Kathmandu, March 19, 2026

Tribhuvan University (TU) and Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) held a high-level meeting to discuss deepening their active academic partnership and exploring avenues for future collaboration. The discussions centered on mutual interests in key areas such as renewable energy, engineering, joint research initiatives, and co-authored publications. Both institutions expressed strong enthusiasm for building on existing ties to foster innovative and impactful academic exchanges that address global challenges.Prof. Dr. Deepak Aryal, Vice Chancellor of Tribhuvan University, emphasized the need for a strong and sustainable collaboration with NTNU. He highlighted ongoing reforms at TU, including enhancements in research frameworks, fast-track faculty recruitment, restructuring of the university system, modernization of curricula, promotion of capable human resources, and the strengthening of global partnerships. Prof. Aryal particularly urged prioritizing PhD-level collaborations to elevate academic standards and produce high-quality research outcomes benefiting both universities.

Leading the NTNU delegation, Prof. Monica Rolfsen, Pro-Rector provided an overview of NTNU's academic landscape and institutional strengths. She outlined the university's strategic approaches to international collaboration and highlighted its slogan, "Knowledge for a Better Future." With approximately 44,000 students, 9,000 employees, and 3,100 PhD candidates, NTNU focuses on critical domains including civil security, oceans and coasts, community development, energy, and health sciences.Prof. Dr. Khadga K.C., Rector of Tribhuvan University, called for expanded collaboration in research and publications. He praised the longstanding Norwegian support, particularly through partnerships with TU's Institute of Engineering and Faculty of Education, and suggested extending cooperation into social sciences and education fields. He reaffirmed TU's deep commitment to a robust academic partnership with NTNU.The meeting featured comprehensive presentations, including one by Prof. Rolee Aranya, Director of the Global South Initiative at NTNU's Department of Architecture and Planning, who detailed partnership priorities and institutional achievements in international cooperation. Prof. Dr. Sushil Bahadur Bajracharya, Dean of TU's Institute of Engineering, provided insights into the historical collaboration between the two universities. Other notable attendees included TU's Prof. Dr. Kedar Prasad Rijal (Registrar) and Prof. Dr. Mohan Raj Sharma (Dean, Institute of Medicine), alongside NTNU delegates such as Prof. Martina Maria, Gunn-Berit Neergard, Prof. Ole Gunnar Dahlhaug, Ingvild Heggstad, and Elin Devergsdal. The discussions mark a promising step toward more integrated and forward-looking cooperation between the two leading institutions.