Photo : L to R, Rajina Shreshtha, Head of Development at Science Gallery Bengaluru, Esme Ward, Bev Craig, Mayor of Greater Manchester, and Duncan Ivison during the MoU signing ceremony
Bengaluru, October 26, 2026: Manchester Museum, part of the University of Manchester, and Science Gallery Bengaluru have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to create new opportunities for young people and strengthen collaboration on biodiversity, nature research and environmental engagement.
The partnership aims to address shared challenges facing Bengaluru and Manchester by bringing together the institutions' experience in youth mentorship, public engagement, conservation and research.
The MoU was signed during an event at Science Gallery Bengaluru organised as part of the Greater Manchester Mission to India. The event was attended by Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Manchester, and Bev Craig OBE, Mayor of Greater Manchester.
Partnership to Expand Youth Mentorship and Creative Learning
Under the agreement, Manchester Museum will draw on Science Gallery Bengaluru's experience working with students, particularly through its Mentorship Initiative, to develop innovative programmes for young people.
The proposed collaboration will focus on learning, mentorship and creative pathways, with the aim of expanding opportunities for young people and supporting their development.
Esme Ward, Director of Manchester Museum, said Bengaluru's creativity, innovation and commitment to the natural world had helped shape the museum's work. She highlighted the shared purpose between the two organisations and expressed enthusiasm for developing programmes that benefit young people and communities in Manchester.
Collaboration on Biodiversity and Nature Research
Environmental action and biodiversity form another major part of the partnership.
Science Gallery Bengaluru's Nature Lab, which is part of its Public Lab Complex, will collaborate with Manchester Museum's conservation initiatives. The partnership is intended to create a two-way bridge between biodiversity and nature-related research and public engagement.
The collaboration will draw on the institutions' respective approaches to research and community engagement, creating opportunities to share knowledge and connect scientific work with wider audiences.
Dr Jahnavi Phalkey, Director of Science Gallery Bengaluru, emphasised the organisation's commitment to research-based engagement and new ways of bringing science to the public.
She said that visiting Manchester Museum and observing how it puts community spaces into practice had provided a valuable point of connection between the institutions. She also highlighted the opportunity for both organisations to learn from one another.
Building on Existing India–UK Cultural Partnerships
The agreement builds on Manchester Museum's previous work connecting communities and cultural experiences across India and the United Kingdom.
Its South Asia Gallery, developed in partnership with the British Museum, is described as the first permanent gallery in the UK dedicated to celebrating the experiences and contributions of the South Asian diaspora.
Manchester Museum has also partnered with the Indian Music Experience Museum in Bengaluru on the RhythmXChange project. The initiative explored rhythm as a shared language by bringing together young musicians from India and the UK.
The new MoU extends this collaborative approach into youth development, biodiversity and environmental engagement.
University of Manchester Announces Plans for Bengaluru Centre
During the Greater Manchester Mission to India, the University of Manchester also announced plans for a new centre in Bengaluru focused on education, research and innovation.
The proposed centre is intended to provide a permanent platform for the university to strengthen its engagement with India's education, research and innovation ecosystem.
According to the announcement, it will aim to bring together academic expertise, industry knowledge and entrepreneurial talent to address shared challenges and create opportunities for students and researchers in India.
Focus on Long-Term Collaboration and Community Engagement
The partnership between Manchester Museum and Science Gallery Bengaluru brings together two institutions working at the intersection of research, education, culture and public engagement.
By combining youth mentorship with biodiversity and conservation initiatives, the collaboration seeks to create opportunities for young people while encouraging wider public engagement with nature-related research.
The agreement also reflects the broader engagement between institutions in India and the UK through education, research, cultural exchange and innovation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which organisations have signed the MoU?
Manchester Museum, part of the University of Manchester, and Science Gallery Bengaluru have signed the agreement.
2. When and where was the MoU signed?
The MoU was signed at Science Gallery Bengaluru on October 26, 2026, during an event organised as part of the Greater Manchester Mission to India.
3. What are the main objectives of the partnership?
The partnership aims to create opportunities for young people, strengthen mentorship and creative learning, and promote collaboration on biodiversity, nature research and public engagement.
4. How will the partnership support young people?
Manchester Museum will draw on Science Gallery Bengaluru's experience, particularly its Mentorship Initiative, to develop programmes focused on learning, mentorship and creative pathways.
5. What role will Science Gallery Bengaluru's Nature Lab play?
The Nature Lab, part of the Public Lab Complex, will collaborate with Manchester Museum's conservation initiatives to connect biodiversity research with public engagement.
6. Who attended the MoU signing event?
The event was attended by Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Manchester, and Bev Craig OBE, Mayor of Greater Manchester.
7. What is the South Asia Gallery at Manchester Museum?
Developed in partnership with the British Museum, the South Asia Gallery celebrates the experiences and contributions of the South Asian diaspora and is described as the first permanent gallery of its kind in the UK.
8. What new development did the University of Manchester announce in Bengaluru?
The university announced plans for a new centre focused on education, research and innovation, intended to strengthen its engagement with India's academic and innovation ecosystem.
Click Here for More Latest News