By: ICN Bureau
Last updated : February 02, 2026 9:31 am
The initiative aims to strengthen advanced research, innovation, and academic excellence in agrochemical formulation sciences and allied areas, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary, industry-oriented, and translational research
The Institute of Pesticide Formulation Technology (IPFT), Gurugram, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, to launch its first-ever Joint PhD Programme.
The programme is supported by six sponsored PhD fellowships and marks a historic milestone in IPFT’s journey since its establishment in 1991.
The initiative aims to strengthen advanced research, innovation, and academic excellence in agrochemical formulation sciences and allied areas, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary, industry-oriented, and translational research.
Speaking about joint PhD programme, Dr. Mohana Krishna Reddy Mudiam, Director, IPFT said, “This joint PhD programme is a defining moment for IPFT. For the first time, we are formally launching doctoral research at the Institute in partnership with a premier academic institution like IIT Delhi. The programme will significantly strengthen our research ecosystem in agrochemical sciences and help translate cutting-edge science into practical solutions for agriculture, truly fulfilling the Government of India vision of ‘Lab to Land’.”
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Vivek Kumar, Head, Centre for Rural Development and Technology (CRDT), IIT Delhi, highlighted the immense potential of the Joint PhD Programme in bridging advanced academic research with pressing societal needs.
He emphasized that the collaboration would focus on developing eco-friendly, sustainable, and science-driven solutions for pest management in agriculture, ensuring environmental safety alongside agricultural productivity.
Prof. Vivek noted that the program exemplifies how academic excellence, when aligned with real-world challenges, can generate meaningful impact, and expressed confidence that the IPFT–IIT Delhi partnership would nurture innovative researchers capable of delivering transformative solutions for the agri-sector.
Scholars under the programme will work on contemporary challenges in formulation science, regulatory science, sustainable agrochemicals, and technology development, with joint supervision by IPFT scientists and IIT Delhi faculty, ensuring both academic rigor and applied relevance.
The programme aligns with national priorities such as Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Viksit Bharat, and Skill India, and is expected to play a key role in capacity building, nurturing future scientific leadership, and promoting industry–academia collaboration.
This will also enable to do impactful, application-driven research and provide an excellent platform to doctoral students to address real-world challenges in agrochemical and formulation sciences through strong academia-research institute synergy.
The launch of the Joint PhD Programme sets a strong foundation for the next phase of research excellence and innovation at IPFT and reinforces its role as a national hub for advanced pesticide formulation research.