Colleagues from across the University met with past and future students at two receptions in India this year.
Our Chief Development Officer, Dr Katie Harland-Edminson joined colleagues from our Alumni Relations, Business School and International Office teams to welcome alumni and prospective students in New Delhi and Mumbai.
It was lovely to meet so many of our alumni in India and to see the community grow stronger over time. We are delighted that Durham has remained with them long after graduation.”
Dr Katie Harland-Edminson
Chief Development Officer
More than 100 guests registered to hear news from our Business School as well as the wider University. They also caught up with Durham’s next generation, engaging with students holding offers for our 2026 student intake.
Chapter Lead Sahil Kumar (MBA, University College, 2019-2020) welcomed guests in New Delhi, strengthening existing connections and making new ones. The Chapter continues to gain momentum, with a full programme of events planned for the next year.
Through our events, I have met some wonderful alumni. Over dinner, we reminisce about Durham and our University experience from different years. We discuss our professional and personal paths since graduating and even share some photographs.”
SAHIL KUMAR
New Delhi Chapter Lead
Lifelong connections
Our alumni are vital role models for new students, both in Durham and around the world.
Alumnus Dr Arnab Basu MBE (Physics, Ustinov College, 1999-2003) was recently installed as the High Sheriff of the County Palatine of Durham.
After graduating with a PhD from Durham in 2003, he co-founded the University spinout company, Kromek Group. He continues to lead the company as CEO. The Group grew from cutting-edge Durham research in radiation detection technology, employing more than 150 people across two continents.
Dr Basu has lived in County Durham for over 30 years, after arriving from Kolkata to study in North East England.
Inspiring the next generation
India’s population is approaching 1.5 billion, accounting for almost 18% of the world total. Each year, the number of talented Indian students choosing to study at Durham is increasing steadily. We appeal to many Indian students and their families who are looking beyond their own borders, not just for academic credentials, but for the global exposure and international career prospects that we can offer.
Matt Jarvis from our International Office leads a team based in India that introduces prospective students to all four of our faculties. This is done through a events and fairs, which alumni often attend to share their invaluable, first-hand experiences of studying at Durham.
Our International scholarships offer is now stronger than ever. Through our Inspiring Excellence Scholarships programme, in common with all international students, Indian students can apply for funding toward their tuition fees.
Having spent 15 years recruiting international students, I’m constantly blown away by the passion and drive that they bring to their studies. I’m excited to develop the opportunities that we provide to these students, inspiring them to go on to achieve extraordinary things.”
MATT JARVIS
Durham University International Office
A vote of confidence
Shreeyanshi Gagrani, an Inspiring Excellence Scholarship recipient from Ichalkaranji, is currently studying for an MSc in Criminology and Criminal Justice. She explains why she chose Durham:
Durham stood out in every possible way. I also looked up the faculty for each of the schools and found out about the research and work my now teachers, do outside of teaching. I thought this is so close to what I want to do with my education. So, I came here to learn from the best.”
Shreeyanshi describes her reaction to her scholarship award:
I feel very proud. A panel sat down and decided to invest this amount in my education. I do not take that for granted. It is not only a financial aid, but also a vote of confidence in me.”
Shreeyanshi is already building connections for the future. Prospective students from her home town are approaching her for advice and guidance about studying at Durham.
Collaborations for the future
We are well-established as a significant academic collaborator in India, with over 20 institutional partnerships spanning engineering, climate science, law, heritage and education. We value international collaboration as central to enhancing global knowledge and developing global citizenship.
We formalised the latest of our partnerships through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian university Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, to establish the International Joint Centre of Excellence for Energy Resilience and Decarbonisation (CERD). The MoU strengthens long-term India–UK collaboration in sustainable energy research, climate resilience, and innovation.
Under the agreement, both universities will work together on joint research projects. We will support, enable faculty and doctoral exchanges, share digital and scientific resources, and create a joint governance structure to guide the work ahead.
