The IOER strengthens its partnership with CEPT University in India

Through joint research and academic exchange, both partner institutions aim to coordinate their work more closely and contribute to the development of solutions for the sustainable transformation of cities and regions. To this end, reciprocal visits by scientific staff as well as by doctoral and postdoctoral research scholars are planned. Furthermore, collaboration on research projects and the publication of research findings, as well as the joint planning and organisation of academic events, is envisaged. In addition, the partners intend to collaborate in the field of education, for example, by organising summer and winter schools.

Their shared research interests cover a broad spectrum of relevant topics. The focus is on issues relating to the sustainable transformation of cities and regions. In particular, the partners are focusing socio-ecological-technological aspects of blue and green infrastructure in regions, cities and urban districts, the analysis of climate risks and advancing research on climate resilience actions. Other joint key research interests include the circularity in cities, regions and the construction sector, as well as spatial data science and artificial intelligence.

The strategic partnership agreed upon in the MoU builds on a collaboration that has already been in place for several years. The foundation for this was laid in 2021/2022 during the one-year visiting fellowship of the Indian researcher Mohit Kapoor at the IOER, as part of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation’s Federal Chancellor’s Fellowship for Future Leaders. In 2023, the IOER, CEPT University and other partners in India hosted the International Land Use Symposium – ILUS 2023. Most recently, the IOER welcomed Saswat Bandyopadhyay, Professor at the Faculty of Planning at CEPT University, as a visiting scholar as part of the IOER Fellowship Programme.

The Memorandum of Understanding, signed by the Director of the IOER, Marc Wolfram, was formally presented by Mathias Jehling, Head of the research group “Urban Structure and Policy”, to the President of CEPT University, Barjor Mehta, during his visit to India.

About CEPT University

CEPT University is a premier academic Institute that integrates Architecture, Planning, Design, Technology, and Management to advance built environments, cultivating innovative leaders and generating impactful research that shapes sustainable, equitable, and resilient landscapes, cities, and Systems. Through an integrated educational approach and dedicated advisory Services, CEPT University empowers communities globally to thrive in an evolving world, while honouring their legacy of innovation and commitment to enriching lives across India's diverse landscapes.

Scientific contact at the IOER
Dr. Mathias Jehling, e-mail: m.jehling@ioer.de