Aizawl, 11th December, 2025: The Department of Social Work, Mizoram University, successfully organized an International Symposium on Climate Change, Disaster and Adaptation under the prestigious Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research Collaboration (SPARC) Programme of the Government of India. The symposium marked a significant milestone in strengthening international academic collaboration and advancing research on climate resilience and disaster adaptation.
SPARC is among India’s most esteemed research initiatives, and only a select number of scholars from Mizoram have received this distinguished recognition. Prof. Henry Zodinliana Pachuau and Prof. John Zothanzama of Mizoram University are recipients of the SPARC Research Reward. As part of the programme, Mizoram University has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Minnesota and the University of Colorado Boulder, USA, further expanding its global academic footprint.
The primary objective of the symposium was to showcase research findings, expert experiences, and poster presentations, while charting a way forward for developing intervention models aimed at resilience building and climate change adaptation in disaster-affected communities. The deliberations highlighted critical issues related to climate change, disaster risk management, and their socio-economic impacts on the people and workforce of Mizoram.
The symposium witnessed the participation of distinguished guests including heads of government departments, representatives of non-governmental organizations, and scientific experts from India and abroad. Scholars from the University of Minnesota, USA, and Mizoram University engaged in meaningful discussions on adaptive strategies and collaborative pathways to strengthen Mizoram’s capacity for sustainable development and disaster preparedness.
The International Symposium was chaired by Prof. Henry Zodinliana Pachuau. The Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of Mizoram University, Prof. Dibakar Chandra Deka, graced the occasion as Chief Guest and emphasized the importance of leveraging international research collaborations for the benefit of the State and its people. Dr. Somnath Ghosal, Core Committee Member of the SPARC National Team, IIT Kharagpur, Government of India, attended as Guest of Honour. The inaugural address was delivered by Dr. Udai Bhan Singh from the University of Minnesota, USA.
The Valedictory Session was graced by Prof. Lalnundanga, Registrar, Mizoram University, as Chief Guest. The programme concluded with the distribution of awards for the best poster presentations and certificates of participation to the delegates.
Through this international collaboration, students of Mizoram University will gain opportunities for academic and research exposure in the United States, while American students and scientists will benefit from enhanced access to collaborative research and fieldwork opportunities in India—fostering a mutually enriching exchange of knowledge, innovation, and global perspectives.