Deakin University, a distinguished Australian institution consistently ranked within the top 1% globally, and the esteemed Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB), a leading business school renowned for its academic prowess, have forged a strategic alliance aimed at advancing academic excellence and fostering research innovation. The formalization of this collaboration, sealed through an agreement signed by representatives from both institutions, signifies a profound commitment to enhancing international cooperation and promoting scholarly endeavors.
The multifaceted collaboration encompasses a spectrum of initiatives designed to enrich the academic landscape and facilitate cross-cultural exchange. These initiatives include faculty exchange programs, student mobility opportunities, collaborative research endeavors, workshops, executive education programs, and more. By leveraging the collective expertise and resources of both institutions, this partnership aims to catalyze the generation of new knowledge and nurture the development of academic leaders poised to make significant contributions on the global stage.
The agreement, which was ceremonially endorsed at the IIMB campus during a senior leadership meeting on 23 April 2024, saw the participation of key figures from both Deakin University and IIMB. Among those present were Prof. Jenni Lightowlers, Executive Dean of Business and Law at Deakin University; Prof. Colin Higgins, Associate Dean (International Partnerships) and Head of Department of Management at Deakin Business School; Ms. Ravneet Pawha, Vice-President (Global Alliances) and CEO (South Asia) of Deakin University; along with Prof. Mukta Kulkarni, Dean Programs Chairperson, Office of International Affairs, and Dr. Ananth Krishnamurthy, Chairperson Doctoral Program, representing IIMB, among others.
Prof. Jenni Lightowlers, expressing the significance of the partnership, highlighted its role in facilitating a robust collaboration between Australia and India. She emphasized that beyond mere student mobility and exchange, the partnership symbolizes a fusion of knowledge, expertise, and cultures, driving forward a shared commitment to excellence in education and research.
In alignment with the collaborative spirit of the partnership, initiatives such as faculty exchange, curriculum development, student exchange programs, collaborative research projects, joint workshops, and information sharing mechanisms have been outlined. These endeavors aim to facilitate the seamless exchange of ideas, expertise, and best practices, thereby enriching the academic experiences of faculty and students while fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Prof. Mukta Kulkarni, Dean Programs Chairperson at IIMB, echoed the sentiments of collaboration, expressing delight in working together with Deakin University to promote cooperative programs of education and research. She emphasized the strategic importance of international collaboration in fostering excellence across research and skill development domains.
Ms. Ravneet Pawha, Vice-President (Global Alliances) and CEO (South Asia) of Deakin University, underscored the significance of the agreement in advancing international academic partnerships and promoting excellence in global research and education. She emphasized Deakin’s commitment to knowledge cooperation and engagement in India, recognizing the vast opportunities for collaboration between the two institutions.
The strategic partnership between Deakin University and IIMB is poised to establish a dynamic platform for academic collaboration, research excellence, and knowledge dissemination. Through joint efforts, faculty, students, and the wider academic community are set to benefit from enhanced opportunities for learning, research, and networking. This collaboration serves as a testament to the shared commitment of both institutions to promoting academic excellence and fostering international knowledge cooperation, setting a new benchmark for collaborative endeavors in education and research on a global scale.
