Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) and Deakin University, Australia announced the launch of ‘IIT Madras Deakin University Research Academy’, to promote collaborative global research projects, joint supervision and meritorious scholarships.

The academy aims to nurture several graduate research scholars, representing SAARC and ASEAN countries, ready to address and solve pressing global challenges 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.

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.”

The research scholars will pioneer solutions through cutting-edge research in areas of strategic importance to Australia and India 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.”

 Meanwhile, at the launch of the event, Prof. Iain Martin, Vice-Chancellor, Deakin University, said, “With the launch of the IITM 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.”  

Joint PhD program:

Led by the Deakin and IIT Madras, the academy will create a network of academic and industry research partners. The four-year program will offer unique international doctoral training opportunities for early-stage researchers. It will enable the researchers to gain cross-sectoral skills and experiences that shall help forge international relationships enabling them to launch their careers in research.

Deakin allocates 10 research scholarship positions (DU – students)

IIT Madras allocates 20 research scholarship positions (IM-students)

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