Massey University and NIFTEM-K sign partnership to advance Food Technology research and education

The virtual signing ceremony on 2 July included senior representatives from Massey University, NIFTEM-K and India’s Ministry of Food Processing Industries, reflecting the significance of the partnership and the opportunities it presents for students, researchers and industry in both countries.

NIFTEM-K, an Institute of National Importance under India’s Ministry of Food Processing Industries, is recognised for its expertise in food science education, innovation and technology development. Massey has a long history of leadership in food technology, having been the first university in Aotearoa New Zealand to offer food technology programmes. Massey’s Bachelor of Food Technology with Honours has prepared graduates for domestic and international food industries for more than 50 years, and remains the only degree in Australasia to combine food science, food engineering and food business.

The MoU was signed by Dr Tere McGonagle-Daly, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Students and Global Engagement at Massey University, and Dr Harinder Singh Oberoi, Director of NIFTEM-K. They were joined by Secretary Shri A. P. Das Joshi and Joint Secretary Shri Devesh Deval from the Indian Ministry of Food Processing Industries.

Dr McGonagle-Daly says the agreement reflects the strong alignment between the two institutions and their shared commitment to addressing global challenges in food production and innovation.

“This Memorandum of Understanding is another tangible example of the growing collaboration between our institutions and demonstrates our shared commitment to advancing teaching, research and innovation in higher education,” Dr McGonagle-Daly says.

The agreement establishes a framework for expanded cooperation across a range of activities, including collaborative research and teaching, joint applications for external funding, staff exchanges, student mobility opportunities, articulation and pathway programmes, and postgraduate research internships.

The partnership builds on existing academic connections between Massey and NIFTEM-K. Researchers from Massey’s School of Food Technology and Natural Sciences have already developed productive relationships with colleagues at NIFTEM-K, creating a strong platform for future collaboration.

“India is a very important partner for both New Zealand and Massey University. We sincerely appreciate NIFTEM-K’s trust, partnership and friendship. We are confident this collaboration will bring lasting mutual benefits to both institutions and contribute to addressing global challenges in food science and technology,” Dr McGonagle-Daly says.