Australia (Commonwealth)_In a groundbreaking initiative, the Indian Institute of Technology – Madras (IIT-Madras) and Deakin University, Australia, have unveiled the IIT-Madras Deakin University Research Academics.
This collaborative endeavor aims to propel joint Ph.D. programs, offering scholarships to scholars from South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries. The focus is on addressing global challenges through cutting-edge research in areas crucial to both Australia and India, including clean energy, critical technologies, sustainability, climate change, and healthcare technologies.
IIT-Madras Director, V Kamakoti, highlighted the significance of the academy in advancing technical and research expertise, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility. He expressed confidence that the collaboration with Deakin University would position IIT-Madras as a leader in sustainability teaching and research on a global scale.
The research academy introduces a four-year joint Ph.D. program with lucrative scholarships, offering collaborative supervision by esteemed faculty from both institutions. Participants will gain access to world-class research facilities and resources, fostering an environment conducive to cutting-edge research in smart and sustainable technologies.
Furthermore, the academy emphasizes the creation of an open innovation ecosystem and research network, providing scholars with opportunities for collaboration with top industry partners in India and Australia. This collaborative effort is expected not only to nurture future talent but also to encourage innovative research, supported by industry collaboration. The research outcomes hold the potential to shape policy and decision-making at both bilateral and multilateral levels.
The joint Ph.D. program, commencing in 2024, is set to provide exceptional international doctoral training opportunities for early-stage researchers. The partnership will award 30 scholarships in its inaugural year, benefiting scholars from both IIT Madras and Deakin University. This strategic collaboration aims to equip researchers with cross-sectoral skills and experiences, enhancing their capabilities for launching impactful research careers.
Moreover, the research academy’s visionary approach includes provisions for post-doctoral fellows and academics to spend time at each other’s institutes. This commitment to knowledge sharing and collaboration is poised to further enrich the research ecosystem and foster deeper international ties.
The launch event, attended by dignitaries such as Australian High Commissioner to India Philip Green and Catherine Callagher, Head of Austrade (South Asia), underscored the significance of this collaborative initiative in fostering academic and research ties between the two countries.
In essence, the IIT-Madras Deakin University Research Academics marks a pioneering step towards global collaboration in academia and research. The academy’s commitment to addressing critical global challenges, coupled with its emphasis on sustainability, innovation, and industry collaboration, positions it as a transformative force in shaping the future of research and education in the global south. As scholars embark on this joint Ph.D. program, the world eagerly anticipates the groundbreaking contributions that will emerge from this collaborative effort between two esteemed institutions.
