IIT (ISM) Dhanbad will host the prestigious HERITAGE Network General Assembly 2026 from March 1 to March 4, 2026, bringing together leading academic institutions from India and Europe on a common platform for research and educational collaboration.
The four-day international gathering is being organised by the Office of the Dean (International Relations & Alumni Affairs) in association with the Department of Mechanical Engineering at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad. The formal opening ceremony will be graced by Prof. Sukumar Mishra, Director, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, along with distinguished members of the HERITAGE Network.
The ceremony will feature welcome addresses by the President of the Heritage Network, Prof. Teresa Zielinska, and the Vice-President of the Heritage Network, Prof. Vimal Chandra Srivastava, along with institute authorities.
Prof. Rajni Singh, Dean (Corporate Communications), stated, “Hosting the HERITAGE Network General Assembly 2026 is a matter of great pride for IIT (ISM) Dhanbad. It reflects the Institute’s strategic emphasis on internationalisation, collaborative research, and meaningful global partnerships.
By bringing together distinguished academicians, researchers, and policymakers from India and Europe, the Assembly will not only strengthen institutional linkages but also contribute to shaping innovative and sustainable solutions to emerging global challenges.”
Prof. Tanmoy Maity, Associate Dean (IRAA) and Convenor of the Assembly, said, “The General Assembly will serve as a dynamic platform to deepen India–Europe collaboration, promote joint research initiatives, and strengthen institutional partnerships across disciplines.”
Prof. Alok Das, Dean (IIE) and Co-convenor, remarked, “This Assembly will facilitate meaningful academic dialogue and innovation-driven cooperation among leading institutions, aligning with our vision of global academic integration.”
Prof. Somnath Chattopadhyay, Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Co-convenor, noted, “The thematic conferences and parallel workshops will encourage collaborative research, knowledge exchange, and interdisciplinary engagement among faculty and researchers.”
Prof. Saurabh Datta Gupta, PIC (IRAA) and Member of the Organising Committee, added, “The deliberations on future initiatives, new memberships, and the roadmap of the Network will help shape sustained international cooperation in higher education.”
Prof. Shibayan Sarkar, Associate Professor (Mechanical Engineering) and Member, said, “The structured workshops, poster presentations, and faculty interactions will foster academic synergy and open avenues for long-term collaborative projects.”
The Organising Committee also includes Shri Ashish Kumar, Technical Officer (Mechanical Engineering), as Member, and Shri Mrityunjay Sharma, AR (IRAA), serving as Secretary of the Organising Committee.
A key highlight of the programme will be the Parallel Workshop on Day 2 (March 3), conducted under the guidance of Prof. Arun Dayal Uday, Prof. Zafar Alam, Prof. Deepak K. Mandal, Prof. Omkar Mypati of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, and Prof. Vibek Dutta of WUT, fostering collaborative group work and poster presentations.
The General Assembly will include thematic conferences, networking sessions, management meetings, strategic discussions on the future roadmap of the Network, and the selection of the 2027 host institution. The concluding day will feature cultural engagements, campus visits, laboratory tours, and faculty interactions.