Professor Thangakumar, Head of Computer Science and Engineering at Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science (HITS), recently visited the University of Bradford as part of the WTUN Exchange Programme 2023/24. His visit exemplifies how academic exchanges foster impactful collaboration, providing a platform to address global challenges like sustainable transport.
Prof. Thangakumar’s research focuses on the future of Electric Vehicles (EVs), particularly those powered by hybrid, solar, or battery systems. Recognizing the UK’s advanced EV market and the University of Bradford’s reputation for academic excellence, he sought to deepen his knowledge and develop innovative strategies to maximize EV adoption in India and beyond.
To facilitate this, Prof. Thangakumar connected with the WTUN Secretariat, who helped establish a collaboration with University of Bradford faculty members. Prof. Tillal Eldabi and Assoc. Prof. Irfan Mehmood, experts in Business Analytics, engaged with him to explore interdisciplinary research opportunities. The exchange aimed to address pressing sustainability concerns by integrating EV technology into solutions that align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Climate Action and Innovation in Infrastructure.
“Without the guidance and support of Prof Tillal Eldabi, Head, School of Business Analytics, Law and Social Sciences and Prof Irfan Mehmood, Associate Professor, School of Business Analytics, Law and Social Sciences, this collaboration would have not been possible.
I had the privilege to collaborate with esteemed academicians from the University of Bradford on a project focused on Sustainable Transportation Using Hybrid Solar Power Vehicles. This experience was enriched by interactions with global experts, brainstorming sessions, and presentations that widened my perspective on cutting-edge technologies and sustainable solutions.”
-Professor Thangakumar J, Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science
During his visit, Prof. Thangakumar worked closely with Bradford colleagues to refine strategies for efficient EV usage. His research employs data-driven methods to optimize EV travel routes, minimizing energy consumption while enhancing convenience. This aligns with his broader mission to raise awareness about sustainability and address global transportation challenges.
The exchange also included meetings with researchers from the University of Manchester, opening doors for potential collaborations. Upon returning to HITS, Dr. Thangakumar aims to co-author research papers and facilitate joint supervision of PhD students between UOB and HITS, ensuring long-term impact.
This exchange highlights the WTUN’s commitment to enabling global partnerships and advancing innovative research, offering academics a unique platform to drive meaningful change.
“Dr Thangakumar’s visit was highly successful, resulting in plans for various initiatives in research, teaching & learning, and entrepreneurship. For research, we agreed to collaborate on developing proposals for funding opportunities, such as those offered by the British Council, with a focus on joint projects between the University of Bradford and Hindustan University. In teaching & learning, Dr. Thangakumar facilitated a meeting between the senior management teams of both institutions to explore joint degree programs in Business, Computing, and Space Sciences. Additionally, Dr Thangakumar will support the enrollment of Hindustan University students in entrepreneurial sessions organised by colleagues at BREE. His enthusiasm for fostering collaboration was truly commendable. Special thanks also go to Dr Irfan Mahmood for his leadership in hosting and driving these efforts at the University of Bradford.”
– Professor Tillal Eldabi, University of Bradford
“Dr Thangakumar’s two-week visit, funded by WTUN, was highly productive and impactful. We had extensive and engaging discussions on various topics, including research collaborations, PhD student supervision, and innovative project ideas. Notable among these were ideas related to digital twins and mental health support for tech workers, which hold significant potential for impactful research and development.
This visit also fostered deeper ties between our institutions, setting the stage for potential joint research and academic mentorship initiatives. Dr Thangakumar’s enthusiasm and insights greatly enriched the collaborative spirit of the visit, and I look forward to building on the foundations we established during this time.”
-Associate Professor Irfan Mehmood, University of Bradford
