IIT Madras, Deakin University Launch Collaborative Research Academy to Address Global Challenges

In 2024, the program is set to grant 30 scholarships to scholars from both institutions, fostering exceptional international doctoral training opportunities.

IIT Madras and Deakin University have partnered to start 'IIT Madras Deakin University Research Academy,' a collaborative venture aiming to nurture outstanding graduate research scholars hailing from SAARC and ASEAN countries.

Sarah Kirlew, Australian Consul General, Chennai, emphasized the crucial role of knowledge, education, and research partnerships in strengthening the Australia-India relationship. She praised the extensive collaborations between Australia and IIT Madras, acknowledging the significance of the partnership between Deakin and IIT Madras in fostering cutting-edge research, particularly in critical global areas such as clean energy solutions.

The academy's vision is to cultivate pioneering research addressing pressing global challenges. Areas of focus include clean energy, critical technologies, sustainability, climate change, healthcare technologies, and more, aligning with the socio-economic objectives of Australia and India on a global scale.

Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, highlighted the institution's commitment to innovation, collaboration, and responsible practices for a sustainable future. He expressed enthusiasm for the positive outcomes anticipated from this collaboration with Deakin University.

Prof. Iain Martin, Vice-Chancellor of Deakin University, emphasized the intent to further fortify the synergy between the institutions. The academy aims to leverage Deakin's expertise in collaboration with industries to drive research in smart and sustainable technologies.

This collaboration builds upon a decade-long partnership between Deakin University and IIT Madras, offering a four-year joint PhD program with prestigious scholarships, joint supervision by esteemed faculty from both institutions, access to top-notch research facilities, and engagement in an open innovation ecosystem. Furthermore, it provides opportunities for collaboration with industry partners in India and Australia.

The academy endeavors not only to foster emerging talent but also to encourage innovative research supported by industry collaboration. The resulting research aims to influence policy-making at bilateral and multilateral levels.

In 2024, the program is set to grant 30 scholarships to scholars from both institutions, fostering exceptional international doctoral training opportunities. Additionally, provisions for post-doctoral fellows and academics to exchange knowledge between institutes promise to enrich collaboration and knowledge sharing.