Pune University Explores Expansion with Offshore Campuses in Kazakhstan, Nepal, and Georgia and State-of-the-Art Facilities
Pune, 16th January 2024: Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) is charting an ambitious course for expansion by exploring the establishment of three offshore campuses in Kazakhstan, Nepal, and Georgia, building on the success of its Qatar campus initiated three years ago. The university administration is in the final stages of formalizing proposals for these new international ventures.
In a significant development, the university has secured Rs 25 crore from the Union Department of Biotechnology to establish a cutting-edge genome sequencing lab. Additionally, plans are underway for the construction of a seven-storied hostel for girls, slated to be completed by 2025, aimed at accommodating a larger student population on the campus.
SPPU Vice-Chancellor Suresh Gosavi officially announced these progressive initiatives during a press conference held on Monday, coinciding with preparations for the 123rd convocation ceremony scheduled for Wednesday. Gosavi expressed confidence in the positive response to establishing campuses in Kazakhstan, Nepal, and Georgia, citing the presence of students from these countries already studying at the Pune campus. He anticipates the fruition of at least one offshore campus within a year and indicated ongoing discussions with the respective governments.
Currently, the Qatar campus hosts 300 students pursuing traditional undergraduate courses in science, arts, commerce, and management, operating on a self-sustained model that has proven successful.
Gosavi provided insights into the new genome sequencing lab, named the Indian Medicinal Plants Genome Initiative. The project aims to employ 15 research and administrative staffers, with the facility operating on a revenue-generation model. Gosavi highlighted its potential to serve a national scope, offering sample sequencing services on a pay-per-sample basis to external entities.
“The Centre will accelerate research in the field of genomics and data science, contributing to advancements in genomics research, medicine, and agriculture. It will also facilitate manpower training, benefiting society at large,” Gosavi remarked.
Further diversifying its research initiatives, SPPU has joined hands with the Ramkumar Rathi Group to establish a center dedicated to yoga research. The center will focus on various areas, including education and training for online and offline courses, integrated health advice, community extension, and outreach.
