India-UK Educational Bridge: Bengaluru and Manchester Join Forces to Empower Youth
In a significant stride for international cultural and scientific exchange, India’s Science Gallery Bengaluru (SGB) and the United Kingdom’s Manchester Museum have formalised a new partnership. The two institutions have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at fostering youth empowerment, promoting environmental stewardship, and developing creative educational pathways for students in both Bengaluru and Manchester.
Bridging Cultures Through Innovation
The collaboration seeks to tackle shared urban and environmental challenges by leveraging the unique strengths of both organisations. While Manchester Museum operates as a cornerstone of the University of Manchester, Science Gallery Bengaluru—a public institution established by the Government of Karnataka—draws its expertise from prestigious academic partners, including the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), and the Srishti Institute of Art, Design and Technology.
This transatlantic synergy builds upon the existing foundation laid by Manchester Museum’s South Asia Gallery. As the first permanent gallery in the UK dedicated to honouring the experiences and contributions of the South Asian diaspora, the museum has already established deep roots in cross-cultural dialogue. This new venture serves to deepen those ties, moving beyond historical reflection toward active, future-oriented collaboration.
Fostering a Global Generation of Problem Solvers
At the heart of this agreement is a commitment to mentorship and skill-building. By exchanging methodologies on research-based engagement, both institutions aim to create programmes that inspire young people to become active participants in environmental action.
Esme Ward, Director of Manchester Museum, highlighted the vibrant energy of Karnataka’s capital as a primary inspiration for the project. “Bengaluru is a city driven by creativity and innovation, where there is a tangible sense of care for the natural world,” Ward stated. “Science Gallery Bengaluru does an incredible job of inspiring young people, and we are excited to build on that to create a brighter future for communities in Manchester.”
For Science Gallery Bengaluru, the partnership represents an opportunity to scale the impact of its “Public Lab” initiatives. Jahnavi Phalkey, Director of SGB, noted that the connection between the two cities offers a unique laboratory for learning. “Visiting Manchester Museum and seeing how it integrates community spaces into practice offers a valuable point of connection,” Phalkey remarked. “We are delighted to collaborate and explore how our two institutions can learn from each other’s approaches to public engagement.”
A Shared Vision for the Anthropocene
Both institutions are globally recognised for their forward-thinking approaches to public engagement. Science Gallery Bengaluru is the largest member of the global Science Gallery Network, renowned for its focus on the “Anthropocene”—a term reflecting the current geological age where human activity is the dominant influence on climate and the environment. Similarly, Manchester Museum continues to set international benchmarks, having recently been honoured with the European Museum of the Year Award in 2025 following its extensive £15 million redevelopment.
As this partnership unfolds, students and local communities in both Bengaluru and Manchester can expect a new wave of interactive programmes. By blending the artistic vision of Srishti with the historical and scientific rigour of UK academia, the collaboration promises to equip the next generation with the tools necessary to navigate an increasingly complex global landscape.
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