Kirlew says knowledge, education and research partnerships are crucial pillar of Australia-India relationship
Deakin University and the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) have launched the ‘IIT Madras Deakin University Research Academy’ which will nurture nearly 200 scholars from SAARC-ASEAN countries to pioneer solutions through cutting-edge research in areas encompassing clean energy, critical technologies, sustainability, climate change, healthcare technologies and more.
The academy was announced during the Tamil Nadu Global Investors Meet being held 7-8 Jan at Chennai.
Commenting on the partnership between two premier institutions, Sarah Kirlew, Australian Consul General, Chennai, said on 8 Jan, “Knowledge, education and research partnerships are a crucial pillar of the Australia-India relationship.
“We are proud that Australia has more collaborations with IIT Madras than it has with any other country. Deakin and IIT Madras have a longstanding partnership and we congratulate them on this significant next step which will generate further cutting-edge research in topics of crucial global importance, including clean energy solutions.”
Building on over a decade-long collaboration between Deakin University and IIT Madras, the research academy will offer a four-year joint PhD program with high-value scholarships, joint supervision by esteemed faculty from both institutions, access to world-class research facilities and resources, participation in an open innovation ecosystem and research network, and the opportunity for collaboration with top industry partners in India and Australia.
The research academy strives to create an ecosystem that not only fosters future talent but also encourages innovative research, supported by industry collaboration. This research will have the potential to influence policy and decision-making at bilateral and multilateral levels.
Prof Iain Martin, Vice-Chancellor, Deakin University, said, “With the launch of the IIT Madras Deakin University Research Academy we shall further strengthen the synergy already achieved between our institutions by continuously exceeding excellence through collaborative research in areas of strategic importance.
“The academy will help leverage Deakin’s strengths of working with industry for optimum research and development in critical areas of smart and sustainable technologies.”
IIT Madras Director Prof V Kamakoti elaborated, “IIT Madras envisions integration of innovation, collaboration, and responsible practices to create a sustainable future for the generations to come.
“Through this academy IIT Madras will partner with Deakin to build upon its technical and research expertise and environmental stewardship and social responsibility action plan to emerge as a leader for sustainability teaching and research in the global south. I look forward to the far-reaching positive outcomes that this academy is sure to generate.”
The four-year joint PhD program is set to provide exceptional international doctoral training opportunities for early-stage researchers, with the allocation of 30 scholarships in 2024 to scholars from both IIT Madras and Deakin University as part of this dynamic partnership.
Furthermore, the inclusion of provisions for post-doctoral fellows and academics to spend time at each other’s institutes promises to further enrich knowledge sharing and collaboration.
The collaboration between Deakin University and IIT Madras, initiated in 2012, has flourished over the past years and has primarily revolved around mutual research interests in materials science and engineering. Fiinews.com
