Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (SOA) Deemed to be University on Thursday signed a MoU with Bindura University of Science Education, a state university in Zimbabwe, for collaboration in various academic and related areas including research and innovation.

Prof. Pradipta Kumar Nanda, Vice-Chancellor of SOA and Prof. Eddie Mwenje, Vice-Chancellor of the institute in Zimbabwe, signed the MoU at a function held at SOA here.

The MoU, which will be in force for five years from its signing, will facilitate collaboration in research with particular focus on development of drugs including anti-snake venom from natural products.

It will also facilitate staff and student exchanges and curriculum development for both existing and future programs.

Prof. Mwenje was accompanied by Prof. Courtie Mahadi, Dirtector, Research and Innovation, Prof. Mathew Mupa, Lead Researcher, Sodium Silicate Project, Mr.Tigere Chayamiti, Researcher, Development of Anti-snake Venom Drug and Mr. Daniel Chihombori, Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor.

Prof. Mwenje later called on SOA Founder President Prof. (Dr) Manojranjan Nayak and had exchange of views. The visiting team later went round some of SOA institutes and discussed with Deans and faculty members.

Prof. Bijay Kumar Sahoo, Dean, SOA’s faculty of agricultural sciences, Prof. Santosh Kumar Rout, Additional Dean, Mr. Pramod Kumar Panda, SOA’s Chief Administrative Officer, Prof. Nachieketa K. Sharma, Director, University Outreach Program, Prof. Goutam Rath and Prof. Pratap Kumar Sahu, Professors in the faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Prof. Sanghamitra Nayak, Head of Department of Biotechnology and Prof. Jagmohan Lal Gulati, Professor (Agronomy), were present during the signing of the MoU.