Victorian and Indian Universities partner to develop future technologies
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2 October 2009
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Victoria will strengthen its global reputation as a leader in technological innovation following Deakin University’s $24 million academic partnership with 45 key Indian institutions and businesses.
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The Deakin-Indian Research Initiative (DIRI) was launched by the Minister for Skills and Workforce Participation, Jacinta Allan on 1 October 2009 during her visit to the central Indian city of Hyderabad.
“DIRI will deliver a series of research projects that will boost Victoria’s innovation capabilities and promote Victorian as a knowledge hub throughout India,” Ms Allan said. The partnership will see advancements in nanotechnology, biotechnology, metallurgy and other advanced materials.
Deakin is the first Australian university to establish its own research institute in India. “By the end of this year, 25 Deakin PhD students will be enrolled through the DIRI, and over the next five years a total of 150 students will be supported through the program,” Ms Allan said.
“Each research project will run for three and a half years, with students spending more than two years in India and the remainder in Victoria working with Deakin supervisors.”
Ms Allan said the Indian component would operate out of Deakin’s New Delhi office and students would be co-supervised by Deakin and its Indian partners. She said Deakin would contribute $12 million to the initiative, and Indian industry partners would match that figure.
While in Hyderabad, Ms Allan was informed that a partnership between RMIT University and The Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) was also developing clean technology aimed at driving down air pollution and generating greater water and energy savings for global commercial and industrial sectors.
The IICT offers advanced expertise and infrastructure across many areas, including natural product chemistry, catalysis and material science, energy technology and chemical engineering and design.
“Over the next four years, the partnership will see as many as 20 RMIT PhD students and Post Doctoral Fellows work on targeted projects to generate technologies aimed at slashing pollution and saving energy and resources," Ms Allan said.
“It’s a great example of how our world class universities are collaborating with leading international organisations to find innovative solutions to global problems."
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