The Global Recognition of IISERs Beyond India's Borders

To be honest, IISERs (Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research) are not perhaps as widely recognized as some of the more established institutions like IISc (Indian Institute of Science) and the older IITs (Indian Institutes of Technology) or even TIFR (Tata Institute of Fundamental Research).

A Growing Reputation

However, due to the far-reaching impact of the best alumni of these institutions, their reputation is gradually growing. Student placements and academic collaborations have played a significant role in this. Students from IISERs have interned and pursued PhDs at prestigious institutions such as MIT, Cornell, Max Planck, University of California San Diego (UCSD) and Berkeley, Stanford, ETH Zurich, and Cambridge University.

Academic Collaborations and Visits

Further enhancing the reputation of these institutions is the increasing number of academic visits by guest lecturers and scientists. In recent years, professors and scientists from notable universities like MIT, Stanford, CUNY, and Emory University have visited IISER Mohali for talks, seminars, and colloquia. These collaborations and interactions foster a global academic network, contributing to the growing recognition of IISERs.

The Role of Students

Ultimately, the reputation and recognition of IISERs depend on the students. While professors contribute to scholarly recognition through their publications, it is the active engagement and outreach of students that truly showcase the quality of IISER's education. Students have the opportunity to present their research work, network with prominent scientists, and form valuable professional connections.

Given the competitive nature of the academic world, students at IISERs can secure PhD opportunities in top US colleges, but only if they work hard to achieve them. Relying solely on the reputation of the institution is insufficient. Students must actively build their own reputation and network to stand out in the field.

Conclusion

In summary, the global recognition of IISERs is a reflection of both the quality of education provided and the active engagement of its students. While the journey to international recognition is incremental, the efforts of professors and students collectively contribute to the growth of IISERs on the global stage.