Mumbai, February 25, 2026: Vivekanand Education Society’s College of Pharmacy (Autonomous), Mumbai (VESCOP) has signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Saint Louis University (USA), marking a significant milestone in strengthening international academic and research partnerships.
The strategic agreement aims to promote structured collaboration between the two institutions across multiple academic domains, including joint research initiatives, faculty and student exchange programs, mobility opportunities, collaborative publications, and knowledge-sharing platforms. The partnership reflects a shared vision of advancing pharmaceutical education and fostering impactful, globally relevant research.
The MoU was formalized under the leadership of Dr. Supriya Shidhaye, Principal of VESCOP, along with the leadership team of Saint Louis University. The University of Mumbai’s Department of Students Development played a key facilitating role in initiating and strengthening the collaboration. The execution and coordination of the agreement were supported by Dr. Pradnya Shinde Korlekar, Assistant Professor at VESCOP.
Discussions between the two institutions began in May 2025 with the objective of building a long-term academic association. After months of dialogue and planning, the collaboration was formally concluded in February 2026.
Focus on Research and Academic Exchange
Under the terms of the MoU, both institutions will work toward developing joint research projects in pharmaceutical sciences and related interdisciplinary areas. The agreement also encourages faculty and student mobility programs, enabling participants to gain international exposure and engage in collaborative learning environments.
In addition, the partnership will promote co-authored research publications, seminars, workshops, and academic conferences designed to facilitate knowledge exchange and strengthen research capabilities. The collaboration is expected to provide students and faculty with enhanced global engagement and access to diverse academic resources.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Supriya Shidhaye, Principal, VESCOP, stated:
“This collaboration with Saint Louis University represents a meaningful step in strengthening our global academic engagement. It will create valuable opportunities for our students and faculty through collaborative research, academic exchange, and shared learning experiences. At VESCOP, we remain committed to building sustainable international partnerships that enhance research capabilities and broaden global exposure for our academic community.”
Strengthening Global Academic Footprint
The partnership reinforces VESCOP’s ongoing efforts to expand its global footprint and position itself as a forward-looking institution committed to innovation, research excellence, and international integration. By collaborating with a globally recognized research university, VESCOP aims to elevate its academic standards and provide its stakeholders with broader international opportunities.
Saint Louis University, located in St. Louis, Missouri, with an additional campus in Madrid, Spain, is among the oldest Catholic universities in the United States. Founded in 1818, the institution is widely recognized for its academic rigor, impactful research, and commitment to service-driven education.
The university holds the prestigious “R1” designation from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching — the highest classification awarded to universities for research activity in the United States — placing it among an elite group of research-intensive institutions.
About Vivekanand Education Society
Established in 1962, Vivekanand Education Society (VES) is a prominent educational trust based in Chembur, Mumbai. Over the decades, it has expanded into seven campuses housing more than 26 institutions offering programs across diverse disciplines, including arts, commerce, science, engineering, law, management, architecture, and business studies.
Guided by the teachings of Swami Vivekananda and the visionary leadership of Shri Hashu Advani Ji, VES is committed to fostering academic excellence, innovation, ethical values, and holistic development among its students.
About Saint Louis University
Saint Louis University is a leading Jesuit research university known for world-class academics, life-changing research, and compassionate healthcare education. Serving more than 13,300 students, the university emphasizes ethics, spirituality, and leadership development as integral components of its academic framework.
With its strong research credentials and global outlook, the collaboration between VESCOP and Saint Louis University is expected to create meaningful academic pathways, encourage innovation-driven research, and strengthen cross-border educational partnerships in the years ahead.
