Birla Carbon, a leading global manufacturer and supplier of high-quality carbon materials, has partnered with Kennesaw State University (KSU) to launch the Birla Carbon India Study Abroad Program in January 2026. Through this initiative, undergraduate students from KSU’s College of Science and Mathematics will participate in hands-on, collaborative research at the prestigious Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Goa, India.
Expanding Global Research Opportunities for Students
Through this program, students gain the opportunity to work on real-world research projects in an international academic environment. Initially, participants will begin their research at Kennesaw State University during the spring semester. They will then continue their work in India over the summer, collaborating closely with BITS faculty and students. In its first year, the program will support up to 12 KSU undergraduate students.
Strengthening a 15-Year Academic Partnership
Reflecting on the collaboration, Terence Norman, HR Head, Americas, Birla Carbon, highlighted the long-standing relationship between the two institutions. He noted that Birla Carbon is now in its 15th year of partnership with Kennesaw State University and has consistently witnessed meaningful academic growth and development among students in the College of Science and Mathematics.
“Fifteen years mark not just a partnership, but a shared journey of growth and discovery,” Norman said. He further emphasized that Birla Carbon’s purpose, “Share the Strength,” aligns closely with KSU’s commitment to student development, allowing the company to contribute directly to educational impact and innovation across industries and society.
A Platform for International Collaboration and Publications
According to Kadian Callahan, Associate Dean for Student Success and Community Engagement at KSU’s College of Science and Mathematics, the program significantly enhances undergraduate research experiences. She expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating that it allows students to extend their research beyond campus and into a global setting.
Moreover, as per The Press Release, the continuity of research across institutions enables students to strengthen their projects while fostering collaboration with faculty and peers from both KSU and BITS. This structure also creates opportunities for shared academic publications involving students and faculty from both universities.
Continued Investment in Student Success
Supported by a US$184,000 gift from Birla Carbon, the program represents the latest milestone in a relationship that began in 2014. Since then, Birla Carbon’s contributions have enabled 117 Birla Carbon Scholars at Kennesaw State University to participate in diverse undergraduate research initiatives, reinforcing the company’s long-term commitment to education, innovation, and global academic collaboration.
