provided training in antimicrobial susceptibility testing, genomic data analysis, and bioinformatics pipelines. The workshop emphasized the One Health approach, highlighting interlinkages between human, animal, and environmental health, and the need for coordinated AMR surveillance. It strengthened international collaboration while building capacity in low- and middle-income countries to develop evidence-based strategies for sustainable aquaculture and AMR mitigation.
Video link: https://youtu.be/nsf-X8lz-dk?feature=shared
CEFAS Meeting in New Delhi (17th October 2024)
NUCSER collaborated with the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), UK, to discuss the progress of the project "Whole Genome Sequencing of Streptococcus agalactiae Serotypes in Indian Aquatic Systems" under the Ocean Country Partnership Programme (OCPP). Held at the Taj Palace Hotel, New Delhi, the meeting involved 8 investigators from NUCSER and CEFAS representatives, including Dr. Wendy A. Higman. The collaboration explored future opportunities for seafood safety and animal health, aligning with global sustainability goals.
National partnership of NU:
Awareness Session on Karnataka Biotechnology Policy (2nd December 2024)
The NITTE-GOK Centre of Excellence in Aquamarine Innovation (AQUAMARIN) at NUCSER, in collaboration with KITS, Department of Electronics, IT, BT and S&T, Government of Karnataka, organized an awareness session on the Karnataka Biotechnology Policy. Smt. Parnika Pavanram, General Manager (Biotechnology) at KITS, highlighted the policy’s features, including incentives for startups and MSMEs. The session engaged 90 delegates from startups, biotech industries, and higher education institutions, fostering dialogue on biotechnology development.
Lecture on Startup and Funding Ecosystem in Agri-Food Sector
NITTE (DU) hosted a lecture on the Agri-Food Sector Startup Ecosystem on 6th February 2024 at 2:30 PM in the University Auditorium, Paneer Campus, featuring Mr. Arvind Modi from Sathguru Catalysers, Hyderabad. This industry-academia collaboration, involving NITTE (DU) leaders, promoted innovation in agri-food.
Online Regulatory Session with GlaxoSmithKline (21st November 2024)
The Department of Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs at NGSMIPS collaborated with GlaxoSmithKline to conduct an online regulatory session for 55 postgraduate students. The session covered regulatory frameworks, global drug approval processes, and data integrity, emphasizing digital tools for compliance. This industry partnership enhanced students’ understanding of regulatory practices, bridging academia and industry.
Water Conservation and Irrigation Practices Program (23rd November 2024)
NUCSER, in partnership with the Department of Horticulture, Mangaluru, organized a program on "Water Conservation and Irrigation Practices" at Akshaya Farm, Talapady. The event, attended by 50 farmers, postgraduate students, and faculty, featured resource persons from the Horticulture Department who discussed water conservation techniques, government schemes for irrigation, and sustainable farming practices. This collaboration addressed local water scarcity issues, supporting SDG 14 (Life Below Water) through policy-aligned initiatives.
MoU with Syrimed Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd. (27th January 2024, NUCSER)
NUCSER signed an MoA with Syrimed Life Sciences to collaborate on marine biotechnology and nutraceutical research, facilitating technology transfer.
MoU with Medorganics India Pvt. Ltd. (17th February 2024, NUCSER)
NUCSER’s MoU with Medorganics focuses on sustainable product development and student training, enhancing industry-academia collaboration. This aligns with the relationships with NGOs/governments metric.
MoU with ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (21st May 2024, NUCSER)
Nitte’s MoU with ICAR-CIBA advances brackishwater aquaculture research, fostering government partnerships.
Concern for Ocean Health: Public Awareness Program (26th January 2024)
NUCSER collaborated with the Regional Centre of ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute and the College of Fisheries, Mangalore, to conduct a roadshow on "Ocean Health - Our Actions and Our Future" at Fiza by Nexus Mall, Pandeshwar, Mangalore. Over 200 participants attended this event, which highlighted the importance of protecting ocean ecosystems amid climate change, aligning with SDG 14 (Life Below Water) while fostering multi-institutional partnerships.
Lois Clotworthy – Cross-National Health Internship and Data Collaboration
Lois Clotworthy, a Clinical Data Coordinator and student from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, participated in a global internship experience facilitated by Nitte University. In her reflection, she discussed her role at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, where she was involved in managing and interpreting clinical data within a real-world hospital setting. This video underscores how academic partnerships enable knowledge exchange across health systems, equipping students with practical insights into global healthcare challenges. The collaboration highlights Nitte University’s role in fostering international academic mobility and supporting capacity-building initiatives in public health.
Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoS9ctXpUTQ
Dr. Suzanne Robertson-Malt – Evidence-Based Healthcare and Governance
Dr. Suzanne Robertson-Malt, Director of Health Science Programs at the University of Wollongong in Dubai, delivered an expert session at Nitte University, focusing on the role of evidence implementation and contemplative practices in healthcare leadership. Drawing on her experience as a clinician and academic, she emphasized the importance of building resilient healthcare teams, ethical governance structures, and reflective learning practices. This talk facilitated a valuable academic-to-practitioner exchange, encouraging future health professionals to bridge research with on-ground decision-making. The session reflects Nitte’s engagement with international health leaders to advance systemic improvement.
Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2MlP_nKqZw
International collaboration data gathering for SDG
Indo-Japan MEXT Project on Groundwater Contamination (2024, KSHEMA)
KSHEMA collaborated with Japanese institutions under the MEXT project to study pregnancy and child development in groundwater-contaminated areas. This joint research fostered international knowledge sharing and culminated in the Compendium of the International Symposium on the successful completion of the Indo-Japan MEXT project, focusing on ‘Studies on Pregnancy, Delivery, and Child Development Cohort Patterns in Groundwater-Contaminated Areas of India.
MoU with Nidec Instruments Corporation, Japan (2024, NU)
Nitte collaborated with Nidec Instruments, Japan, to advance research in precision technology and strengthen international industry–academia partnerships. The collaboration encompasses student internships, training, campus recruitment, placements, and joint research initiatives.
Collaboration for SDG best practice
Nitte (Deemed to be University) actively collaborates with academic institutions and research centers to promote knowledge exchange and capacity building for sustainable development. Here is a list of programs conducted on the same lines
International Symposium on Non-Invasive Diagnostics (27th November 2024)
NUCSER partnered with the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, and Yenepoya Medical College to host a symposium on "Recent Advancements in Non-Invasive Imaging and Molecular Techniques in Disease Diagnosis" at NUCSER, Nitte (DU). The event featured experts like Dr. Alexander Machikhin from the Russian Academy of Sciences and Dr. Rajesh from Yenepoya Medical College, focusing on innovative diagnostic techniques such as liquid biopsy and point-of-care platforms. With 130 participants, including faculty and students from various institutions, this collaboration advanced knowledge sharing in health sciences.
Webinar on Human Genetic Errors of Immunity (26th September 2024)
NUCSER, in association with N-CRG.BMD, collaborated with Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA, to organize a webinar on "Defining and Dissecting Human Genetic Errors of Immunity." Dr. Carrie L. Lucas, an associate professor of immunology at Yale, led the session, engaging 100 students in discussions on immunology research. This partnership strengthened global academic ties and enhanced student learning.
Student Exchange with University of Gothenburg, Sweden (2024, KSHEMA)
KSHEMA’s collaboration with the University of Gothenburg facilitated student exchange focused on maternal and child health, enhancing global learning.
Interaction on the topic of ‘Designers as Agents of Change’
Wouter Haspeshlagh , Chief Mobility Designer, at Granstudio, Turin, Italy visited Nitte Institute of Architecture on 22nd May, 2024. He interacted with students from the design discipline, presented his work and spoke to them about ‘Designers as Agents of Change’. His visit inspired students to understand the transformative power of design and the responsibility of designers to envision and craft a better tomorrow.
Video link: https://youtu.be/2cyffW7pKeY?feature=shared
Institutional collaboration - Students from the University of Santo Tomas, Philippines
Nitte Institute of Physiotherapy hosted students from the University of Santo Tomas, Philippines, who were in the college for three weeks as part of a Student Exchange Program in 2024.
Video link: https://youtu.be/r2Q9BK_SRp4?feature=shared say.
Academic exchange - Students from Denmark at Nitte Usha Institute of Nursing Sciences
Students of Nursing from VIA University College, Aarhus and University College Copenhagen, Denmark were on a 5-week observership at Nitte Usha Institute of Nursing Sciences, Mangalore in 2024
Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bickc5PQpts
Community Engagement and Local Partnerships
Nitte (Deemed to be University) works with local communities and organizations to promote sustainable development through grassroots initiatives. 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.
Nitte University conducted Nitte Climate Action Program to inspire environmental responsibility among students
The second edition of the Nitte Climate Action Program (NCAP) 2024 was officially launched by Nitte (Deemed to be University) on November 7, 2024, at a ceremony held at Ambedkar Bhavan, Mangalore. The event was organized in collaboration with Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) and Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF).
Shri Anand, Chief Operating Officer of the Dakshina Kannada District Panchayat, graced the occasion. Students from both Mangalore South and North divisions actively participated in the program.During 2024, Nitte University conducted climate action awareness programs under NCAP, reaching out to over 13,000 students from 103 schools in the Mangalore North division.
Video link: https://youtu.be/eQ8S_bpHuZ8?feature=shared
DBT sponsored postgraduate programme on Marine Biotechnology
Nitte (Deemed to be University) offers a postgraduate programme, sponsored by Department of Biotechnology, Government of India. In the year 2020, the Ministry of Science & Technology, Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Govt. of India has approved Nitte University Centre for Science Education & Research (NUCSER) to offer Master of Science in Marine Biotechnology. This recognition is awarded by the DBT that will sponsor ten students with a national fellowship. Students are selected through a National Level Graduate Aptitude Test-Biotechnology (GAT-B) for all Biotechnology-related courses in India. The goal of this programme is to provide appropriate laboratory and commination skills for the development of various technologies and implement the need of the economy through entrepreneurship, study the marine environmental systems and fisheries, support the industrial sector by promoting the relevant applications and development of marine biotechnological process, train and empower youth mind to develop the sustainable strategy of harnessing the marine environment for food, medicines and other resources.
Sustainability Literacy
Sustainability literacy equips students with the knowledge and mindset to address today’s environmental, social, and economic challenges. As future leaders, they must understand sustainability principles to make responsible choices that benefit people and the planet while advancing global goals. Nitte University recognizes this responsibility and conducts a survey to assess sustainability literacy, gauge student awareness, identify gaps, and align academic programs with international standards. This initiative nurtures a culture of responsibility and prepares graduates who are socially conscious, environmentally responsible, and ready to build a sustainable future.
Survey Link: https://form.jotform.com/242742728687066
