India, 28th March 2024 – Ireland’s Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) has announced a collaboration with India’s National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad, facilitated by Education in Ireland, the national brand representing Irish Higher Education Institutions globally. The TUS and NID alliance will allow both institutions to develop joint research, projects, publications, as well as student and faculty exchanges. The collaboration was officially unveiled in the presence of Mr. Simon Coveney, Minister for Enterprise, Trade, and Employment of Ireland, who is currently leading a multi-city visit to India accompanied by a delegation of Irish academics and corporate representatives.

Limerick School of Art and Design (LSAD) a faculty of TUS, for 170 years has been educating, inspiring and empowering people seeking a creative future. TUS is now a QS 5 Star university, having achieved the highest possible number of stars in all categories assessed. As part of the assessment process TUS is the first Irish university to achieve a QS 5 Star Arts and Culture rating as QS recognises TUS’s excellence in promoting and contributing to the arts and national culture led by LSAD.

NID is internationally acclaimed as one of the finest educational and research institutions for Industrial, Communication, Textile and IT Integrated (Experiential) Design. It is an autonomous Institution of National Importance under the aegis of the Department Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.

Minister Coveney expressed his support for the collaboration and said: “This partnership marks a significant step towards fostering greater association and academic collaboration between Ireland and India. Our two countries share an existing bond in the area of education, and this partnership will nurture the next generation of global design leaders who will drive innovation and creativity across industries.”

Mr. Donnacha McNamara, Vice President International at Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) quoted “Our partnership with India’s National Institute of Design (NID) represents a significant milestone in our commitment to fostering global collaboration and enriching the educational experiences of students and staff. Through this alliance, we aim to cultivate a diverse community of design innovators who will drive positive change and innovation on a global scale.”

Adding to this sentiment, Praveen Nahar, Director, National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad said “NID, Ahmedabad, we are thrilled to forge this partnership with the Limerick School of Art and Design (LSAD) and its parent institution, Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), Ireland. Acknowledging our shared commitment to design education and research, we anticipate productive collaborations that will enhance both institutions, particularly in Communication Design, Industrial Design, Digital Design, and Design Education at undergraduate, masters, and PhD levels. We eagerly anticipate joint research endeavours, projects, publications, as well as student and faculty exchanges to propel the field of design forward.”

“LSAD has a proud legacy as one of Europe’s leading fine art, design and creative media schools and is reflected in our recent QS 5 Star rating in Arts and Culture. We are delighted to partner with NID such a prestigious University in India and global leader in design. This partnership allows us to develop both high impact and high-profile projects and student/staff exchanges. Our shared commitment to excellence and innovation in design education promises to shape the future landscape of global design leadership” added Mike Fitzpatrick, Dean of Limerick School of Art & Design (LSAD) and Director of Cultural Engagement, TUS

Both TUS and NID anticipate that this partnership will continue to strengthen over time, fostering deeper collaboration and facilitating greater exchange between the two institutions. This collaboration stands as a testament to the power of international cooperation in advancing education and driving positive change on a global scale.