Australia’s Deakin University and the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) have launched the new IIT Madras Deakin University Research Academy.
The research academy aims to nurture nearly 200 graduate research scholars from SAARC and ASEAN countries through collaborative projects, joint supervision, and meritorious scholarships.
Australian and Indian research scholars will develop solutions in strategic areas like clean energy, critical technologies, sustainability, climate change, and healthcare technologies, contributing to their socio-economic goals.
“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,” Australian Consul General, Chennai, Sarah Kirlew said.
The research academy will offer a four-year joint PhD program with high-value scholarships, joint supervision by faculty, access to world-class research facilities, and collaboration with top industry partners in India and Australia. The academy aims to foster future talent and encourage innovative research, with the potential to influence policy and decision-making at bilateral and multilateral levels.
“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,” Deakin University Vice-Chancellor Prof Iain Martin said.
IIT Madras Director Prof V Kamakoti commented, “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 joint PhD program, set to offer 30 scholarships in 2024 to scholars from IIT Madras and Deakin University, aims to provide exceptional international doctoral training opportunities for early-stage researchers. The program also includes provisions for post-doctoral fellows and academics collaborating at each other’s institutes.
Deakin University and IIT Madras have been collaborating since 2012, focusing on materials science and engineering. The partnership has grown from faculty exchanges to a research academy, demonstrating the power of international collaboration in shaping a better-shared future for communities worldwide. This collaboration represents a significant step towards global research excellence.
