New Delhi, Feb 19 : Ashoka University, India’s leading interdisciplinary research university, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with École normale supérieure PSL Paris, one of France’s most prestigious higher education and research institutions. The announcement was made at the High Level Academic and Scientific Meetings in the presence of French President Emmanuel Macron, marking an important step in strengthening India–France collaboration in higher education, research, and innovation.
The MoU was formally signed by Somak Raychaudhury, Vice-Chancellor, Ashoka University, Delhi-NCR, and Frédéric Worms, Director, ENS-PSL. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to academic excellence, interdisciplinary learning, and global knowledge exchange between two leading institutions known for integrating teaching and research across disciplines.
Ashoka University’s Memorandum of Understanding with École normale supérieure – PSL establishes a deep, long-term partnership spanning joint research, faculty and student exchanges, and collaborative academic programmes in the sciences and humanities. This MoU will create shared research ecosystems, foster co-taught courses and workshops, and open opportunities for Ashoka students and scholars to engage with ENS–PSL’s renowned scientific community in Paris. Together, the two institutions aim to build a vibrant Indo-French intellectual corridor that advances fundamental science, interdisciplinary inquiry, and innovation with global impact.
K VijayRaghavan, Chair, Science Advisory Council, Ashoka University noted,
“France and India are already closely linked in science through bilateral structures such as the Indo-French Centre for Applied Mathematics (IFCAM), DST–India programmes in digital science and technology, and joint initiatives in neuroscience and engineering. Most recently, both countries have expanded this cooperation through new initiatives in AI, health, and digital science, including plans for Indo-French centres for AI in health and digital science and technology under the 2026 Year of Innovation”.
École normale supérieure – PSL is among France’s most prestigious higher education institutions and a globally recognised centre of academic excellence. Founded in 1794, the institution is known for its rigorous research culture and interdisciplinary approach, ENS-PSL has a distinguished legacy of producing leading scholars, scientists, and policymakers, including multiple Nobel laureates and Fields Medal winners.
For Ashoka University students, the partnership will play an important role in shaping research capabilities by providing access to advanced research networks, collaborative projects, and mentorship from internationally renowned scholars. The engagement is expected to strengthen Ashoka University students’ understanding of global techniques and methodologies used in research across multiple domains, thereby equipping them with better skills to carry deep research for better knowledge creation and innovation.
For students and experts of ENS-PSL, this collaboration will offer valuable opportunities to engage with India’s dynamic academic ecosystem, participate in interdisciplinary research initiatives, and gain deeper insights into diverse social, cultural, and scientific contexts of the country.
Both institutions are already connected through the Franco-Indian Campus in Life Sciences for Health, launched in 2022, and the MoU seeks further to deepen academic and research exchanges within this broader framework.
Frédéric Worms, Director, ENS-PSL, said,
“This agreement offers a unique opportunity to bring together École normale supérieure – PSL and Ashoka University, two institutions that share a similar academic model and a common commitment to excellence, interdisciplinarity, and the close articulation of teaching and research.”
Somak Raychaudhury, Vice-Chancellor, Ashoka University, said,
“This partnership marks an important step in strengthening global academic collaboration at a time when AI is reshaping industries and societies. Through our engagement with ENS-PSL, we aim to drive high-impact research, foster meaningful academic exchange, and equip our students and faculty with deeper global perspectives.”
