by Suman Gupta
MoU signed to explore collaborative research, student and staff exchanges, and pathways for academic progression
Mumbai, October 16, 2026: Sheffield Hallam University in the United Kingdom and the International Institute of Sports & Management (IISM), India, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen academic and institutional collaboration between the two organisations.
The agreement identifies three key areas of potential cooperation: collaborative research and knowledge exchange; student and staff exchange opportunities; and pathways for academic progression, alongside the exploration of joint educational initiatives.
The MoU signing ceremony was attended by Oliver Coppard, Mayor of South Yorkshire; Dharmendra Shadija, Head of the School of Computing and Digital Technologies at Sheffield Hallam University; and Nilesh Kulkarni, Founder and Director of IISM.
The proposed partnership brings together IISM’s expertise in sports management and sports science with Sheffield Hallam University’s strengths in sports education, applied research, sports engineering, physical activity, and the wider sports industry. By exploring research partnerships, exchange opportunities, and academic progression pathways, both institutions aim to identify practical areas for future collaboration.
Oliver Coppard, Mayor of South Yorkshire, said, “Given the strong passion for cricket in both South Yorkshire and India, it is particularly fitting that Sheffield Hallam University is renewing its Memorandum of Understanding with the International Institute of Sports & Management. International partnerships of this kind are most effective when both sides have something valuable to offer each other. Both institutions bring significant expertise across various aspects of sports management, from sports science, education, and research to other areas of the sports sector.
“I am confident that this relationship will continue to grow stronger in the future. We warmly welcome Indian students coming to South Yorkshire and are committed to ensuring that they have an excellent educational experience.”
Dharmendra Shadija, Head of the School of Computing and Digital Technologies at Sheffield Hallam University, said, “At Sheffield Hallam, we value academic work that connects knowledge with practical outcomes. This MoU provides a starting point for exploring collaborative research, student and staff exchange opportunities, and pathways for future academic progression. We look forward to identifying areas where our institutions can learn from one another and develop meaningful educational initiatives.”
Nilesh Kulkarni, Founder and Director of the International Institute of Sports & Management (IISM), said, “This agreement with Sheffield Hallam University represents an important opportunity for IISM to expand its international academic engagement. We believe our students and faculty will benefit from broader perspectives, collaborative research, and well-structured pathways for academic progression. Our focus will be on translating the areas outlined in the MoU into meaningful opportunities for learning and institutional development.”
The MoU outlines potential areas of collaboration rather than announcing specific student exchange programmes, academic courses, or research projects. Any future initiatives will be discussed and agreed upon separately by both institutions.
