Iowa State University (ISU) and M/s B. G. Chitale of Maharashtra, India, have signed a five-year Memorandum of Cooperation and Understanding (MOU) to promote collaboration in teaching, research, outreach, and academic exchange. The agreement provides a framework for activities such as study abroad, joint research projects, educational programs, professional development, and conferences for strengthening international engagement and knowledge sharing.
The MOU designates Professor Curtis R. Youngs, Morrill Professor and M.E. Ensminger Endowed Chair of International Animal Agriculture in ISU's Department of Animal Science, as the ISU coordinator. Vishvas Chitale, an alumnus of Iowa State University and partner at M/s B. G. Chitale, will serve as the coordinator for the Indian organization. Together, they will oversee the implementation of the agreement and facilitate collaborative activities between the two entities.
The partnership builds on an already successful history of student engagement. The first student study abroad took place during the 2023-24 winter break, when Dr. Curtis Youngs led the inaugural Chitale Dairy Internship Program with four Iowa State students. Since then, the program has been offered annually with seven student participants each year, providing hands-on international experience in dairy production and agriculture. The next Chitale Dairy Internship Program is scheduled for winter break 2026-27.