Australia and India's Premier Institutions Join Forces: IIT Madras Deakin University Research Academy to Foster Nearly 200 Future Leaders from SAARC and ASEAN countries to spearhead cutting-edge global research

CHENNAI, India, Jan. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Deakin University and the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) proudly announce the launch of the 'IIT Madras Deakin University Research Academy'. Through collaborative global research projects, joint supervision and meritorious scholarships, this visionary academy will nurture nearly 200 highly talented graduate research scholars, representing SAARC and ASEAN countries, ready to address and solve pressing global challenges.

The research scholars will pioneer solutions through cutting-edge research in areas of strategic importance to Australia and India encompassing clean energy, critical technologies, sustainability, climate change, healthcare technologies and more, contributing to the socio-economic goals of both nations at a global level. The announcement was made during the Tamil Nadu Global Investors Meet at Chennai, Tamil Nadu, and was welcomed by Sarah Kirlew, Australian Consul General, Chennai.

Commenting on this partnership between two premier institutions, Sarah Kirlew, Australian Consul General, Chennai, said, "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."  

Prof V Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras said, "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 launch event of the research academy drew a distinguished audience, including the Catherine Callagher, Head of Austrade (South Asia), the Tamil Nadu State Minister, and esteemed dignitaries from academia, industry, and government of both nations. Their presence and expressed support underscore the significance of this endeavour and its potential to drive innovation and research excellence on a global scale. 

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. As this remarkable partnership between Deakin University and IIT Madras grows from faculty and student exchanges to a research academy, it not only signifies a significant step towards global research excellence but also demonstrates the power of international collaboration in shaping a better shared future for communities worldwide.

To know more about Deakin University and its various initiatives as part of its 'in India, with India, for India' approach towards engagement, please visit Deakin South Asia partnerships and pathways | Deakin

About Deakin University: 

Established in 1974, Deakin University successfully combines excellence in teaching, research and effective partnerships with industry and government to deliver high quality courses and undertake research that makes a difference to the domestic and international communities it serves.

Deakin's South Asia operations commenced in 1994 at New Delhi, India, making it one of the first overseas education provider to set operations in this region. Here, Deakin engages with the government, industry, and academia to share its vibrant culture of education and research.

For more information on Deakin University, please visit: https://www.deakin.edu.au/

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