June 16, 2023

IRU in India to discuss the future of universities

Innovative Research Universities (IRU) representatives will be in India next week to speak at an event on the transformative role of universities in G20 countries.

IRU Executive Director Paul Harris and Policy Advisor Dr Peter Bentley have both been invited to present at the Universities20 conference in Pune.

The conference will discuss the future of universities and aims to complement the G20 meeting of Education Ministers, which is also being held in Pune next week. India holds the G20 Presidency throughout 2023.

Mr Harris said the IRU is pleased to be joining the discussion with representatives from leading Indian institutions and universities across the G20.

“Across the IRU, India is our most important partner for international education. Further strengthening our links in India is a key focus of the IRU Strategy 2022-27,” he said.

“I will be speaking about innovation in higher education and the importance of balancing a focus on entrepreneurship and commercialisation with the broader civic role of universities in delivering for the public good. Our vision in the IRU is for a university system that delivers both increased innovation and increased equity into the future.”

Dr Bentley will be presenting on the academic workforce and best practice in career development for university staff.

“We thank colleagues in the Australian High Commission, Department of Education and Austrade for their support of our visit and look forward to representing the IRU and Australian higher education, and building stronger links with our Indian colleagues,” Mr Harris said.