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Artificial Intelligence & Cybersecurity
Advancing intelligent systems, trustworthy AI, cyber resilience, and next-generation digital technologies.
About FACE
The Faculty Alumni Collaborative Endeavour (FACE) is IIT Kanpur's flagship international academic networking platform, created to strengthen research collaborations across institutions, disciplines, and geographies.
FACE brings together distinguished faculty members, accomplished alumni academicians, research professionals, doctoral scholars, postdoctoral researchers, and industry leaders to exchange ideas, build partnerships, and explore opportunities that advance cutting-edge research and innovation.
More than a symposium, FACE serves as a catalyst for meaningful collaborations, enabling IIT Kanpur's global academic community to connect, mentor, and co-create solutions to some of the world's most pressing challenges.
The journey continues
From Stanford to MIT
The inaugural edition of FACE, held at Stanford University in 2025, laid the foundation for a vibrant global academic network, fostering conversations that sparked new collaborations across emerging areas of science, technology, and innovation.
Building on that momentum, FACE 2026 arrives at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), opening the next chapter of this growing international platform dedicated to advancing interdisciplinary research and strengthening IIT Kanpur's global academic engagement.
A return to a historic partnership
Where Our Story Began.
Where New Collaborations Begin.
FACE 2026 carries special significance as IIT Kanpur returns to one of the institutions that helped shape its foundation.
Between 1962 and 1972, the Kanpur Indo-American Programme brought together MIT and eight leading American universities to help establish IIT Kanpur as a pioneering institution for engineering education, scientific research, and technological innovation in India. The faculty exchanges, laboratories, and curricula born in that decade shaped the institute for generations.
Sixty years on, hosting FACE at MIT celebrates this enduring partnership — and looks ahead to a new era of collaborative research, academic excellence, and global impact.
- 1962 Kanpur Indo-American Programme begins
- 1972 A decade of partnership concludes
- 2026 FACE returns to MIT
Symposium themes
Exploring the Frontiers of Research
FACE 2026 will feature keynote addresses, research presentations, panel discussions, and collaborative exchanges across three technology domains driving the future.
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Future of Medicine
Driving breakthroughs in healthcare through interdisciplinary research, biomedical engineering, diagnostics, and translational medicine.
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Deep Tech Innovations
Exploring transformative technologies that bridge fundamental research with real-world applications across science and engineering.
Each thematic track runs sequentially, with dedicated panels and discussions tailored to its focus areas.
A platform for emerging researchers
Where Ideas
Find Collaborators
FACE 2026 provides an exceptional platform for researchers, academicians, and innovators to engage with leading faculty, accomplished alumni, and research leaders from around the world, fostering collaborations that transcend institutions and disciplines.
The symposium welcomes:
- Global faculty members
- IIT Kanpur alumni in academia
- Postdoctoral and doctoral scholars
- Research scientists
- Early-career academics
- Technology professionals
- Researchers exploring opportunities with IIT Kanpur
The FACE experience
A Journey of Collaboration and Impact
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Collaborate Across Disciplines
Build meaningful partnerships with researchers and faculty from leading institutions.
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Showcase Your Research
Present your work to an international academic audience and receive expert feedback.
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Connect with IIT Kanpur
Explore collaborative research, faculty opportunities, and institutional partnerships.
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Learn from Global Leaders
Engage with distinguished speakers, accomplished alumni, and renowned researchers working at the forefront of innovation.
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Build Your Academic Network
Create lasting connections that extend beyond the symposium and lead to future research collaborations.
Event details
Be Part of FACE 2026
Date
22 September 2026
Tuesday · one-day symposium
Venue
Wong Auditorium
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Location
Cambridge, Massachusetts
USA
Gallery
Moments from FACE
Scenes from the inaugural edition at Stanford University, 2025.
FAQs
Answers Before You Ask
Who is the intended audience?
The Faculty Alumni Collaborative Endeavour (FACE) aims to bring together faculty from IIT Kanpur, alumni who are now in academic positions globally, as well as leading industrial researchers, to deliberate on emerging areas of research and catalyse collaborative academic programmes.
What is the goal of the event?
The symposium seeks to foster deeper engagement between IIT Kanpur and the global academic and research community, promote meaningful partnerships, and build a strong network of scholars. It also serves as an opportunity to connect with alumni and early-career researchers interested in exploring faculty roles at IIT Kanpur.
Where will the event be held?
FACE 2026 will be held at the Wong Auditorium, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, on 22 September 2026.
What is the venue location and parking information?
The venue is the Wong Auditorium at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. A detailed venue map and parking information will be shared closer to the event.
What is the format and duration of the symposium?
FACE is a one-day event comprising panel discussions, a keynote address, and a faculty prospect research session.
What are the theme areas for the symposium?
FACE 2026 features three thematic tracks:
- Artificial Intelligence & Cybersecurity
- Future of Medicine
- Deep Tech Innovations
Will each track have its own panel or session?
Yes. Each thematic track runs sequentially, with dedicated panels and discussions tailored to its specific focus areas.
Is it a closed or public event?
The event is open to academic and research professionals, especially those affiliated with or connected to IIT Kanpur's network and mission.
Is there a participation or registration fee?
No, there is no registration fee.
Will postdocs, research scientists and senior PhDs get travel support?
Yes. Prospective candidates (Postdoc / Research Scientist / Senior-PhD) who are deemed qualified will be offered travel support — $500 for scholars travelling by air from distant locations, and $100 for those commuting locally.
How will travel and accommodation be arranged for panelists and speakers?
Travel and accommodation arrangements for panelists and speakers will be communicated separately in due course.
Will speakers and panelists be expected to prepare in advance?
Yes. Speakers and panelists are briefed in advance on their respective panel themes and expected contributions. Although the themes are interdisciplinary, we expect speakers to discuss the niche areas they are most comfortable in — which, we hope, leads to a meaningful cross-area discussion.
Will the event be streamed online?
No, the event will not be streamed online.
Will the event be recorded?
Yes, the event will be recorded.
Will any post-event materials be shared?
To be announced.
I have a question that isn't answered here.
Write to sonal.shivani@iitkdf.org or call +91 88601 04486 — we'll get back to you.
Shape the Future
of Research, Together.
From its beginnings at Stanford to its next chapter at MIT, FACE continues to strengthen IIT Kanpur's global academic network. Be part of FACE 2026 and help shape the future of research, innovation, and academic excellence.