The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras revealed its strategic partnership with Deakin University, Australia, to establish the ‘IIT Madras Deakin University Research Academy.’ The launch event, attended by notable dignitaries, showcased the commitment of both institutions to foster cutting-edge research and global collaboration.
Sarah Kirlew, the Australian Consul General in Chennai, highlighted the significance of educational and research partnerships in the Australia-India relationship. She commended the longstanding collaboration between Deakin and IIT Madras and emphasized the academy’s role in generating innovative research on globally critical topics.
The academy aims to host and train exceptionally talented graduate research scholars from South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries. Through collaborative global research projects, joint supervision, and meritorious scholarships, the academy will focus on areas crucial to both Australia and India, including clean energy, critical technologies, sustainability, climate change, and healthcare technologies.
According to a press release from Deakin University, the academy will contribute to the socio-economic goals of both nations at a global level. The initiative aligns with the shared vision of addressing contemporary challenges and creating solutions through interdisciplinary research.
Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, expressed the institution’s commitment to building on technical and research expertise, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility. The goal is for IIT Madras to emerge as a leader in sustainability teaching and research globally.
The Vice-Chancellor of Deakin University, Prof. Iain Martin, emphasized that the academy would strengthen the existing synergy between the two institutions. He highlighted the significance of leveraging Deakin’s strengths in collaboration with industry for research and development in critical areas of smart and sustainable technologies.
Key Highlights of the Academy:
- The academy will offer a four-year joint Ph.D. program with high-value scholarships, joint supervision, and access to world-class research facilities.
- Research scholars will participate in an open innovation ecosystem and collaborate with industry partners in both India and Australia.
- Thirty scholarships will be allocated in 2024 to scholars from both IIT Madras and Deakin University as part of the joint Ph.D. program.
- Provisions for post-doctoral fellows and academics to spend time at each other’s institutes aim to enhance knowledge sharing and collaboration.
The launch of the ‘IIT Madras Deakin University Research Academy’ marks a significant step in fostering international collaboration and advancing research for the benefit of both nations and the global community.
