Mangaluru: Mangalore University and the University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia, on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore opportunities in areas of multi-disciplinary research.

Kevin Hall, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), University of Newcastle, and B.S. Nagendra Prakash, Registrar (Administration), Mangalore University, exchanged the MoU in the presence of K. Byrappa, Vice-Chancellor of Mangalore University.

The MoU is valid for five years. The areas of research tentatively identified are material sciences, physics and English. There are plans for student and faculty exchange.

Speaking to reporters on the occasion, Mr. Hall said the research areas that the faculty would work on should help address significant problem areas in the two countries for the benefit of the people. “We want to address the social conscience of communities that we work for while addressing issues of women in society and gender equality,” he said.

He said his university had its strengths in science and technology. Student and faculty exchange will pave the way for some much-needed social change, he said. Later, he interacted with faculty and students at the university.

Mr. Byrappa said the two universities, as part of the MoU, would work out the modalities of exchanging research scholars and faculty. Ajayan Vinu, director of the Global Innovation Centre of Advanced Nanomaterials, University of Newcastle, was present.