The Rutgers delegation fostered academic alliances and strengthened alumni engagement during March visit
In a major step to bolster its global visibility, an institution-wide delegation from Rutgers University visited India in March 2025. The visit marked a strategic push to deepen Rutgers’ engagement with India’s vibrant academic and innovation ecosystem through the exploration of new partnerships, research initiatives, and student mobility programs.
The delegation of twenty, comprising senior leadership, faculty, and administrators from across Rutgers’ diverse academic and professional schools—including Rutgers Global, Rutgers University–Camden, Rutgers Health, Rutgers University–New Brunswick represented by School of Engineering, School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, and the School of Graduate Studies (SGS)—embarked on a multi-city tour of India. The delegation’s efforts represent Rutgers Global’s commitment to internationalization, as well as the university’s broader goal of expanding its presence in high-growth regions like India.
“Rutgers’ visit to India represents a significant step forward in the university’s international strategy to expand our global visibility and deepen our strategic academic partnerships,” reflected Dr. Moghe, Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs, who led the delegation. “India offers a singular opportunity for academic and research collaboration, and we’re excited to transform these engagements into impactful, long-term alliances that reflect Rutgers’ commitment to global excellence.”
A Multifaceted Engagement Strategy
Throughout the visit, the Rutgers team participated in a wide range of activities designed to foster collaboration, raise visibility, and develop and deepen a range of partnerships. A highlight was Rutgers’ presence as a major academic participant at the APAIE 2025 Conference in Delhi, where university representatives engaged with over 2,500 global education leaders and showcased Rutgers’ academic excellence on an international platform.
Key engagements during the visit included:
• Strategic meetings with more than 40 Indian institutions, including premier universities and research bodies, to explore collaborative opportunities in STEM, business, and social sciences.
• Industry dialogues with EdTech companies and leading biotech organizations, such as the Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises (ABLE), focusing on executive education and applied research.
• Active promotion of articulation pathways like 3+2 and 4+1 programs to facilitate seamless student transitions.
• Bilateral discussions for faculty exchanges, and co-funded research.
• Strengthening government ties to align with India’s research and innovation priorities.
• An alumni reception, organized with the Rutgers University Foundation, with an intimate group of engaged alumni based in Delhi.
Significant Outcomes
Among the most significant outcomes of the visit was a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that EVP Moghe signed with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bangalore—a premier Indian research institution. This agreement marks a pivotal step in fostering high-impact research collaborations and student mobility between the two institutions.
An MoU between Great Lakes Institute of Management, Gurgaon and Rutgers School of Business–Camden also was signed during the delegation’s visit, underscoring the universitywide commitment to fostering global academic partnerships and expanding collaborative opportunities in business education.
In addition, Rutgers, in collaboration with the Institute of International Education (IIE) India, launched the Rutgers-IIE Thought Leadership Series. This initiative is envisioned as a long-term platform to convene higher education leaders from across sectors for solution-driven dialogue on emerging trends in education and research. The series debuted with a high-impact networking reception in Delhi, attracting over 30 key partners and elevating Rutgers’ regional presence.
Rutgers and IIE also co-hosted a gala reception attended by 200 stakeholders from India and several other countries. This event provided a platform to network and strengthen India-US collaborations.
Insights and Opportunities
The delegation’s visit revealed deep interest across Indian academic, corporate, and government sectors in forging long-term ties with Rutgers. There was an appetite for institutional partnerships, particularly in joint research and cooperative education programs, as well as strong potential for engagement with Indian startups and corporations in areas such as biotechnology, sustainability, healthcare, and AI.
Another takeaway of the trip was learning of the rising demand from Indian students for graduate and professional education at Rutgers, highlighting the need for tailored recruitment strategies. Finally, the delegates received a positive reception from policymakers, reinforcing opportunities to tap into Indian government-supported innovation and research initiatives.
Looking Ahead
Dr. Mohini Mukherjee, Executive Director of International Student Services, who leads Rutgers’ engagement in India, noted, “We came away from the visit with a great appreciation for multiple avenues there are to expand collaborations with diverse academic institutions and agencies in India. We look forward to following up with our colleagues and moving forward with concrete next steps.”
Some of these steps include moving to finalize MoUs with select Indian universities and research institutions, and continuing to expand the Rutgers-IIE Thought Leadership Series to nurture dialogue and engagement. In the coming year, the global strategy for Rutgers will further prioritize meaningful partnerships and academic and student programs that align with the strategic imperatives of the chancellors, deans, and faculty-led programs at the university. Additionally, multiple opportunities abroad can shape new priorities for Rutgers’ leadership related to international alliances, further elevating the university’s global reputation.
Dr. Eric Garfunkel, Vice President for Global Affairs, said: “As Rutgers solidifies its reputation as a dynamic academic and research partner in India, we are optimistic that this visit will support our mission related to academic student mobility, enhance our scholarly collaborations, and leverage the power of education, innovation, and international cooperation.”
Here is a short video with reflections of the trip by some of the delegates.
List of delegates from Rutgers University:
Prabhas Moghe, Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
Rutgers Global
Eric Garfunkel, VP for Global Affairs
Kim Pernice, Associate Director for Partnerships
Mohini Mukherjee, Executive Director for International Student Services
Kathryn Rosko, Director of Communications
Steven Henin, Director of Global Analytics & Assistant Dean, Global Initiatives
Rutgers University-Camden
Jimmy Jung, Senior Vice Chancellor for Student Success and Enrollment Management
Monica Adya, Dean of Rutgers School of Business-Camden
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Hao Lin, Director of International Programs, School of Engineering
Radha Jagannathan, Professor of Statistics, Urban Planning & Policy Development Program, Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
Megan Francis, Director of Global Programs, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences
Rutgers Health:
Andrew P. Thomas, Senior Associate Dean, Professor and Chair of Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, School of Graduate Studies (SGS)
Doreen Badheka, Assistant Professor, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School; Assistant Dean, SGS
Smita Thakker-Varia, Associate Professor, Dept. of Neuroscience & Cell Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (RWJMS), Assistant Dean for Graduate Academic and Student Affairs, and Director of Master of Biomedical Science, School of Graduate Studies
Sabiha Hussain, Professor of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Director of Pulmonary and Critical Care Fellowship; Director of Adult Cystic Fibrosis Program; Director, Post-COVID Recovery Program; Program Director of YourHealthKiosk; Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
School of Graduate Studies:
Deborah Silver, Executive Director, Professional Science Master’s Program, Master of Business and Science (MBS)
Alycia John, Director, Rutgers Professional Science Master’s Program, MBS
Rupananda Misra, Associate Teaching Professor and Director, MBS User Experience Design (UXD) and Product Design, MBS
Rutgers University Foundation:
Steve Cousins, Executive Director, Global Engagement
Institute for International Education:
Vivek Mansukhani, Head – IIE India
Riddhiman Sarkar, Rutgers-India Representative, IIE-India