Manchester Museum and Science Gallery Bengaluru have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on youth development, biodiversity conservation and public engagement with science.
The partnership will create opportunities for young people through learning, mentorship and creative programmes, drawing on Science Gallery Bengaluru’s Mentorship Initiative. Manchester Museum will use the collaboration to explore new approaches to supporting young people and developing creative pathways.
The two institutions will also work together on biodiversity and nature-related research and public engagement. Science Gallery Bengaluru’s Nature Lab, part of its Public Lab Complex, will collaborate with Manchester Museum’s conservation initiatives to strengthen connections between scientific research and communities.
Esme Ward, Director of Manchester Museum, said the partnership reflected a shared commitment to inspiring young people and supporting communities through engagement with nature and creativity.
Dr Jahnavi Phalkey, Director of Science Gallery Bengaluru, said the collaboration would enable both institutions to exchange ideas and explore new ways of bringing research and science to the public.
The MoU was signed at an event at Science Gallery Bengaluru held as part of the Greater Manchester Mission to India. The event was attended by Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Manchester, and Bev Craig, Mayor of Greater Manchester.
The partnership builds on Manchester Museum’s engagement with South Asian communities through its South Asia Gallery, developed in partnership with the British Museum. The museum has also collaborated with Bengaluru’s Indian Music Experience Museum on RhythmXChange, a project involving young musicians from India and the UK.
Separately, the University of Manchester announced plans to establish a centre in Bengaluru focused on education, research and innovation. The proposed centre aims to strengthen links between academia, industry and entrepreneurs, while creating opportunities for students and researchers in India.