"Design creates culture. Culture shapes values. Values determine the future."

                                                                                                          - Robert L. Peters

Parul Institute of Design has acquired the status of Associate Member of the Cumulus Association, a renowned global network of art, design, and media higher education institutions.

On June 6th, 2025, PID's application was reviewed and accepted at the occasion of the Cumulus General Assembly in Nantes, France (co-hosted online). The Parul Institute of Design was among the 23 newly established institutes worldwide that have been chosen to be a part of this illustrious association, and currently, this association has 399 active members spread across 71 countries.

Our institution was evaluated on several aspects: the quality of academic programs, research contribution to the design field, the ability to collaborate with the world, and, finally, the ability to add value to the global design education community. The accreditation is an international acknowledgment of our academic facilities and research competencies.

What does this mean for our students and faculty?

This membership opens new doors; as part of the Cumulus network, the institute now has access to:

• Academic collaborations with leading design institutions worldwide

• Joint research initiatives that tackle global design challenges

• Student and faculty exchange programs that provide international exposure

• Active participation in global design discourse through conferences, workshops, and publications

The membership is built on our current foundation of 10 international university partnerships in 8 countries, such as Birmingham City University (UK), Domus Academy (Italy), Toronto Metropolitan University (Canada), and UNIMAS Malaysia. Such collaborations are already instrumental in the exchange of students and faculty, research collaboration, and workshops.

Guided by the three Es's: Explore, Experiment, Experience, the pedagogy and design research framework spans five key areas, which include sustainable design and material innovation, AI/AR/VR in design, craft regeneration and cultural sustainability, human-centered inclusive design, and design of social impact. The current globalized society requires designers to know global situations, cultures, and the dynamics of the international market. As a member of Cumulus, our students will be educated to bloom as conscious designers.

Our students will acquire new knowledge by being exposed to other design cultures, and our faculty, on the other hand, will be able to communicate with their international colleagues and collaborate on research.

Being committed to interdisciplinary research, corporate engagement, and cross-cultural level, PID's view of the future of design is not only world-driven but also socially constructive.

For more information about our design programs and initiatives, visit https://paruluniversity.ac.in/pid/

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