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37 World’s top 2% Scientists participate in Chandigarh University’s 10th International Faculty Development Program 2026

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130 Renowned Global Academicians from over 100 Universities across 40 Countries Participating in the 10th International Faculty Development Program 

CHANDIGARH, India, June 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The 10th edition of the International Faculty Development Program (IFDP) – 2026 commenced today here at Chandigarh University, with the participation of more than 130 renowned academicians, researchers, scientists and academic leaders from over 100 universities across 40 countries. Organized with the objective of advancing the internationalization goals envisioned under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the program serves as a global platform for academic engagement, knowledge exchange and cross-border collaboration, providing a global platform for students and faculty members to gain exposure to global academic expertise and emerging research trends.

This edition of IFDP has brought together experts from 58 QS-ranked universities, including six academicians from institutions ranked among the world’s Top 20 universities. The program is also being attended by 37 scientists featured among the world’s Top 2% researchers, making it one of the most prominent international academic forums hosted by an Indian university.

While the inaugural session was graced by Prof. Pankaj Arora, Chairperson, National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) as Chief Guest, Prof. (Dr.) Jurg Bahler, Director, Institute of Healthy Ageing and Professor of Systems Biology, University College London, United Kingdom; Prof. Dr. Luke Dickens, Founding Member and Co-Lead of the Knowledge Information and Data Science (KIDS) Research Group and Associate Professor of Machine Learning, University College London, UK; and Dr. Ian John Dixon, Associate Professor of Screenwriting, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, attended the event as Guests of Honour.

Prof. (Dr.) RS Bawa, Advisor to Chancellor of Chandigarh University; Prof. (Dr.) Raviraja N Seetharam, Vice-Chancellor, Chandigarh University; and Prof. (Dr.) Rajan Sharma, Executive Director, International Affairs, among other academicians from different nations were also present on the occasion.

The participating experts represent leading institutions from Norway, Germany, Australia, Finland, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, the United States, France, Israel, Spain, Italy, Cyprus, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Portugal, Qatar, Taiwan, Oman, Bulgaria, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Russia, Malaysia, Thailand, Peru, Mexico, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Algeria, Lebanon, South Africa, Kyrgyzstan, the Philippines, Morocco, Bangladesh, Nepal, Cameroon, Nigeria, Ethiopia and several other countries.

Speaking during the inaugural session, Prof. Pankaj Arora, Chairperson, National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE), Government of India, said, “Our nation has a rich legacy of knowledge creation, with ancient centres of learning such as Takshashila and Nalanda attracting scholars from across the world. Today, we are witnessing a resurgence of that legacy as both the performance and representation of Indian universities have risen sharply over the past few years. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, transformative educational reforms have been introduced under the National Education Policy that accelerated our focus on research, innovation and academic excellence, resulting in India’s remarkable rise as global knowledge powerhouse in research and innovation in recent years. Programs such as Chandigarh University’s International Faculty Development Program play an important role in strengthening global academic partnerships, elevating the quality of higher education and preparing the academicians to contribute towards India’s journey of becoming a developed nation by 2047.”

Prof. Dr. Luke Dickens, Associate Professor, Machine Learning at University College London, said, “Today, Artificial Intelligence has advanced at an unprecedented pace and we are gradually becoming increasingly dependent on it. However, we must move forward with caution. While AI offers immense opportunities, it also presents significant challenges and potential risks. Addressing these challenges will require a research-driven and evidence-based approach. We must ensure that AI is developed and applied in ways that genuinely enhance our everyday lives and serve the greater good. As members of academia, it is our responsibility to become thought leaders and help shape the world into a place that we aspire make it. Chandigarh University’s visionary approach and guiding principles are truly remarkable and represent the key ingredients required for any university to achieve global success. These very principles have enabled Chandigarh University to attain its present standing on the world stage. I am deeply impressed by the University’s remarkable rise in global rankings. It is an extraordinary achievement.”

Dr. Ian John Dixon, Associate Professor of Screenwriting at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, said, “At a time when technology is capable of accomplishing almost everything, Artificial Intelligence can never replace human experience, creativity and the power of storytelling. Young people should leverage technology to share the stories, culture, and knowledge of their country with the world. Chandigarh University has truly embraced a student-centric approach to education. Here, Discover, Learn and Empower is not merely a slogan but the guiding philosophy of learning. I firmly believe that Chandigarh University is poised to achieve greater global recognition in the years ahead and has the potential to become the world’s leading university.”

Prof. (Dr.) Raviraja N Seetharam, Vice-Chancellor, Chandigarh University, said, “The International Faculty Development Program has evolved into a globally recognised platform for academic exchange and collaborative research. The initiative continues to strengthen international partnerships and create opportunities for meaningful engagement between scholars, researchers and institutional leaders from around the world. Over the years, IFDP has emerged as a vibrant platform for sharing best practices in teaching, learning and research while promoting internationalisation in higher education. By bringing together accomplished academicians and thought leaders from diverse cultural and disciplinary backgrounds, the program contributes to the development of globally relevant and future-ready educational ecosystems.”

“Achieving a significant milestone, Chandigarh University has secured the 526th rank in the QS World University Rankings 2027 and earlier, CU became the number one private university consecutively for three years in QS Asia University Rankings 2026. CU now ranks amongst the top 2 percent of universities worldwide and top 1 percent universities in India and has established as many as 530 international collaborations with leading global universities,” added the Vice-Chancellor.

The global cohort represents diverse academic disciplines including engineering, artificial intelligence, computer science, management, allied health sciences, architecture, legal studies, liberal arts and humanities, teacher education, biotechnology, pharmacy, data science, sustainability studies, social sciences and other emerging interdisciplinary domains.

The 10-day program will feature expert lectures, panel discussions, thematic sessions, research interactions and collaborative engagements designed to equip educators with contemporary pedagogical practices, emerging technological insights and global perspectives on higher education.

About Chandigarh University

Chandigarh University is a NAAC A+ Grade University and QS World Ranked University. This autonomous educational institution is approved by UGC and is located near Chandigarh in the state of Punjab. It is the youngest university in India and the only private university in Punjab to be honoured with A+ Grade by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council). CU offers more than 109 UG and PG programs in the field of engineering, management, pharmacy, law, architecture, journalism, animation, hotel management, commerce, and others. It has been awarded as The University with Best Placements by WCRC.

Website address: https://www.cuchd.in/

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/3001726/Chandigarh_Univ_IFDP2026.jpg

 

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University of Phoenix to Host Bridging Perspectives Webinar on Building Career Networks Through Mentorship, Peers and Community

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Webinar explores how mentors, peer networks, employee resource groups and community connections help individuals access support, opportunities and shared learning

PHOENIX, Sept. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — University of Phoenix will host the next installment of its Bridging Perspectives webinar series, “Build the Network That Advances Your Career: Mentors, Peers & Community,” on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026, at 11 a.m. MST. Presented by the Office of Collaborative Learning and Educational Engagement, the webinar is designed for higher education leaders, employers, nonprofit organizations, University of Phoenix faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community members. The session will explore how individuals build meaningful networks and leverage mentorship, peer relationships, and community connections to access guidance, share knowledge, and create opportunities for growth.

“Professional growth is often fueled by the connections we make along the way,” said Tondra Richardson, MBA, director, Engagement Strategy & Program Development at University of Phoenix. “This conversation will highlight practical ways individuals can cultivate meaningful networks, exchange knowledge, access mentorship, and help create opportunities for themselves and others.”

Exploring the Role of Networks, Mentorship and Community

Across workplaces, campuses, nonprofit organizations, and community settings, individuals are often navigating environments where formal support structures may be limited, evolving, under-resourced, or difficult to access. As a result, many turn to trusted networks including peers, mentors, employee resource groups, student organizations, alumni communities, and colleagues for guidance, support, and shared problem-solving.

The webinar will examine how these networks are built, why they matter, and how they help individuals move from isolation to connection and from uncertainty to shared learning. Panelists will discuss how mentorship, peer communities, and shared experiences can foster trust, facilitate knowledge-sharing, help individuals navigate unwritten rules, and provide access to opportunities and resources.

Panelists Share Perspectives on Connection and Shared Learning

Featured panelists include:

Jelisa Dallas, Student Organization Program Manager and AACE ERG Lead, University of PhoenixMari Marques-Thomas, Vice President, Impact & Belonging, Crum & Forster, and University of Phoenix alumnaEvener Scott, Director, Belonging, HonorHealth

Together, the panelists will share perspectives on mentorship, relationship-building, peer communities, and the role networks play in helping individuals share knowledge, gain support, build confidence, and access opportunities.

Practical Strategies for Building Supportive Networks

Rather than focusing on broad discussions of belonging, the session will explore practical approaches individuals can build within their own communities and organizations, including mentoring circles, peer check-ins, resource exchanges, leadership pathways, warm introductions, shared knowledge hubs, and community practices that do not depend on formal authority or perfect systems. Participants will leave with strategies they can use to strengthen mentorship, support, and connection within their own spheres of influence, one relationship, one resource, and one bridge at a time.

The Bridging Perspectives webinar series aims to foster cultural awareness around timely issues, encourage thought leadership, and strengthen community connections through meaningful dialogue and shared learning.

Register for the webinar here.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix is Built for Real Life. 50 Years Strong. The University innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world through flexible online learning, relevant courses, academic AI pillars, and skills-mapped curriculum for associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. Active students and alumni have access to Career Services for Life® resources including career guidance and tools. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.

 

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KYNDRYL GRANTS INDUCEMENT EQUITY AWARDS PURSUANT TO NYSE RULE 303A.08

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NEW YORK, Sept. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Kyndryl (NYSE: KD), a leading provider of mission-critical enterprise technology services, today announced that it has granted inducement equity awards to six new non-executive officer employees, including in the aggregate 33,577 restricted stock units in reliance on the employment inducement exemption under the NYSE’s Listed Company Manual Rule 303A.08. Kyndryl is issuing this press release pursuant to the requirements of that rule.

7,778 restricted stock units are eligible to vest in four equal annual installments beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date and 25,799 sign-on restricted stock units are eligible to vest in two equal annual installments beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date.

Each inducement equity award was communicated to the employee in their offer letter, as a material inducement to their acceptance of employment with the Company. The inducement equity awards were granted, as authorized by the Compensation and Human Capital Committee of the Board of Directors, on September 1, 2026 pursuant to the Kyndryl 2026 Employment Inducement Equity Incentive Plan adopted by the Board. Award terms under this inducement equity incentive plan are generally consistent with award terms under the Amended and Restated Kyndryl 2021 Long-Term Performance Plan. 

About Kyndryl

Kyndryl (NYSE: KD) is a leading provider of mission-critical enterprise technology services, offering advisory, implementation and managed service capabilities to thousands of customers in more than 60 countries. As the world’s largest IT infrastructure services provider, the Company designs, builds, manages and modernizes the complex information systems that the world depends on every day. For more information, visit www.kyndryl.com

Investor Contact:
investors@kyndryl.com 

Media Contact:
press@kyndryl.com 

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SOURCE Kyndryl

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Prime Minister Carney launches Digital Transformation Canada to deliver better, faster, more reliable government services to Canadians

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OTTAWA, ON, Sept. 3, 2026 /CNW/ — Canada must be more productive, competitive, and resilient to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Achieving that goal requires a government equipped with the tools and capabilities needed to deliver better results for Canadians – through services that are faster, more secure, and reliable.

Earlier this year, the government launched AI for All, Canada’s national AI strategy, to harness the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve services, boost productivity, and strengthen Canada’s economy. The strategy commits the federal government to lead by example in the responsible adoption of AI and to use government procurement as a strategic anchor customer for Canadian AI companies, helping them scale, strengthening domestic capacity, and reinforcing Canada’s digital sovereignty.

Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, announced the launch of Digital Transformation Canada, a new federal organisation with a clear mission: to use digital solutions to make it easier for Canadians to access the support and services they need from government.

The Prime Minister is also pleased to announce the appointment of Patrick Pichette to spearhead this mission as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Digital Transformation Canada.

Mr. Pichette is a distinguished Canadian business leader with more than 30 years of experience in finance, technology, and corporate leadership. As Chief Financial Officer of Google from 2008 to 2015, he helped guide the company through a period of significant global growth and transformation. A Rhodes Scholar and former senior executive at Bell Canada, McKinsey, and Sprint Canada, he is internationally recognised for his expertise in innovation, digital transformation, and building high-performing organisations.

Under the responsibility of the Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement, Joël Lightbound, Digital Transformation Canada will bring together Shared Services Canada and selected functions from the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, Public Services and Procurement Canada, and Employment and Social Development Canada – specifically the Canadian Digital Service.

By combining digital expertise and delivery capacity from across government, the organisation will improve how government develops, buys, and uses technology. Its priorities will be to:

Scale shared solutions across government to reduce duplication and operating costs, making better use of emerging technologies such as AI, strengthening Canada’s digital sovereignty and security, and improving Canadians’ experience with federal services.Equip public servants with more modern, secure tools to reduce administrative burden, improve efficiency, and help departments focus on delivering their core programs and services.Use the Government of Canada’s purchasing power more strategically to help Canadian digital and AI companies test, scale, and commercialise new technologies – creating opportunities for Canadian firms to grow at home and compete globally.

To support its mandate, Digital Transformation Canada will also establish a fellowship model to bring specialised private-sector expertise into government for short-term assignments, including in advanced AI and other fast-moving digital fields. This model will focus on knowledge transfer – helping build the public service’s own technical capacity, commercial expertise, and ability to evaluate, procure, and deploy new technologies responsibly.

Launching Digital Transformation Canada builds on the government’s commitment to make the public service more productive and results-focused. By testing and scaling solutions that work, reducing duplication, and backing Canadian innovation, we will deliver better value for taxpayers and better services for Canadians, while helping Canadian technology companies grow at home and compete globally.

Quotes
“Canada’s future prosperity will be built by those who innovate, adopt new technologies, and move quickly to seize new opportunities. Digital Transformation Canada will ensure the federal government leads by example. By modernising public service delivery, reducing duplication, and supporting the growth of Canadian technology firms, we will strengthen our economy, improve outcomes for Canadians, and position Canada to lead in the digital age. The addition of Patrick Pichette will bring world-class expertise in digital transformation, innovation, and organisational change to help advance this crucial work.”
— The Rt. Hon. Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada

“Digital Transformation Canada marks a new chapter in how government delivers results for Canadians. By embracing digital innovation, investing in people, and leveraging Canada’s world-class AI ecosystem, we will improve services, strengthen digital sovereignty, and create new opportunities for Canadian companies to grow and compete globally. Our goal is clear: bring together the country’s brightest technologists to work with the public service to build a stronger, more effective federal government.”
— The Hon. Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement and Québec Lieutenant

Biographical note

Patrick Pichette

Associated links

Budget 2025: Canada StrongAI for All: Canada’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy

This document is also available at https://pm.gc.ca

SOURCE Prime Minister’s Office

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