Across continents, climates, and cultures, a shared question continues to bring Somaiya Vidyavihar University and Michigan State University (MSU) closer: How can universities create knowledge that heals the planet while empowering people?
The answer is unfolding through the longstanding partnership between Somaiya Vidyavihar University and Michigan State University (MSU), a collaboration that continues to deepen through shared commitments to research, sustainability, experiential learning and global citizenship.
This year marks an important milestone in that journey. The two universities have renewed their Memorandum of Understanding for another five years, reaffirming a relationship that has steadily evolved into a dynamic ecosystem of innovation, scientific inquiry and real-world impact.
From Conversations to Collaboration
In January 2026, academic leaders, researchers, and sustainability experts from both institutions gathered in Sameerwadi, Karnataka, and later in Mumbai to review ongoing initiatives and chart the course for future collaboration.
The conversations were rooted in a powerful idea: universities must not only advance science, but also create knowledge that benefits communities, ecosystems and future generations.
This shared vision opened new possibilities across regenerative agriculture, experiential education, ecological monitoring, microbiome research, and sustainability-led community engagement. Among the key focus areas identified were strengthening agricultural research through K J Somaiya Applied Agricultural Research, expanding field-based learning through Nature Basket programmes, and developing research and demonstration projects focused on food forests and regenerative landscapes.
Together, these initiatives reflect a shift from studying sustainability in isolation to experiencing it in living landscapes, working farms, laboratories, classrooms and communities.
A Transformational Gift for Scientific Discovery
One of the most exciting outcomes of these discussions is the establishment of a Molecular Ecology and Microbiome Engineering Laboratory at Somaiya Vidyavihar University.
Made possible through the generosity of Prof Larry Walker and Nadine Walker, the laboratory represents a significant investment in the future of sustainability-focused scientific research at Somaiya.
The Laboratory will help us understand the invisible world of microbes-the bioengineers- and how their diversity and interactions keep our ecosystem healthy, functional and resilient. It will also serve as a hub for ecological studies, training and interdisciplinary collaborations to solve real-world environmental challenges.
The initiative reflects a shared belief that transformative research requires both visionary ideas and meaningful partnerships.
Reimagining Sustainability for the Next Generation
The collaboration is also giving renewed direction to Centre for Achieving Sustainable Climate Action, Development and Engagement (CASCADE), a joint initiative that will now focus on four interconnected themes:
- Regenerative Agriculture Systems
- Advanced Sensors for Ecosystem Monitoring
- Microbial Ecology and Microbiome Engineering
- Sustainability Experiential Educational Development (SEED)
Together, these areas create opportunities for students, researchers, and educators to engage with sustainability not just as a subject of study, but as a lived and practical experience.
Programmes under the SEED initiative, including fellowships, sustainability dialogues, and citizen science projects, are expected to further strengthen experiential learning and community engagement.
The Power of Global Partnerships
For the Somaiya community, the Somaiya–MSU partnership demonstrates the power of international collaboration in advancing research, education and innovation.
It also highlights the vital role of philanthropy in shaping institutions of the future. The contribution of Larry and Nadine Walker is also empowering students and scholars to approach complex environmental challenges with confidence, creativity, and scientific rigour.
We also acknowledge the leadership and dedication of Dr. Karim Maredia and Dr. Lisa Tiemann from Michigan State University with Co-Director CASCADE, Dr. Parvathi J.R. and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Ajay Kapoor, Dean Research and Director-SIRAC, Dr Arunkumar Nayak from Somaiya Vidyavihar University, who have been instrumental in strengthening and advancing this partnership.
As Somaiya Vidyavihar University and Michigan State University enter the next chapter of their shared journey, the focus remains clear: to build knowledge, nurture talent, and create solutions that benefit both people and the planet.
For alumni across the United States and around the world, this collaboration is a reminder that the Somaiya story continues to grow through the strength of its global community. Rooted in purpose and reaching across continents, it brings together educators, researchers, philanthropists, students, and changemakers in pursuit of a more sustainable future.
Learn more about our work and initiatives: https://somaiyafoundation.org/en
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