New Delhi: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur, and Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) of Britain will join hands to carry out research in a range of fields including medical technology and hybrid vehicles. "This new technology alliance will bring together two of the leading applied engineering and technology institutions in the UK and India. Composite materials, medical technology and hybrid vehicles are three of the key technologies that will be the initial focus," the British High Commission in India said Friday.

The alliance between WMG, part of the University of Warwick, and IIT Kharagpur will pool their efforts to work in areas like design and manufacturing, composites and sustainable materials, medical technology, hybrid vehicles, e-security and steel technology.

The embassy statement quoted University of Warwick vice-chancellor Nigel Thrift as saying: "I am delighted at this new alliance. WMG and IIT Kharagpur are powerhouses of technology and innovation in their own right.

"This partnership opens up new opportunities to exploit those strengths to the benefit of both organisations but more importantly to the science and technology-driven sectors of both the UK and Indian economies," Thrift added.

WMG is recognised as one of Britain's leading research and innovation centres and conducts its education programmes in many countries around the world.

Expressing satisfaction over the new alliance, IIT Kharagpur director Damodar Acharya said: "There are fantastic opportunities for collaborative research and for students from both countries to learn from their counterparts."

WMG director Kumar Bhattacharyya said: "IIT Kharagpur is the best in its field in India and their research interests are closely aligned with ours. This alliance can only enhance the already considerable ability of both organisations to offer leading edge technology solutions for both business and the public sector". IANS